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 Assessment - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Assessment of Jeep - April 9 - 11:30 pm

  I have had my jeep about 10 months. It handles very well in the snow, and is a blast to drive in the summer. The longer wheel base make it a much smoother ride. I have a soft top and have mastered its removal (about 2,5 minutes), but putting it on takes a little longer. I am very happy and look forward to years of driving. The down side is its lack of acceleration and low miles per gallon. I am glad I bought it and recommend one for anyone who wants to have a little fun while driving. It is not a really comfortable car, make your second car the comfortable one. When you live up north, way, way up north, give me reliability over comfort anytime.

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  Nice and fun, but... - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By bigo - April 8 - 4:13 am

  Keep in mind, IÂ’m single and this is my only vehicle. Got my Jeep back in July. Almost 6500 miles on it. Fun ride that definitely turns heads. I do get the mini Hummer comment a lot. Hard top takes two people to get it off (back portion.) I continue to have problems with a leak anytime it rains. Drips right down on the dashboard and then onto the radio. Supposedly been fixed by dealership but by the sound of everyone else, there is no fix. When starting it seems to stick sometimes. Recently got a recall about my brakes. This Jeep will suck gas. I get about 16 mpg. On the interstate I get around 19-20. No power! Love driving it in the summer and look forward to next year already.

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  Water leaking/speaker have short - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By deltau1 - April 7 - 2:16 pm

  I just purchase a 2008 commander and I am having water leaking through even when I just use wipers the hand rails near window. Going into speakers. Short, crackle sound, right side speaker dont work. Who knows where water is traveling now! Also, when driving can hear wind through windshield. Hard to see through rear window with rear back seats up, dont use it.I cant really rate the vehicle to much, since its only been a month, so far not good.

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  Not Jeep Quality - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By john - April 5 - 6:33 am

  Thompson Jeep/Chrysler does fantastic work, however it seems Jeep quality continues to become worse and worse. This is the second Jeep Ive purchased. The first was a 2005 Wrangler. I couldnt take all the problems and issues. Now my Liberty is causing me time from work. Every other week it something else going wrong. Its still under warranty and thank goodness I purchased the extended warranty. Page after page I keep reading about more and more Jeep Liberty problems, especially window regulator issues.

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  My 2014 Jeep Sahara - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By karlw90 - April 1 - 9:36 am

  I was going to write a very detailed review, but I only have 700 characters, so here are the main points: - I drive 60+ miles every day in this Jeep and its fine. Better than fine, as good as any mid-level SUV out there. - I got the dual top option. Do it if you live in an area like I do (Chicago) if you can afford it. The hard top is fantastic in winter, and soft top is great in summer. Switching is not the tops is really not that hard at all.

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  bad transfer case -- disappointment - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By SaS - March 31 - 12:46 am

  The comfort of this car far surpasses any other SUV I have driven. But it was a major disappointment to find that I had purchased a vehicle that had a bad transfer case from the git-go. You dont expect to be inconvenienced at 3100 miles. And to put up with the noise, vibration and the stress of wondering what else is going to happen later down the road, because Chryslers service reps seem to think that itÂ’s ok to drive the vehicle until they can get around to replacing the transfer case. My concern is will the transmission fail next? Will the driveline maintain its integrity? I did not expect this from a Jeep. But then again it is a Chrysler product now, isnt it!

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lp1968 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great SUV! This is my second Grand Cherokee, and I have had very few major repairs. I did have to have the tranny overhauled, but that was close to 100,000 miles. The 4x4 is great (I think my 95 was a little better), but for our tough winters it is a must!

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  Great Overland experience - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JK Bulman - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th Jeep and the best. Major improvements over the older Grand Cherokees are engine performance of the new HO V-8 with improved HP and torque. The transmission is a much improved 5 speed automatic. The low end torque is great. The ride is improved but still lacks smoothness. The sound level is much improved. The Navigation is much better than the older style CD based Jeep Pod. The engine idle is a little rough but acceptable. The seats are great and provide good support and comfort. The vehicle is very functional and good looking.

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  I drink my coffee black, and now drive an American Icon - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By mr_doering - March 29 - 2:36 pm

  My first vehicle was a 1965 American Rambler station wagon with three on the tree. The Jeep Patriot is no nonsense SUV that will take me wherever I want to go; moreover, It truly is an all-purpose vehicle without all of the bells and whistles. I have lived from the Caribbean to the Hawaiian islands and every time zone between (except Alaska), and this Jeep Patriot would be an asset in every past and future home; moreover, for its on- or off-road ability. However, in my case why finance stuff that I do not need.

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  Shoddy resale can benefit you! - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Travis P. - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Considering that my 95 Grand Cherokee stickered at 27 grand when new, I got a great deal at only 11 grand. The build quality is very solid, I have no rattles no shakes and handling is great. I used the 4wd quite extensively last winter and it functions without any problems. The ride can be a bit rough off the pavement but the ground clearance is great. The gas mileage has been between 18-20 mixed and the 4 liter has more than enough power for me. On the freeway, passing is not a problem but crosswinds can be a problem. Great vehicle overall.