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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  Ive had 3 2005-2007 Grands and liked them all - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jenifer Ambler - May 18 - 5:39 pm

  After my 2005 Grand (Laredo 4.7L V8 4x4) was totaled while still going strong at 171,000 miles, I replaced it with a used 2007 Grand Laredo V6 which is now up to 182,000 miles and still doing great. So I added a second 2007 Grand Laredo V8 which is also doing great at 96,000 miles, and handed the V6 over to the college student. Excellent on snow and ice in the winter, as well as back roads and New England mud season, yet highway ride is fine too. Very little has had to be done to any of them except normal maintenance and replacing worn-out items which were no surprise for the mileage. Some reviews complain about headroom but Im only 51" so no problem. Id happily buy one again.

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  One Year Anniversary - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim - May 17 - 9:46 pm

  Its been exactly one year to the day that I have owned my Jeep and I am very pleased with it. Its my first Jeep so I dont have a comparison with respect to improvements, but I can say it offers solid performance, its easy to drive and provides great value. Mine is loaded with every option and with the Hemi gets decent mileage.

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  Glad to be a Owner of a Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Love my Jeep - May 16 - 3:20 am

  I am very pleased to be a owner of my Jeep. It is fun to ride and has many looks (top half-way off, all the way off, doors off, or just take it all off!). I never knew about the Wrangler family but as soon as I started driving I quickly found out. The four doors have great space and handles well. As for gas (gas is just to high to even say anything good about that) but its ok. The hard doors with electric is the way to go. I have a soft top and wind is still a little issue but not that bad (will soon get a hard top). But over all very happy.

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  Great Jeep, Trail Rated is everything! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Quatumron - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Sahara, wanted more comfort. And I recieved it, with the knowledge I could go where my Sahara preformed, and it did very well. Best move this year. Had sports cars but the road is your domain, this you can go almost anywhere. Love to ride in style and go off road as well in style. Best of both worlds. You can not lose with this small SUV.

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  Great Little SUV - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Sparky - May 15 - 4:03 am

  Excellent purchase - nice styling, fun to drive. Liked it when first came out. Gas mileage could be better. Dependability is yet to be tested, only have 1000 miles on it.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Tom Jones - May 12 - 12:36 pm

  Absolutely the best car Ive ever owned. I-6 engine is bulletproof. Only thing its ever needed is oil change every 3K. Just ticked over 153K and still runs like it did the day I bought it. Replaced clutch throwout bearing at 130K. Replaced brake rotors at same time. Otherwise its needed nothing but oil, tires, plugs, and brake pads. Back seat is small for adults due to wheel wells. Off-road performance is absolutely great. Turn radius is very tight, making it easy to drive in town and park. Easy to work on, although its never needed it other than the clutch. My only regret is that Jeep doesnt make them anymore.

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  Love my Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By sherry - May 12 - 3:03 am

  I love driving my new Jeep Commander. Its traction in the rain has been awesome. I havent tried it in the snow yet. Im so happy with the features, design and the roominess for my whole family to ride in it.

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  Dont believe car reviews - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Dan - May 10 - 2:16 pm

  Interesting that the owner reviews are averaging a 9. SUV handles well, is very comfortable to drive. Traded a 2001 PT Cruiser that we loved. Even road tested a 2008 PT Cruiser. Wouldnt think twice after testing the Compass. Upgraded the Sport version with A/C, sunroof, seats, etc. Well worth it.

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  Finally back in the SUV saddle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By lazybear - May 9 - 7:30 pm

  Ive had my Renegade for about 2 weeks now and couldnt be happier! My Liberty drives like a tank and I love it. Ive always been an SUV girl at heart, first car was a Blazer Tahoe. Ive been a sedan driver for the past 10 years and felt it was time to go back to an SUV. Having this truck makes me glad I did!

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  We really like it - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jim P - May 8 - 5:50 am

  This model was not listed in the review choices, so for the record, it is a 2016 Cherokee Latitude, 4x4, 3.2 V6 engine, tow package, cold weather pkg, safty pkg, comfort pkg, uconnect 8.4 with navigation. Manufactured 4/23/2016, purchased June 8th. Plenty of power, quiet, shifts perfect, and very comfortable. Just hit 1,100 miles, getting 30-31mpg on the highway. UPDATE -now at 3000 miles. Still perfect.