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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  Love the Hemi 4x4 - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Karl - November 24 - 6:53 am

  I bought my Limited 4x4 Hemi new on 10/30/05 and have driven 10,700 miles of highway and offroad (sand, dirt, mud). It has been reliable, with warranty replacement of the amplifier. The check engine light comes on every now and then, but has been repaired by the dealer (reprogram computer). I like the power, clean looks, and simplicity. Previously I drove a Corvette and a Ford Expedition. The Hemi provides Jeep with an SUV that has sports car power. It handles mud, sand, and gravel just fine. The gauges, controls, etc. are easy to use. Im not extreme -- just like to take it to the beach and mild offroad trails. I also considered the Toyota 4Runner, but wanted the Hemi. No regrets.

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  MY 3rd Jeep pc of crap - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By nickels55 - November 24 - 5:10 am

  My Jeep is a pure highway vehicle, as my previous 3 were. My first 2 had $3K transmission problems at 80K miles, my 3rd, a lease, made several dealer repair visits. I bought the CRD because of the Mercedes built diesel but realize that anything Chrysler touches get messed up. I have 70K miles on the Jeep as it sits in the repair shop getting a new turbo. Stay away from Jeep, my 400,000 miles in 4 different models has shown they are recall/repair nightmares!

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  2018 jeep compass sport - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Mike Hayden - November 23 - 10:04 pm

  the dash dimmer dont work(software problem, all models) backup screen is so bright at night you have to cover it to see out of the car no dimmer option, my traction control and abs both made noise when driving in just a mist and something was pulling the steering wheel out of my hand for some reason later found out this is some kind self correcting steering but it kept trying to steer me into on-coming traffic so you have to be ready to fight this all the time, check engine light came on 43 miles from the dealer, didnt have it looked at because the company gave me the car and we are usually stuck with them after i told them i didnt want it in the first place, i carry a obd2 reader so i just pulled over and hit erase codes to get the light to go out, i havent drove it since...gas mileage is only about 12.8mpg because you have to run it almost floored to keep a speed of 70mph which is the avarage speed limit around here...i think the stock tires are too small for the size and weight of the car...which wound cause the hydroplaning and from the hydroplaning would cause the traction control system to kick in...not a good car for everyday use...sunday car for grandma maybe...hell my was free and i thought it was so dangerous that i only drove it once in 2 weeks because im afraid to get caught in the rain in it

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  Great Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lonnie - November 23 - 11:03 am

  IÂ’ve driven 3 Laredos but this time I decided to go to the top. The Limited is really great to drive. I didnÂ’t think I would ever use the NAV but it was a big help when I had to find my son at a hospital emergency room. I only wish the NAV was real time so I could avoid gridlock. I am glad that the CD changer was moved from the rear of the vehicle to the dash. I love the tire monitor as well, great idea.

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  Sad to see it go - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jen castorri - November 23 - 8:26 am

  Got my 98 Jeep in 2005 after my first daughter was born. another kid and a lot of miles later, 223,700 to be exact, my Jeep still rocks. Living in Georgia does cause it to want to over heat here lately, but what do you expect! I have driven this Jeep from Georgia, to central Florida and straight up to Virginia all in one trip. Made it from Pennsylvania down to Georgia all in one day with no problems at all. The only reason we are considering getting rid of it is due to a maybe expanding family and the higher mileage. Dont want to risk being stranded with kids all by myself! It has never happened but why try? I love my Jeep. Jeep needs to make a van!

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  Best SUV - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By imlostnow98 - November 23 - 8:13 am

  I wanted to get a 4x4 and it came down to Jeep or Land Rover. Land Rovers are overpriced and not any better than the Liberty. This is the best 4x4 you can buy. It handles great and is great on the trail. I have had no problems with it so far. Overall a great vehicle with excellent build quality and great trail rated capability.

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  Love to drive it - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hastings - November 22 - 12:03 am

  Great 4 wheeler. Never stranded me in snow but 4 trips to shop for transmission problems and then a $4500 transmission & TCM on fifth visit at 51K miles. Went to court and won back $3,000 of it. Not happy with service or cost.

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  Distress - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepers - November 21 - 7:53 pm

  Insurance is high, fuel economy is low. Minor problems can be very costly. According to the dealer the fuel pumps are issues. Loaded to the gills it still is nothing to brag about!

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  1st Time Jeep Owner - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By MGB - November 21 - 9:36 am

  I was looking at several other cars with better gas mileage but after I took the Commander for a test drive I was sold! What a smooth ride for such a big vehicle and the look is nothing but impressive. The ground clearance has come in handy several times and the 4.7L engine provides all the power and acceleration that I need. I am HOOKED!

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  The Best Ive Ever Owned! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Papi - November 21 - 8:10 am

  I purchased this Jeep 3 years ago when it had about 70,000 miles. Before this Jeep I owned a 95 model. Today Ive more than doubled the mileage (157,000) and Ive tuned it up once, turned the rotors, replaced a radiator hose, and spent a minimal amount on the front end. (Ive four wheeled a little and got air a few times... probably my fault.) Just routine maintenance. I expect to have this car until it drops. I would recommend this car to anyone... just make sure its been maintained well. I use synthetic oil and Lucas additive.