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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  beware jeep falling apart from day one - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By darlene11 - April 23 - 5:14 pm

  I purchased this jeep less than a year old. I have had to have the front end replaced three times within 5 years. The air conditioner breaks every single year, had the compressor replaced twice. There have been several recalls on this jeep. One of the recalls was for the windows and was only an extended warrante where you had to pay $100 to have your windows fix when they fell down and stopped working. So here I sit now with a window down and the Jeep dealer is telling me oh your too late for the extended warrante if you want your windows fixed it will be $400 a window. Well you know what I think? I think Chrysler is a junk company and should have stepped up from the beginning and fixed then

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  More time at dealer then home - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jerry - April 23 - 8:50 am

  First time Jeep owner, mpg city 10, mpg hwy 20. Big problems with trans. When its cold trys to take off in second then shifts hard in to first. Problems going into rev at times, goes in false neutral when stopping sometimes. Trans whines after it warms up. ABS actives when stopping uphill almost every day. I live on a hill. Problem with check engine light comes on and off. Dealer has no clue. What a suprise! I like the way the ext and int looks. For the most part it runs great, never no problems with the motor. I do all my own maintence so I havent found any leaks. Two times a year I take it to the Nevada desert and bomb through the sand no problems at all. From CA to NV avg 22mpg.

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  Outstanding for what it is - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By ARod - April 22 - 11:38 am

  Make not mistake, this is a compact crossover that is semi-rugged, not fully rugged. In that sense, this vehicle is great. Theyve packed a lot into this body. Likes: Love the V6, mileage isnt great if you like to open her up but if you treat her nicely it will return decent mileage. Very quiet cabin, only really hear the engine loudly when flooring it. Alpine sound system is very nice. Lane Departure system works as advertised. Rear view Camera is awesome on the 8.4" screen, the computer is fast, recognizes your phone quickly and responds to commands quickly. Highly recommend getting the Safety/Convenience package that nets you the 3 items mentioned above. Interior space is decent. Dislikes: None yet really. The start/stop system when you are at the red light or at a stop seems to stop too late and start to early. Havent looked at the settings yet to see what is up with that. Overall, really like it. What it offers that the others really dont is a nice V6 that provides sweet acceleration for zipping about......a major plus for me. Also, from a cost standpoint it is a good value after rebates etc. Mine MSRPd at just over $30k and I got it for just above $24k. Lot of vehicle for $24k.

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  Dependable & Fun - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ray - April 22 - 2:40 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for over 5 years and have had no major problems. This is my primary work vehicle and I spend a lot of time working on the road. I also use it to pull an oversized boat and to go into the field hunting and fishing. It goes and comes back where others cant. 4x4 is easy to operate and totally dependable. The only weak points have been the electronic accessories: heated mirrors, photochromic rearview mirror and rear windshield wiper. Fuel mileage is very good considering its an SUV. I average 22 MPG highway and 16 MPG around town (according to the DIC). 6 cylinder layout is such that regular maintenance is easily accomplished by owner.

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  Best Vehicle Ever - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Computer Karl - April 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many vehicles, domestic and import, but the new Liberty is by far the best ever. There have been NO defects in over 6 months of driving. I have gotten up to 24MPG hwy and overall about 18MPG (more than I expected). Fit and finish rivals anything in its class. My wife had refused to drive it before I bought it, but now I cant get her out of it. AWD option delivers peace of mind on pavement.

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  Utah Road Trip - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By SDS - April 21 - 10:00 am

  On a summer off-road trip through scenic Utah with my wife, Libertys performance was flawless. Our 3.7- liter effortlessly crawled up rocks that had claimed a variety of paint chips from other vehicles before us. Throughout the entire tour over hot rocky terrain we remained comfortable in our well air-conditioned cockpit. I even caught my wife letting go of the "Oh My God" passenger handle up front several times. Most non-luxury SUV buyers want true off-road capability to be coupled with a coupe- like ride to work everyday. Jeep has finally addressed this dichotomy with the affordable Liberty.

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  A Real SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HeartDoc - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Simply put, a great SUV through and through. The Overland is not for everyone, and are best suited for those enthusiasts of true off-road vehicles. Remember, the Jeep will behave and react like an SUV should, and when properly maintenanced will provide years of inexplicable joy and recreation.

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  Unbelivable! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By JohnBoy1248 - April 20 - 3:10 pm

  Although this is my second Jeep Wrangler I still can not believe how capable this Jeep is! No matter what the weather or where you are this Rubicon has no problem taken you where you want to go. Classic Jeep interior and exterior lets you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. Interior comfort is not that of a BMW 7 series, but it it a Jeep it is built for functionality and fun. The most capable Jeep EVER built!

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  Overpriced Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Mel Kessler - April 17 - 11:33 pm

  For what you get, the vehicle is overpriced. No problems of any kind, using this vehicle off road not the best idea.

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  Window regulators - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By blue01 - April 16 - 10:16 pm

  Oh my God, what do we have to do for Chrysler to recall these window regulators. I have a 2006 Jeep Liberty I bought used in 10-2008 and by 3-2009 my drivers side window went out and less then 1 week later the passenger back window went out. Just to find out that when the warranty company approved the regulators they would not approve the windows. Yes, the new regulator do not fit the old windows so they have to be replace too. After talking and complaning for a week they finally agreed to pay for the windows. Well lord and behold now my drivers side back window went out this weekend. How many more complaints will Chrysler need to recall these Window Regulators. (Frustrated)