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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  Have 3 Jeeps - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Joe Davis - April 21 - 3:40 pm

  Much better than the Cherokee. Fun to drive with lots of power. Smooth highway riding.

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  Oregon Trail - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Doug - April 21 - 1:50 pm

  We just got back from a 6,000 mile trip following the Oregon Trail, including the original "Old Barlow Road" around Mt. Hood. Our Jeep had never before really been put to the test, but it performed flawlessly on this trip on everything from Interstate HWs to boulder-strewn primitive roads. I wish it got better mileage, but it was reassuring to have the power of the 5.7 liter when passing or traversing some of the primitive roads we followed along the Oregon Trail. We put on 6,000 miles from Missouri to Oregon passing through 10 states, keeping to 2 lane and dirt roads as much as possible. Our worst day was 15.2 mpg. Our best was 18.2 mpg.

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  A Jeep Thing - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By p - April 20 - 8:26 pm

  This is my 3rd Jeep: an 85 Cherokee (used),96 Grand Cherokee (new), and now this one, an 05 Grand Cherokee. I test drove several 03 and 04 GCs (used) and the new model is far better in many ways. I also owned an 04 TrailBlazer, which I promptly traded after 9 months. It was very floaty (like an old Buick). I wish I had not sold my 96 Grand Cherokee for the TB. So far, I am very happy the new GC (19,500 miles). The ride is almost car-like, but still firm. The 3.7 liter is very capable and responsive. I would only consider one of the V8s if gas was cheap or I had to tow heavy loads. I average about 18-20+ mpg, which is not bad for an SUV with AWD. The list of standard features was also pretty good.

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  Work and Fun Mobile - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By dazimae - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Jeep in 96. Have had very little problems with it other than the standard battery etc. Would recommend this vehicle for anyone with a family or pets. Great for moving furniture and household items, transporting passengers. I have kept it for 8 years because of the low maintenance, and the many possibilies of its usuage. Have gone one vacation with it and have more than ample room to stretch out and keep the luggage in the back. It rides smooth. I would definately think positive about trading it in, in a few more years and buying a new one.

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  best suv - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By robert2 - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Own 2000 Jeep GCH laredo 4x2, 4.7L , 59000 ml. had only some small problems (locks,brakes,speed sensor....). When buying used Jeep make sure youve got lot of money for fixing and maintenance and lot of patience with dealer service department,get model with V8 engine (gas milage is almost same like with V6 models - i have average 16.8 mpg and drive mostly around the town )- but on the end this SUV is worth it.

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  I love my Jeep! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By avwjeep - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Jeep for over a year and I absolutely love it! I use it to commute to college and it gets me there no matter what the weather is! I would highly recommend a Liberty to anyone. It is really manuverable. I feel very safe in my Jeep. I also love how you are up high and have a good view of the road. This vehicle is a blast to drive!

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  Still the same - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By koolbreeze40 - April 20 - 10:00 am

  As long as you understand its capabailities on road its no problem. Dont turn corners at a high speed or the tires will let you know. But take it to the woods or training area and smile from ear to ear. I have to purchase a winch because the mud holes that M1A1 Tanks leave are deep.

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  My Third Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Hammer - April 20 - 6:30 am

  I have owned the last three Jeep Grand Cherokees and can say with personal experience that the 2005 Grand Cherokee has taken the brand to new heights. So far Im averaging 19 mpg mixed driving which is pretty darn good. Overall I really like the 05 and really feel I got a lot of value for the money. A Japanese SUV comparably equipped would have cost considerably more.

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  GREAT VALUE - Opt for the 3.2liter V6! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ricky Copeland - April 19 - 8:34 am

  Ive had my 2016 Latitude since December 2015 after having a 2005 Grand Cherokee for 11 virtual trouble-free years. I am amazed at all the bells and whistles this mid-price Cherokee has on it. My wife drives a Mercedes SL550 ($104,000 car) and the Cherokee has many of the features thats on the Mercedes, and in some cases, some the Benz doesnt have. We opted for the bigger engine upgrade (3.2-V6-25+mpg that I highly recommend), Comfort/Convenience package and the UConnet 8.4" screen upgrade. The incentives were great ($2K cash back + 0% for 60 months. I dont think I could have gotten more for the money anywhere else.

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  better than my wife - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By dlemmon1 - April 18 - 9:15 pm

  i love my jeep, it has been everywhere with me, from Colorado, Oklahoma, an Tennessee. love going offroad, put on all kinds of accessories, been very reliable. i fell into a ditch and flooded the engine, busted all kinds of things up, and its still goin strong. easy to work on and way fun to drive. not a family car in the winter but in the summers my sons love it.