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 stinks - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By So Sad - March 16 - 7:00 am

  I downsized from a Nissan Pathfinder that was truly a jem but had too many miles on it. The Jeep is really bouncy and I am embarrassed to have my mother drive with me to shop. The front seats feel like you are sitting in a high chair. The gas mileage is absolutely horrible. I am looking to purchase another foreign SUV for more comfort and reliability. It feels like the transmission has to catch up to the acceleration. Not happy after less than 3 months.

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  Biggest "HEAP" ever - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Worst Buy Ever!!! - March 12 - 3:20 pm

  I hardly even drive this car and it has had every problem in the book: brake failure, electrical, transmission, and oil tank leaks and ALL before 50,000 Miles. It is weak and has horrible handling. The dealership charges WAY too much for service and it feels like Im driving a motor home. It is way too hard to maneuver in traffic and you feel like your going to tip over on every turn!! resell value was HORRIBLE! Save yourself the trouble and dont buy a jeep!! this is the first and last time I will buy an American car, back to Japanese auto makers

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  Jeep-o-crap - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Alias - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This car has had problems with transmission, 5 years old!!! Maybe Id like this car better but I have a Benz that is the best, old and sturdy 1990.

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  Transmission Fish Bite - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By busterssuv - February 24 - 7:21 pm

  Our 2013 Grand Cherokee Overland had the fish bite experience in the transmission described all over the web. We brought it back to the dealership with only 200 miles on it. That began a series of visits over the course of a year – 8 visits in all. We finally received a software update (first promised in March 2013, then June, then July, and then August). The software update made the problem worse! After pursuing the Lemon Law process and getting nowhere with Chrysler, we gave in and traded it for a totally different make/model - with zero regrets. The GC was a gigantic waste of time and money.

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  Jeep no more - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TROPICAL JEEP - February 21 - 1:50 pm

  The 3.7 L V-6 is a disappointment. After dealing with: transmission problems (apparently loose parts); a fuse box that took me a couple of weeks to determine where it was located and still havent gotten a good look at them to change the one I think may be responsible for the windshield wiper washer not working; a leak inside the cabin every time it rains is driving me nuts (I dont have time for this, I need my car to work full time; strange outside wind noise which you will get used to, just as people who live near airports get used to airplane noise; in other words, if your time is precious and have to work for a living dont buy this car. Take your pick of problems!

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  dont buy a jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By bonny - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Loud noisy engine. Uncomfortable rough bumpy ride. VERY VERY VERY bad brakes for all jeeps, ROTORS are all made inferior as per factory rep.

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  Not happy with its reliability.... :-( - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By lnunez - February 6 - 4:03 am

  We owned a 1995 Jeep, we were so pleased with this Jeep we decided to purchase the Commander, without reading up on the reviews. Big mistake, we have been taking the jeep to the dealer because it accelerates at a stop. i feel it has a mind of its own. We also had a problem with the windshield the weather strip unglued and we had to pay for it. Its hard to see at the back window, has too many blind stops. Will be trading it in for a toyota sienna.

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  This diesel is not enjoyable - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Edward Kauffman - January 28 - 2:02 pm

  I love the sound of a diesel engine, and I appreciate the great fuel economy for a vehicle of its size. This VMI V-6 motor is totally adequate in power output. Highway cruising and passing are effortless. There are some glaring negatives, however, that limit my enjoyment of this motor. Foremost is the profound turbo lag that, on leaving a stop, causes very little response from the motor for about one second, then suddenly a rush of acceleration. It so substantial that it makes one look like a beginning driver abusing a clutch. One can avoid this behavior by loafing away from a stop to a speed of about 10 MPH before accelerating more vigorously; this requires changing driving habits specifically for this vehicle. This turbo lag is also seen at higher speeds when the motor is loafing and at low RPM, when suddenly asked for more power. The motor requires very expensive ($8-10 per quart) low ash diesel qualified oil, and expensive oil filters. After my first oil change at the Jeep dealer the check engine light came on because the ash filter in the exhaust system had become totally loaded. By contrast, the ZF eight speed automatic is wonderful; one is minimally aware of it working. The vehicle is a real highway cruiser. It is very quiet and pleasant for roadwork. I have had limited exposure to off-pavement travel. What experience I have makes me question the value of its "Trail Rated" status. The front bumper airdam is so low that it easily scrapes on small boulders here on our Arizona dirt trails. The ground clearance (without the extra cost air suspension) is about the same as my wifes Subaru Forester XT. My online reading leads me to believe that one can not easily remove this low airdam for off-road use and then drive at highway speeds with it off. So in reality this Jeep is a crossover vehicle with super-nice all wheel drive capability, but inadequate ground clearance to challenge moderately rough trail use. I suspect that Jeep gave this vehicle its "Trail Rated" status after testing with the airdam removed.

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  poor - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By delaur - January 26 - 12:33 am

  Loud noise, poorly designed, no locks on glove box , gas milage not as good as they say, cant wait to get rid of it. Its like driving a tank cant hear the radio, engine noise is loud, comfort level not there. Cant drink a cup of coffee in the dark, cup holders out of the way, cant find them.

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  Fooled! - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Jamie - January 18 - 9:29 pm

  If your looking for a suv thats somewhat good on gas by pass this one! The outside of them are nice & the Bluetooth inside is good. Its a cheap made gas guzzler!