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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  COMFORTABLE SUV - FUEL ECONOMY NOT SO GREAT - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Dunesmama - December 7 - 5:55 pm

  Youll have lots of room but the gas will get expensive.

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  Summit Step Rail - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By thejudge410 - December 7 - 8:26 am

  I purchased the Summit after many months of study and test driving 2013 and 14 models. I needed a step rail for family member safety and ability to use the vehicle. At the time of delivery I was informed Chrysler did not have a step rail that would fit the Summit. I could not believe it so I took delivery thinking they were wrong. A 2nd Chrysler dealer said there must be a problem in the computer because it showed 2014 as accepting the step rail but my VIN not accepting the step rail. As of today, no one has a step rail and I have a 52,000 car my wife can not get into and drive. No after market available either. I googled the problem and found a Jeep Forum question dated Oct 2013.

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  Bulletproof 98 SE 4Dr, 4WD - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ted - December 6 - 9:50 pm

  Bought it NEW in 98, now have 136K on it. Have the 4.0 L I-6 motor & 5 speed manual tranny -- super strong. 23 mpg highway is FAB for a boxy SUV this capable. Like the look, like the color (chili pepper red), like the performance, LOVE the durability. NO major repairs. Biggest repair item has been waterpump. HUGE value for the money. We have the cheap dash w/ idiot lights, and the gas gauge has had problems for years. My wifes vehicle, and it does all our "dirty work" hauling stuff, and ALL snow duty. Interior is plain, back seat best for kids, but tolerable for 1 - 2 hour trips for adults. I see these Cherokees ROUTINELY go 250-300K. 4WD is easy to use. ALL JEEP, ALL GOOD.

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  great little truck - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By john r - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The jeep handles wellin all situation. The 4.7 is quick off the line, and just loafs at70. back seat a little tight for six footers with tall driver and passenger up front. Pulls my popup like it wasnt even there. After almost seven thousand miles I have no complaints and I spend a lot of time in the car. Not as cushy a ride as the 2000 Lesabre it replaced, but a whole lot more fun to drive.

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  Must have gotten a jewel - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Black 65th - December 4 - 2:43 pm

  Had the truck now for 7200 miles - 6 or so months. Getting at 19 highway with mobil 1 and premium unleaded. The truck has been nothing but trouble free. Quarkey - yes... but a very strong feeling drive. Very happy. Use the gear auto shift and the truck will react better... What Ive seen with these 3.7s.

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  Undervalued, in my opinion. - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Austin - December 4 - 10:00 am

  First car. Had it for six years until it was rear ended. Literally drove it from coast to coast with no problems. Smooth response at lower speeds with just enough torque on the highway to get you around a semi in a hurry. Handling was great around town. Good turning radius. Bumpy ride. Passengers dont enjoy it much. Backseat kinda cramped. But from the drivers seat its not a problem. Front shocks went out along with water pump and compressor after a few years. Other than that, the engine never gave me any problems, even with my terrible upkeep. Engine was abused with stop and go driving in 100 degree heat with few oil changes the whole time I drove it. Held up great.

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  Still lovin it - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By PHRC - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my JGC used, and to be honest it wasnt my first choice (i wanted a pathfinder). Very happy i ended up with it though. Its more comfortable, had all the features i wanted, and the 4wd on it will kick anyones butt. Even my dads landrover! I have driven it through 4 feet of snow with no slipping. 7,000 miles after buying it the front differential broke, but i blame that on carmax for not checking the fluid, not Jeep. Since then my passenger side window stoped working, but my warranty covered that too.

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  Great price on OK vehicle - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By justinkl - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Im an 18 year old high school student and have had this car almost a year. Bought it to replace my 94 accord. Paid $10,000 for it with ~42,000 miles! Has every option except leather. Gas milage sucks at 13mpg in the city, but then again, I am a lead footed teen. The car seems to like to break on me. Replaced transfer case 3 times, drive shaft twice and rear differential twice, all on Keffers tab! Only other money spent out of pocket has been a set of tires and rear brakes (oil changes and gas dont count!)

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  Love my Jeep! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LauraM - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I would love to buy a new Jeep if only they would start offering the manual transmission again. Mine is a 94, the last year they offered the standard. It now has 103,000 miles on it, still has the original clutch, and runs great...it is a real workhorse. I still love it so much I wont give it up. Now that its getting older it does cost a lot to maintain, but it has been very reliable all these years. Only once did I get stranded...when the water pump went. If Jeep ever starts offering the JGC with standard trans again I will definitely buy one!

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  Caution - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By KJ - November 26 - 1:00 pm

  First, there is a recall on the heated seats so call Chrysler if you have questions. I replaced mine twice before getting my recall just this month (June 2010)- $600 each seat. Brakes have been replaced twice - rotors bad. Transmission went out ($3k). Passenger window broke ($400). Power steering problems, replaced blendor on heater ($2k) in 2006; air- conditioning broke now must replace compressor, valve and blendors again ($2k+); CD player broke; gas cap broke; I maintain this vehicle well but it keeps having problems. This is the 5th Jeep I have had and never had any of these problems before this one.