Overview & Reviews

If you're thinking about purchasing a vehicle rugged enough to finesse rocky trails, chances are, one make comes to mind: Jeep. This specialty automotive manufacturer has a long history of producing trucks and SUVs capable of off-highway adventures — so much so that the term jeep is used by many to refer to all SUVs, whether the vehicle in question is a true Jeep or not.

Jeep took root in WWII as the name of the now-iconic four-wheel-drive military vehicle produced by Willys-Overland and Ford for the U.S. Army. The name's origin is somewhat of a mystery; popular belief is that it morphed from "GP," or "general purpose," though others have suggested that it was a nickname derived from a character featured in the Popeye comic strip of the time.

The mid-1940s saw the introduction of the first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A. It offered many features not available on military versions, such as a tailgate, an external fuel cap and a side-mounted spare tire, and was targeted mainly toward farmers and construction workers.

Civilian Jeeps caught on with the public, and by the 1950s, new models such as the CJ-3B and the CJ-5 had been introduced. The CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep vehicle, continuing for 30 years after its introduction in the early '50s. The company changed owners during this decade as Willys-Overland was sold to Kaiser in 1953.

Jeep broke new ground in the 1960s with the debut of its Wagoneer. Geared toward active families, this early SUV was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. A new "Dauntless" V6 became available as an option on the CJ-5 and CJ-6 in 1965. This was the first time that a Jeep CJ could be equipped with a V6. Packing 155 horses, the engine's horsepower almost doubled that offered by the standard four-cylinder.

By the 1970s, Jeep had changed ownership yet again, with the purchase of Kaiser-Jeep by American Motors Corporation. New models like the CJ-7 and the Scrambler were rolled out. Additionally, the company unveiled some new technology with the introduction of the world's first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. Dubbed Quadra-Trac, it was available in the CJ-7 as well as in full-size Jeep trucks and wagons. During this decade, Jeep's fortunes soared as four-wheel-drive vehicles became increasingly popular with large sections of American buyers.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the Cherokee and Wrangler. The Cherokee was one of the first of the new breed of SUVs — high-riding midsize wagons that skyrocketed in popularity as the decade progressed. The Wrangler replaced the CJ series in 1987 and offered the raw functionality of the CJ along with more comfort features. That year also saw the purchase of American Motors by Chrysler, with the Jeep brand becoming part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division. One of Jeep's most popular models, the Grand Cherokee, debuted for 1993. This handsome, midsize SUV offered considerably more comfort and luxury than the smaller Cherokee while still providing stout off-road capability.

Jeep fell under the umbrella of DaimlerChrysler after Chrysler and Daimler-Benz merged in 1998. This partnership resulted in a few new models, such as the Liberty and Compass, though none were able to attain great sales success. In 2007, Daimler sold the Chrysler Group to a private equity firm. It is now under control of Fiat.

More recently, the company has added a couple of enticing models to its lineup (including a four-door version of the Wrangler and the pavement-scorching Grand Cherokee SRT8) and made substantial performance and quality improvements under the hoods and within the cabins. As such, we expect Jeep will not only maintain a loyal group of customers but will also bring new fans into the fold.

User Reviews:

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  Used for Everything - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By donnieb - October 25 - 11:50 am

  I bought this Jeep and have used it like a Jeep. I off road, carry friends and dogs, tow my boat, and load it up with cargo for a weekend with the guys up in Vermont. Overall, I love my Grand Cherokee, this is my 2nd one, the 1st being a 97. I just turned 100,000 on it and have had absolutely no drive train problems. It drive to NC frequently and the trip is always comfortable. The ride is great for a solid axle SUV, replace the shocks with Bilsteins for an even better ride.

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  Looks great but watch out for glitches - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By D. George - October 23 - 7:16 pm

  The style and performance on the Commander is great. However, our Commander is headed back to the dealership for the 4th time because of glitches with the engines computer. In the 8 months we have owned this car the check engine light has been on more than off. Last time the dealership replaced the entire engine computer which kept the check engine light off for about 30 days. Now it is back on yet AGAIN and the engine is running rough. I have been pleased with everything else but this one problem necessitating numerous trips back to the dealership makes me wish I had spent just a bit more money and purchased the Lexus SUV instead.

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  Wheres the sunroof wind deflector? - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Atlanta Mike - October 22 - 9:33 am

  Overall I love the Commander. I have 4x4 Limited with the Hemi. I live in the city so I only average 9.2 mpg but thats ok, my commute is only 1.8 miles. On its one and only expressway trip (60 miles) I average 17.2 mpg - which is more than the EPA rating so Im good. There is only one issue I have with it. Ive never seen a factory sunroof that doesnt have a pop-up wind deflector. Its impossible to drive with the sunroof open over 25 mph. Am I going to have to go buy an external one?

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  Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jimR - October 22 - 12:10 am

  I bought a slightly used 4wd/4cylinder Sport a year ago with only 4,000 miles on it. The 4 cylinder engine needs to be bolstered a bit to handle the weight of this vehicle. It is very sluggish without much power. Thankfully, I have a 5 speed which helps acceleration. Other than that, it is a great vehicle. Very secure feeling; lots of style both inside and out. Seats are a bit hard and there arent enough cubby holes to store things, not even an ashtray for loose change! I havent had any troubles mechanically yet. I really like the ruggedness and its great for increasing the testosterone levels! Great sound system; very good vision while driving--few blind spots.

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  Over all great vehicle - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jasonjcgl - October 18 - 1:39 pm

  After driving this car for 9 months and nearing the 10,000 mile mark I have to say that I am very pleased. I have driven in almost every condition imaginable. In the snow it drives effortlessly with no trouble at all, in the mud it performs very well and will get through without any hesitation, on dirt roads the handling is flawless, and in the water no issues arise. After going on 4 road trips so far, I have to say it is excellent for traveling! The ride is super smooth, steering is amazing, and the cabin is extremely quiet. In terms of gas mileage, on the highway I average around 25mpg but have gotten up to 27mpg and in the city I average 18mpg. Over all this is an amazing vehicle!

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  Great budget crossover - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By bryan - October 17 - 5:33 am

  Dont believe the less than stellar pro reviews, read the reviews by actual owners. Its not flashy, it doesnt try to be. If youre bent on luxury, this isnt it, but its by no means uncomfortable or ugly. As far as crossovers go the mileage doesnt compare to the subarus or other japanese models, but this one will take you much farther into the woods than they will. Its not a full on SUV like a wrangler, but its very capable in lighter duty applications where the rocks, mud, and water are less severe. This is so far the best vehicle I have ever driven on snowy, icy roads, and I drive big macho F-350 and 550 trucks all day. AWD (with a lock option) is far superior to 4WD on snowy roads.

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  Jeep not a Caddy - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By bob e - October 17 - 5:26 am

  I have a two door automatic with a hard top without the s package. It is a basic Jeep but it will do everything I want it to do and more. I have had 5 previous Wranglers but this on is so superior in every way it is ard to belive. It is a Jeep so jthe ride lets you know you are driving not sitting on a couch. With the hard top it is secure and quiet. It does enjoy gas, but I knew that when I bought it. The rear seat acccess is awful, but I dont ride in the back seat. Water runs in when you open the door in the rain and goes right into the door storage pocket, so only put water proof stuf in it. It is a Jeep you deal with it and sit back and enjoy the ride even if it is a little rough.

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  Leaky Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BTH - October 15 - 8:46 am

  This is my first Jeep. Also looked at VW Toureg V8 and Volvo XC90 V8. Took the cheaper route with the Jeep. Purchased Limited 4x4 with every option except block heater. The first time it rained the drivers floor was soaked with water. Took it back to the dealer. They have been trying to solve the problem ever since. Has now been back to the dealer 3 times with same problem. Next time asking for new Jeep or money back. Great performance and features. Kids love DVD player. I like acceleration and ride.

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  Love my Cherokee Sport! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By jon - October 15 - 1:40 am

  I have loved my jeep since the day i started driving it. I have the 5 speed manual transmission, this is the only way to go, i cant even imagine having a boring auto. The Jeep has 132000 miles now and is still running strong. Hardly ever done any work on it, only new shocks, u-joints, cat. converter, and muffler.The shocks were just something i did for no real reason, just thought it would be a good idea, but my u-joints did go bad. Love the 4x4, the front seats, love the ENGINE! Very reliable. Never lets me down, always starts right up in the cold too. It is a wonder to have in the winter. Michigan winters are pretty intense, and it is just unstoppable in the snow. Would buy one again now!

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  Texas Compass with Latitude - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By awoerner - October 14 - 10:24 am

  I purchased this vehicle brand new, after turning in an H3 lease vehicle. I was apprehensive because it was an American made car, but my lack of issues with the Hummer gave me confidence. I did no prior research. It has been very reliable! However, I have not achieved the mileage on the sticker, city or highway. The road noise is loud, so I will be getting soundproofing done. I rarely have passengers, yet no one has fussed yet (Viking son as exception-needs to be up front). The map lights have leaked, usually because I left the sunroof up during an unexpected rain. The brakes are intermittently noisy, starting at year two of ownership. Hoping to drive it until it dies or I tire of it.