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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  Jeep thing!!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Luckyliberty - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my jeep liberty.. the only thing I would complain about is that every jeep liberty owner that Ive talked to has had the same problem.. they develope a squeaking noise after the first year thats attributed to the water pump.. That can be a little annoying...Other than that I love my jeep,it does very good in the snow and the mud.. I love it!!!

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  2004 Spec Ed. 4X4 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By atlncegy - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Grand Cherokee Spec Ed. I traded it in with 13k miles (trade in was $20k even if I didnt want to purchase a new one - I only paid $25k for it) After driving my new 4X4 Spec. Ed, I love it! Ive had a few off road drives thus far without problems. The quadra trak II works well.

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  LOVE, LOVE my new 2016 Jeep Trailhawk!! - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Debi Scholar - June 16 - 7:59 pm

  Picked up my new Colorado Red, 2 MySky sunroofs, Trailhawk a few days ago and LOVE IT! Typically, Im a Ford lover, e.g. Escape and other models, but I absolutely HATE the way the new small SUVs look like station wagons (in my opinion). I wanted a vehicle that was a small SUV with big functionality, some nice add-ons, and more of the "box" look that my old Ford Escape had. The Trailhawk has multiple off-road options, which I may not use often enough, but wanted the capabilities anyway. I read some other reviews about lack of quick acceleration, and I havent really noticed that problem at all. Although, I dont think I usually try to go 60 MPH within 5 seconds anyway. I love the technologies of UConnect, the ease of use of setting all the controls, the automatic windshield wipers (theyre perfectly timed based on rain!), and strong, sturdy environment that surrounds me. This may sound weird...but I feel like Im in an extremely, well-made, sturdy vehicle that is "stronger" than even my Ford Escape was. That "secure" feeling is very meaningful to me. The only thing that I wish..... that the MySky front option had the ability to open the opaque but leave a transparent window so that I could use the "top down" daylight in the winter months without cold coming in. I also wish the back seats were a little more "comfy" like the front seats but I rarely have people in the back seat anyway. I love the various key-less options, Display options, etc. I also have the blind spot alerts which I LOVE. There are so many things that are perfect, I cant write them all down. I went to Autoland dealer in NJ, and they were less than helpful trying to find my 2016 Red Trailhawk with the options I wanted. Yet, 1 day later, Salerno Duane in NJ found my exact match vehicle in a tri-state dealer and had it to me in 3 days. I used Salerno Duane previously so am thrilled with their willingness to help me. If youre looking for a unique SUV that is solid and well thought out, youll love this new 2016 Renegade line of vehicles!! Debi S - New Jersey

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  Transmission Problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By James - June 16 - 2:00 am

  When I start my 2006 Jeep Commander and put it into drive or reverse and step on the gas its always hit or miss if the car is going to move. The engine will usually rev for a second and then finally go. Once it has starting moving in drive, every time it shifts from first to second there is a loud clicking noise. Took it to the dealership and they told me it has to get worse before they fix it. That doesnt sound right to me.

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  Great Car - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jill from LI - June 13 - 5:53 am

  This was my first car and was purchased from a family friend about two years ago. It is extremely low maintenance so far, with the exception of the gas! I get about 15 mpg but lately it seems much lower. However, despite the $3.50 gas prices and my very low income, I refuse to buy anything but a Jeep Cherokee and I wish that they didnt stop making them. This car is extremely fun to drive, very roomy, excellent trunk space. I have had no problems with this 11 year old car except to replace the rear brake line in the winter of 2004 because I had been driving over so many snow banks and created a leak in it. Besides that I plan to use this car for as long as I can. Im up to 112,000 miles and going strong!

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  Great vehicle - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By stevenwv17 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I havent had the vehicle long but it runs like a champ. Great vehicle. I love Chrysler products.

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  Jeep Wrangler owner - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By sjmaderia - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This is 2nd wrangler that I ahve owned. I never should have sold my old 92 wrangler. This is a great car with could ride and handling characteristics. provided you are not expecting sports car handling or luxury car ride. It is bumpy and loud. You get good mileage if you stay around 72 mph. Faster and gas gauge drops much faster. There is no possibility of using a cellular phone at any speed above 20mph with top down. Top up increases that speed to about 40.

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  Consider something else - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kirill - June 10 - 11:46 am

  I come from all-Japanese car background (our second family car is Honda Accord). My JGC was leased because of the terrific deal, and this is the only good thing about the Jeep ownership. I will gladly join other mad reviewers about the sluggishness of the transmission: it often "refuses" to shift gear for 4-5 seconds, unless I press the accel. pedal all the way to the floor. What a joke?! My other complaints: predatory gas consumption, weak engine for the weight of the body, cheap interior appointments, skimpy storage volume in the hatch (my friends Honda CR-V, which is a compact SUV, can fit more items in its hatch), dull doors that spring back after opening, unless one sticks out a foot.

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  Not everyone gets it - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jerry S - June 9 - 5:13 pm

  I enjoy my Jeep. It has been in the family from the very beginning. My father bought it in 97 and I took it when he bought a Cherokee this year. There has been no major break down of any kind and it holds its own on the highway. The straight 6 provides enough power to pass and the raw design allows for a lot of fun!!!

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  Amazing ride but the interior isnt. - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By alan93 - June 8 - 8:41 pm

  I got this used a month ago and am really impressed with the style , performance, size, and fuel economy. The only thing that is mediocre is the drivers cockpit. After selling my old boxy JGC, I almost didnt feel like i had a jeep. This thing rides like a luxury SUV, quiet and smooth. It is bigger than older JGC so it kind of lumbers around corners but the power of the V6 is very impressive. I am getting an astonishing 27 mpg on hiways ( I drive about 70mph but careful to keep the speed steady ). I havent taken it in the field yet but am wondering if it will be very nimble with its hulking size and heavier weight.