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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  Customer service nonexistent - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JF - May 1 - 10:00 am

  July 17th was told I needed a part for 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo under warranty. Problem with shifting of the vehicle. Told my part would be in on Sept 23. Waiting over 2 months. Called Customer Service and keep getting switched from 1 department to another with no results. Was told my part was High Priority. When finally speaking to someone I am now told my part wont be in til Nov 11. I finally get them to pay for a rental, the cheapest they can get away with. Now they tell me the dealer will only pay for a 5 day rental and they can only pay for 14 days. They are to supply parts for a vehicle under warranty and its not my fault they dont have the part. Why should I be without a car.

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  Excellent - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe Granberg - May 1 - 10:00 am

  After coming from a 2010 Volvo XC70, it is clear that the Jeep is better in every regard. After moving from Florida to Alaska, a vehicle with more off-road capability was necessary. To see how good the vehicle really was I drove the whole way. 5000 miles later, my only complaints are that the rear seat is on the smaller side and the front seats dont massage. The Jeep makes up though by being the far most capable off road in the group I tested (Infinti QX56,Hummer H2 and H3, Cadillac Esclade, and Lexus Lx570 as well as having the smoothest ride. Front seats are very comfortable and have good array of adjustments. This vehicle is great and should be able to bring Chrysler back into the game.

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  Electical nightmare - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bob - May 1 - 3:10 am

  I love my Jeep, but it wont stop breaking. The back is full of spare parts that always brake, lots of fuses and extra wire to make a fusible link from the battery. Why dont they have a fuse for the radio or power Windows? And why dont they make parts out of something other than plastic? I have been buying parts from the Audi dealership, and modifying them to work on my Jeep. Its now a Jedi.

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  Reliable & Fun Run-about - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By jb - April 30 - 7:20 am

  My 1995 Wrangler SE (Sport) is equipped with the bullet-proof 4.0 liter in-line six and 5 speed manual transmission. Options include the Sport Package & AC. This little Jeep has nearly 140,000 miles on it and still looks & runs like new. This old AMC designed YJ Wrangler is not a luxury car - it is a vehicle designed to go off-road as well as on- road. If you purchase one knowing its highway limitations (not a high-speed cruiser or a 40 mpg econo-box), as well as its attributes - great in all weather - summer or winter) you should be very satisfied. Sure they are noisy & rough riding, but they are durable, reliable and a blast to drive. My preference is the YJ.

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  Cherokee Sport - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By C Barr - April 30 - 5:26 am

  Ive had this jeep for a couple of years and I love driving it. It handles great in the rain and snow of Ohio, and feels very safe in adverse conditions. I havent had any major problems with it yet but my understanding is that it could be a problem later on. The biggest drawback to this vehicle is its overlack of comfort and interior amenities.

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  Issues I have had so far - 48K miles - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gary in MD - April 30 - 3:50 am

  Had no issues first few years in MD. Moved to a year-round warm weather area. Tube that carries fluid from front to back windshield washer busted and water leaked from the column onto the driver side interior. Fixed by dealership, but not under mile one warranty. As another reader posted, engine was revving and all the gear displays were lighting up at once. It was the shifter computer or something. Fixed by dealership, under mileone warranty. About 250 out of pocket w/ deductible.

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  I like it - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gene - April 27 - 8:26 am

  I got the Jeep with 43000 miles in Jan 2004. It now has 91000 miles. My wife liked it because of the soft leather seats and seat heaters. I have towed a 20 foot trailer in the mountains in snow and mud. No problems. I have had one brake job, and regular maintenance. It is fun to drive, quiet and smooth. Sound system is OK.

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  6th Wrangler purchase - 2016 Jeep Wrangler
  By Douglas Lower - April 26 - 2:25 am

  When I went for this purchase I knew what would work for me from my previous purchases. I went for the Unlimited Sport with the S package and automatic. My previous Jeep was a 15 Sahara Unlimited, It had a stiff suspension, 18 inch wheels that the dealership had a tough time with one sided balancing. I thought it was Wranglers luxury model, Its ride was a disappointment. The 430 Nav Stereo was a disappointment. It might have been better with the speaker upgrade. On my new Jeep the ride is nice, It has the 17 inch wheels and softer suspension. The biggest surprise is the headliner in the 3 piece Hardtop, It really quiets the interior. The base stereo with sat radio sounds great. When I was dealing with a stereo shop with my Sahara To improve the sound, the tech said to always go with the standard stereo and put your own stereo in. But I do not think I will need one. I added the Sahara sidesteps, they really protect the side paint. I went for the automatic because I live in a big city, and rush hour can get real old . I went for the 3.21 rear end for better gas mileage. I added Trac-Loc so one day when somebody wanted to do some serious off roading, they could. If you are mainly a street driver, opt for the Unlimited Sport . It takes a few thousand miles for everything to smooth out and break-in. I purchased a black one,so everything blends in, including the painted pieces in the interior. I ordered the Sahara bumper appliques front and rear in Billet Silver which should add some nice contrast with the black paint for $174. including tax from the dealer. The engine and transmission are so smooth. I love that it is a convertible, 4x4,and utility, or tow vehicle, so flexible. I love the way it drives. The Unlimited is not as squirelly as the 2 door, and has better safety ratings. I think I should have ordered the optional side airbags, maybe on the next one. I do not know how they would work out if you were doing serious off roading.

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  Special Edition it is! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By PhillyMcD - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely love this Jeep!! Favorite car ever. Want to buy another one. Drive this car in Northern Michigan through deep snow and it drives right through it like nothing else. Sticks to the road like white on rice! Far better performance than my friends avalanche, tahoe and explorer! Jeep. Theres definitely only one!

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  Good Engineering and Finish - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By gerryme - April 26 - 2:00 am

  It has been a really fun experience driving an SUV and I think that this is one of the best.