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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  Cherokee Trailhawk 3.2L - The dream SUV - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Gene W. - June 4 - 11:53 pm

  I have owned Jeeps for 45 years....CJ-5, CJ-7s (1975-2008), JK Wranglers (2), etc, In Sep 2015 I bought a new 2016 Cherokee Latitude 3.2L for my wife but wound up driving it myself and selling my JK manual - were getting older now and needed a Jeep that is more comfortable - she opted to keep her little car.. But there was something vaguely not quite right with the Latitude. It had no tow points (had to hook a tow rope to the suspension to pull a car out of the snow)..it didnt seem like a Jeep; it sat a little lower (though it had 18" low profile tires). It was more a sports car with Jeep characteristics. I was afraid to take it onto the beach - wasnt sure of the tires and with no tow points I had my doubts. So after just 5,000 miles and 7 months I went back to Jeep and test drove another Wrangler, both the JK and JKU. Though Id had the equivalent since 1975, this time it just didnt work - I just didnt want to go back. So, I wound up buying a 2016 Cherokee Trailhawk 3.2L with every option available including tow package, full sun roof, leather with ventilated seats, sound group, etc. The tow package was key but the way the car sat, the ground clearance, the tires, everything was just balanced and perfect - a stunning Jeep; what a difference something as simple as 2" of ground clearance and 245 tires will make. This is the SUV Ive been looking for for the last 5 years ever since my wife of 36 years first complained about being jolted around in the JK Wrangler. It will do everything I want it to do including rock crawl (I installed Rock Rails just in case I go to Moab though theyre unlikely to be used). It rides, handles, stops, crawls, goes through snow, sand, mud, handles interstates beautifully. It has a beast of an 3.2 6 cal engine that makes it run like a mini-Porsche Carrera. This Jeep will be with me for many many years.

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  Fifth Wrangler and Best Yet! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark - June 4 - 4:26 pm

  My wife and I purchased this four- door Wrangler last Tuesday and immediately took it on a 250 mile round trip and found it to be undoubtedly the BEST Wrangler weve owned yet! Its very comfortable, quiet and even though it has less HP than our previous 4.0s, I havent found it to be lacking in acceleration. Also, we achieved 23.6 mpg on the interstate. Incredible for a Wrangler, especially for a brand new one. I highly recommend the four-door Wrangler for someone looking for the best and most capable 4X4.

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  This is our second one - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Louis Klipper - June 3 - 6:08 am

  We purchased our first Trailhawk when they were introduced in 2014. We traded in our Audi to purchase this Jeep, the first American car we have owned in the past 20 years. (We have been driving Mercedes, BMW and Audis) We needed a comfortable SUV that was capable of towing my 3,000 lbs enclosed motorcycle trailer from our home in New England to our home in Florida a few times a year. Most of the German built mid sized SUVs had a max tow rating of 3,000 lbs, not enough safety margin for the distance we were traveling. The Cherokee Trailhawk with the V6 and factory installed tow package was rated @ 4,500 lbs. The capability, comfort, technology and quality was all rolled into a unique package that really impressed me. I was not expecting to like this vehicle as much as I did. The Cherokee never gave us any problems, and service was limited to oil changes and tire rotations. We never had any issues with the 9 speed transmission. With the miles piling up on our 2014 Cherokee we decided to trade it in on a 2016. Before purchasing, we thought that we needed to test drive a Land Rover Discovery HSE and the new Mercedes GLC, to experience these two new models. After living with and driving the Jeep Trailhawk for 2 years I felt that the Mercedes and Land Rover were not worth the consideration over the Trailhawk. Now that Ive put a few thousand miles on our 2016 Trailhawk Ive noticed a few things different from our old 2014. The ride is more refined, and the 9 speed transmission is silky smooth. The technology keeps getting better, and the U Connect system is the most user friendly system I have used in any vehicle, no matter the price. The doors close with a solid sounding thunk, reminding me of some of Mercedes we have owned.

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  The original suv - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jerrymax - June 2 - 9:50 pm

  I bought my 1996 Grand Cherokee Laredo from my neighbor last December after thinking for a while that I needed an SUV. Ive got no complaints. I frequently visit my daughter in upstate New York and traversing her 175 ft driveway with 9 inches of snow on it was a breeze in the Jeep. Cruises very smoothly at 60 mph but feels like its being pushed too hard at 70. Made for traction, no speed. Jeep has unique qualities, like unibody construction and solid axles, not found in other SUVs. And its the original 4x4, the workhorse vehicle born out of necessity in World War II for the military, the grand-daddy of all SUVs. Ill always have a Jeep from now on, as well as a sedan for summer driving.

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  Awsome mid-size suv - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By durangoman70 - May 31 - 9:54 pm

  This is the second Jeep Liberty I have owned. I traded in a 2009 Nissan Altima for this Jeep Liberty. I love how comfortable the Liberty is for a tall person. The Liberty sport comes with all the options you could ever want. The ride is really nice, seats are comfortable. For those people who write bad reviews about the liberty have no clue what they are talking about...... 1. Gas millage is around 18 which is what you expect for an suv. 2. You cant compare a Liberty to a car.....If you want the ride of a car and gas millage of a car BUY A CAR. I wanted something that pull a boat and not be the size of a huge truck. The Liberty is it. I highly recommend the Liberty to anyone

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  Shes one purity ride! - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By cherio1 - May 30 - 8:22 pm

  I have had my first Jeep for 2 weeks and she has 601 miles. My combined MPG right now is 23.8. The fit and finish of this car is top notch. I am 511" and hubs is 64" we are both very comfortable driving and riding in this SUV. I havent had any issues with the parking break. I do have the 4 cylinder, it does have a bit of "thrust" between 2nd and 3rd gears either at the downshift or up shift. I dont feel this is an issue, this a big car for the engine and transmission. That being said the actual ride itself is awesome! She floats down the road, you dont feel like youre going 75mph! IF the radio is off you do have some modest noise from the wind and road. Features are very nice!

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  Frank the Tank - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By PAPA SMURF - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Jeep and it has a 4 cylinder engine in it and it has plenty of power, it can always use more, but really I dont see that big of a difference... This truck makes you feel like your driving a tank and is a great 2nd vehicle but could easily be a primary vehicle. WARNING: I heard that the hood vent gets clogged and lets water in, it didnt happen to me, but my new soft top window seals let water in 2 days after I bought it. I did some research and It happens a lot! To all years! That ok cause there are drain plugs and I use it for trailing so its no biggie for me, but I would have been mad if this was my primary vehicle. PS its not that hard to fix so dont worry...

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  1st time owner of SRT8 - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kideslide - May 28 - 5:10 am

  Having leased over 4 Jeep Grand Cherokees in the past 9 years, I find driving this vehicle extremely exhilerating besides, I have only had it for a week. Spending time at the pump was never an issue because I was always averaging 16 miles per gallon in the other vehicles. The navigation system is a great and sharp. I have not tried the TV in the back because Im usually driving the vehicle.

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  jeep review - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By kentzwikl - May 26 - 2:00 am

  intensely satisfying fun to drive where are the 11s!!!!

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  the best suv - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By christian cuesta - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I have driven all suvs. I use to own a valet company and i have tested all the cars you can think of. For the price range the liberty takes the prize. The only vehicle in its class that can get close to it when it comes to ride and handling would be the x5. At a greater price. I love that car and when its time to get a new car ill buy another Liberty. I own four cars a 4x4 f150 1999 a Extera 04 a van and my jeep. And i will always treasure my Jeep. Great job these guys did a great job!