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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  SolIm d, steady performer - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Lisa - December 9 - 9:58 pm

  Not flashy, not fast, this little car is a trooper. Good solid ride. Not a zippy vehicle, but it moves steady. Reliable, fabulous electronics (satellite radio, navigation and Bluetooth, plus all the basic) and comfortable. Design is attractive and timeless, we have a sunroof and really enjoy it. The interior is super easy to maintain thanks to the heavy plastic and solid moulding, so hope to get longer life than the previous leather we had which suffered from sun exposure. We are pleased with this basic vehicle that rocks steady performance. Nice to,have a car we can afford and be proud to drive and be seen in.

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  Nice! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matthew - December 9 - 12:36 pm

  An exellect vehicle all around. Great off-road capablitlies and fun to drive. After 8 years there were no problems with. The downside was the fuel consumption, which at best was around 20 mpg. Took very good care of it and it shows.

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  Love it! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LoriB - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep Gr Cherokee. It has been very reliable and fun to drive for 90,000 miles. It had less than 30,000 miles when I bought it.

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  One problem after another... - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By firstandlastjeep - December 8 - 10:00 am

  The 1st wk, with 132 miles on our new Jeep, a large rattling noise turned out to be a "part that was put in backwards." At 2000 miles, the Jeep broke down with symptoms of a failed transmission. The dealer, Buerge Jeep West LA refused me a rental car until I forced the issue and got a tiny, uncomfortable compact car. Never any apologies. When I picked up the car 3 days later, I waited 45 mins for my car 100 feet away. The leather seat and floor had black marks which werent there before. When I mentioned this to the driver, he said "talk to the mgr." Buerge Jeep in West L.A. has horrible cust. svc! Never will we buy/recommend any Jeep product.

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  Great car..... So far - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Fred - December 7 - 7:30 am

  We have 5500 miles on it and it averages about 25mpg all around. We bought the Limited FWD with the sun roof... and yep it leaked. We took it back to the dealer and they replaced it. Hope that fixed it. Drives great, fun to drive and looks good. We got the extended warranty (Max) thought it a good deal. All in all its been a great car.. gets down the road great.

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  Very Satisfied! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Very Satisfied!!! - December 7 - 5:40 am

  My husband and I have been a Jeep family since 1974 and my Dad owned a Willys Jeep. We had a 1974, 1979, 1995, 1998 and then this 2002. This 2002 Overland has been the best Jeep that we have owned. It has 110,000 miles on it and still going. Sorry, but I have not I liked the Jeep product since the 2002 Jeep. Something happened to the back seat. The seat has shrunk. The back seat just isnt comfortable for the passenger. Too much plastic on the dashboard now and no storage area on the dashboard. I feel sad that I need to pick a different product for my next vehicle. Why ruin a perfect vehicle?

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  TIPM recalled part - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ADRIANA PAEZ - December 6 - 6:23 pm

  Purchases a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee after looking at SUV ratings which rate it as one of the best SUVs to buy. Less than a year into it my car wont start. It idles but it will not start. I was told it is a fuel pump problem which is housed in the TIPM part. I have taken the car back 4 times with the same issue. The TIPM part has been replaced twice. This is not what you expect from a new car. I am a woman who is afraid of the reliability of my brand new car. It appears I am not the only one with this issue. I wish I would have known before. I had always purchased Acuras before with no problems. I regret this buy. I will be reaching out to Chrysler and apply the lemon law. Wish me luck.

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  Jeep Wave - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By VC - December 5 - 7:56 am

  Picked up my 02 Wrangler (4.0L 5-speed) earlier this year. Had about 95k when I bought it and is creeping upon 110k now. This is my first Jeep and I am really surprised how much I enjoy driving it. I also have a 4x4 Ford F150, Dodge Viper RT/10 convertible, and a motorcycle, but I find myself driving the Wrangler most often because it offers a little bit of everything I want in one versatile package.

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  Enjoying the ride - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By guido - December 4 - 5:13 pm

  So far enjoying my new Jeep! Pretty comfortable, great mileage- 28 mpg. Got a great deal! Just wish I had gotten power door locks! Well see how it does in the snow in Colorado in Jan!

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  Great Jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Yoss - December 3 - 6:33 pm

  I have put 5000 miles on mine already and I still love it. It is a comfortable commute and a very reliable car. The CVT is a little weird at first but you get used to it, and the fuel savings is worth it. We had an ice storm last December and mine was one of the very few cars that could climb up the icy exit ramps to the highway. I get 25 MPG average but have had up to 30 occasionally. Ive transported kids from school, lumber and gardening soil with it: its easy to clean. If you can, get it with a foldable front seat so you can transport stuff up to 8 feet long.