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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  Fun Rig - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cherokee Country - March 1 - 8:56 am

  My grandparents and I went 50/50 in buying the Cherokee Country. Im 17 and got it last year for my first vehicle. I am absolutely in love with it. It gets me from point A to point B and I love the look and the comfort of it. Im only 53" so I fit perfect inside it. Its fun to take off road and nice enough to take out for a night on the town. I was in love the minute I set my eyes on it.

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  BUYER BEWARE! RUN AWAY - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Natalie - February 28 - 9:39 am

  This Jeep is horrible! i originally wanted a jeep wrangler but settled for the compass because i read it had good mpg, bought used with only 15k couple months in and had front end issues, have replaced front rotors,front and rear brakes, new tires .. has had multiple alignments, three months ago needed new ETC system ! Im at 87k and now the alternator gave out today! something rattles when i hit any bump and slips even with a little bit of rain or snow on ground ,

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  Great buy! - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SM CORRAL - February 28 - 1:19 am

  This is the second JEEP Laredo I have owned, however, the first Grand Cherokee. The ride is great and I am really enjoying the SUV as a car and an SUV. The interior and exterior are well designed, and I am pleased with the overall package. I am still learning how to use all of the features. I have the tow, safety, and off-road packages, as well as a sunroof. It is a great buy!

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  Luxury SUV - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe - February 27 - 3:46 pm

  Overall one of the best SUVs you can get. Many options and styles to fit any need. Gripes -- plastic interior looks good but very hard and cheap to the touch. Leather seats have more vinyl than than leather. MPG should be better. Drivers power seat is too high.

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  My Liberty Tis of thee - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Julio - February 27 - 2:46 am

  I like the comfort and ride I get with my 2005 Jeep Liberty. I enjoy the neat tech console and the premium radio with Sirius satellite. Overall, it is a fun car to drive.

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  2002 Libertry - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JY303 - February 26 - 11:50 pm

  Right off of the sales lot the head lights low beams were not working. Its been back at the service dept for 2 days now and waiting for a new "Body Control Module" computer. The dealer gave us a "loaner" Liberty to drive till we get our car back. Other than that it seems to be a great car and very fun to drive.

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  2014 jeep Grand Cherokee LTD-4x4 V8 - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By camrydc - February 26 - 4:49 pm

  I love this jeep. The Navigation, Sound System, Hemi V8 power. I can connect my iphone wirelessly to the system and listen to all my songs. Seats are comfortable, Vehicle looks amazing. Got the 20 inch wheels. I drive almost all locally and short distances so my first mileage check im getting 14.7 mpg. Only thing I might have done differently is go with another color. I chose the green which usually looks black its so dark.

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  No problem in blizzard/mud/rain/dessert - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By renaroo - February 26 - 7:53 am

  Traded in older Jeep, overheated near Vegas en route to Zion during July 4th weekend. Performed flawlessly in the dessert, and A/C kept cool in over 100F temp. Moved to mountains, and helped towed moving truck up the hill when it overheated. Commuted 3 years 90 mi RT, from 5500 ft to sea level, in various conditions: blizzard, ice, mud slides, scorching summer heat with no problem. Rebuilt transmission at 150K. Gas mileage no noticeable change. Hit-n-run accident on the mountain at 170K. Not sure if related to accident, but a few months later: memory loss in computer settings (seat, mirror, radio), heated seat. Now at over 240K mi still works great at -30F. Replaced water pump-no other repairs

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  Great SUV for the money - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Mark Bishop - February 26 - 3:20 am

  This is the first Jeep I have ever owned and I plan on keeping it for a long time. It has plenty of power to pull my boat around through the hills and the gas mileage is a respectable 20 MPG on the interstate. I am 6 foot tall and the seat and ride are very comfortable compared to some other SUVs Ive been in. This is a good driving 4X4 for the money, too bad they quit making them.

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  1999 jeep family vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By George Coffey - February 25 - 2:00 am

  We, my wife and I, bought the vehicle used. Had 32000 mi. the brakes were checked and described as ok.... after 11000 mi we encountered problems, and the dealer we purchased it from stated it needed a complete brake job. we stated that when we purchased it , the check system stated they were ok? the dealership would not stand behind there own check system, and we purchased the best warrenty program to a tune of $2000 and of course the warrenty program doesnt replace brakes. So I had to pay something like $450 for a brake job... We also had the rear end differential relaced due to noise..warrenty covered this problem..