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:

• 

  My JGC 2007 is a problem. - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jayyme - January 2 - 1:00 am

  Between 40-45mph my JGC 07 stops accelerating. Hesitates for up to 10 seconds, then finally gets going again. After owning the car for 6 weeks, I was turning onto a highway and all the power cut off. Pulled over and couldnt get it to start. No electricity either. Let it sit for a few minutes, and it started again. Took it to the dealership and they said they couldnt duplicate the problem, so they didnt fix anything. Today, it jerked hard when I put it into drive. Barely got down the street at 20mph- turned around- and it sluggishly made it back to the driveway. This is a 2 year old car! We owned 2 other Jeeps that were great. This one is undependable and Im pretty disgusted.

• 

  the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland is excellent - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Frank Correia - January 1 - 6:28 pm

• 

  Thirsty but fun - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Steve - January 1 - 8:40 am

  I initially had my heart set on a Durango, but also had my eye on the Commander. The first I drove a Commander was in my test drive (I usually try to rent a potential purchase for a weekend) and was impressed. I think the quality of materials and assembly are on par with its cost. Not luxurious, but comfortable, particularly with the leather like mine. The back-up sensor is a must, given that the stadium seating limits rear visibility. If you require all 3 rows plus a lot of storage, you might look at something else, because with those seats up, theres only about 8" of storage space. It meets my needs, as I only occasionally use the 3rd row. One really bad thing is the awful mpg.

• 

  Jeep Grand Cherekee 4WD V8 Limited - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By td - December 31 - 10:00 am

  The jeep is a mixed bag. First hand it is great for towing and offroading. It also looks the best in my opinion of every other mid size suv out there. However the jeep has some very noticeable quirks. Ive had to replace the brakes repeatedly because of poor engineering allowing the brake routers to get heat cracked. It has also suffered from a lot of other issues as well, and always needs some type of maintenance.

• 

  All the problems you will encounter - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bondsman66 - December 30 - 7:04 pm

  Jeeps are Jeeps, they are temperamental, but if you correct the known problems in advance, they will be a faithful friend for life. (see suggested Improvements) Too bad Chrysler, didnt recall the know problems.

• 

  1000 miles down - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Marc A. - December 30 - 1:53 am

  After 6 weeks, Ive finally crossed over the 1K mark on the odometer. This vehicle is very impressive. Ive driven a number of SUVs (Blazer/Jimmy, Cherokee, CRV, etc.) and this one rides more like a mini-van than a truck. It handles very well, has a very tight turning radius, and looks good. I had a kid at the Wendys drive-thru look at it and say "Mr....that is one neat looking truck". My only complaint is of course the MPG, but it is to be expected.

• 

  Ventnor Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gammon - December 29 - 7:23 am

  This one has so much room--64" and plenty of elbow and leg room--up one weight class from the old body type. The standard shift is smooth and road friendly. Several GSP runs to NYC with comfort and performance all the way. If you keep it under 2000rpms, mileage in 6th gear is very good. The S package, Sunrider top and the 17" wheel options are the way to order this X-model. This Jeep is light years better than my 98 Cherokee 5 speed. There are no quality issues. The V-6 mates perfectly with the 6 speed. The paint, body fit and mechanicals are all German improvements over the last body type. No leaks with the big Sunrider soft top

• 

  Victim of R1234vf Freon - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Drew Jerina - December 28 - 3:13 pm

  Unknown to me is the fact they changed to the new freon in the AC system. In Texas you have to have a strong AC. Instead of the coldest output air being 36-39 degrees, the best you get by factory definition is 44 degrees. I have a white exterior, tan interior, no sun roof. If it was all black with moon roof and five passengers, it would be unbearable at 100 degrees. There is no way a consumer knows unless you take along a thermometer when test driving. No cars reviews are ever given for climate controls. I just received a recall notice that due to a potential mfg defect, this model may be subject to an engine fire.

• 

  RUN AWAY!!! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By sevance83 - December 28 - 2:06 pm

  Let me start by saying I am a JEEP fanatic! I have owned 2 Wranglers, 2 Cherokees, and 2 Libertys...SO I have nothing against Jeep but I will NEVER buy another Liberty and I will NEVER recommend this vehicle to my friends or family!! I purchased my last Jeep Liberty used after rolling my first Liberty and this was a huge mistake. These vehicles are very top heavy and the steering is very touchy making it easy to lose control. Also the lower control arms in the front and rear were made very poorly and may snap without any warning causing complete loss of control!! Gas mileage sucks for such a small SUV too and interior is very cramped.

• 

  2001 Black Jeep Cherokee Sport - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 1980islanders - December 28 - 4:52 am

  I own a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport. I just installed a skyjacker 3" lift and 265-15" bf. goodrich tires and Mickey Thompson rims. the trucks got 96,431 miles on it. Gas is fantastic. Driving is a pleasure. Interior and exterior are in great condition. Color is Black. The only other change will be the the stereo. If anyone can get this year truck, buy it!