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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  Two Whole Days Before Trouble - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Unhappy Sad Old Guy - May 17 - 4:42 pm

  Bought car on Tuesday. Wife thrilled to get her desired suv Jeep, and Im thrilled to get her BMW, But wait!! Oh no!! Jeepy throws a "check engine" code on Friday, wife sad. Friendly dealer "fixes" errant code on Friday pm, wife somewhat revived. Oh no!! Code reappears on Sunday. Wife is in tears, wants her BMW back. How happy do you think I am right now?

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  keep both hands on the wheel - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rocky Mountain - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Poor brakes,rear hatch rattles,hood release lever released in my hands. This vehicle is ideal for 4 wheel driving.

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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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  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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  New transmission at 80K mi and recalls - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JEB4 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Numerous recalls, new transmission, new ball joints, new CV boots, bad gas gauge and condenser went out before 81k miles. My wife was driving it when the front driver seat became posessed and proceeded to fully recline on my 2 year- olds legs! It also seems to burn through front tires despite frequent alignments. Some rust forming under liftgate (not good for a garage-kept car).

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  Was sure, but now not so sure... - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By bigskyguy1976 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with this vehicle years ago and thought I should buy one before the Liberty took them away. Test drove several (Limited only) and initialy loved it. I located one online and drove 400 miles to get it. Wish I hadnt now. Purchesed with 32,000 miles. Rotors have gone bad, engine is underpowered, 4x4 doesnt engage, electric defrosts died and there is a very un-nerving clunk in the rear upon deceleration/ braking. Oh, the leather interior is very cheap!

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  Not as good as I hoped! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mjp - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Negatives: Rear View not very good Poor Front Brake Design (replaced twice) Poor Power Door Lock Design (replaced 3 times) Poor Fuel Pump Design (replaced once) Would not recommend vehicle to family or friends This is my third Jeep Ive owned and will not own another one.

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  nightmare - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By monkaass - April 19 - 11:03 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 54,0000 miles on it. It has been a total disaster. I got into the truck one night was stranded because the starter blew. 2 days later the blend door went out , with the stupid dual heater, which doubles your chances for failure. Whell began to grind 2 months after I bought it. My suggestion is if you really want to buy this vehicle used, dont do it.

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  Money Pit - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Homer5 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD-LOADED. STAY AWAY. Wife had vehicle since new; maintained to the hilt. Despite great care, list of repairs on this piece of junk too lengthy to list. Most notable lately: tracking bar and other suspension parts ($300), new air conditioning system ($1500), new fuel pump ($500), leaking transmission, faulty wiring, on and on. Last two years: cost over $3,000 (thats half of its current market value). I hate it. Will never buy a Chrysler product. My Toyota has same mileage (115K), and NEVER had a problem. Cant wait to sell this heap of junk and get a 4Runner.

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  Cherokee Limited V6 4 x 4 - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By jnlon98uc - April 17 - 6:23 am

  Purchased this vehicle in June of 2014, Two months later the front end started to shimmy/wobble when accelerating from a stop or taking a corner from a stop. Took it to the dealer and they confirmed the problem and said they will replace both front axles as recommended by Star Case S1421000022 (not sure what that is). Axles replaced and it still does the same thing. Will return to dealer when the 1000 mile break-in period for the new axles is up. Acceleration from a stop is not very responsive either.