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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  I dont know what Ive gotten myself into - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jasmine - March 11 - 6:05 pm

  I have been having issues with this care starting.. it sounds like it doesnt want to start. When I put the key in to start it up, it sounds like it isnt turning over. I had to push the gas pedal so that it would start up and I shouldnt have to, so I am worried about this, and I dont want to continue with this lease. I dont know if anyone else is having this issue but I am thinking about

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  My 2015 Grand Cherokee - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kathleen Pilz - March 10 - 10:47 am

  I have owned Grand Cherokees since 1995. We bought our daughter one for college. Then I purchased a 1998 4x4, then a 2003 Overland (which I am still driving) and the 2015. I have had very few problems with my jeeps. I LOVE my Jeeps! If I could afford it, I would buy a 2017 because my daughter is driving the 2015. I had given her the Overland, but decided I wanted it back because I smoke and didnt want to smoke in the new one.

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  Engine Issues Galore! - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By Lbanana - March 10 - 12:58 am

  I purchased my Jeep Liberty certified pre-owned. It had roughly 60k miles on it. It now has 105k miles on and my extended 7year/100k mile warranty JUST expired. What a perfect time to need a new engine, right?? The check engine light came on and its throwing a p0303 code (whichever code is for cylinder 2 misfiring). I still owe quite a bit of money on it and these depreciated SO badly that Im in a financial nightmare right now. I mean, why cant I get 150k out of this vehicle? I feel like Ive been ripped off. Im looking at a very large bill to either replace or rebuild the engine and Ive had it for less than 2 years. The crazy thing is that I have truly enjoyed this Jeep and love the look and feel of it. The radio is a piece of junk.. The clock slowly gets behind about a minute every 3 or 4 days. Took to a Jeep dealer and they replaced it. Still does the same thing.. I was really looking forward to possibly upgrading to a Jeep Wrangler unlimited for my next car in a year or two but now it looks like Im either never buying another Jeep or not for a while. Thanks Jeep....

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  Happy Camper - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dotsara - March 10 - 12:50 am

  For 15 years, I rode and drove an 85 Tercel; my Jeep is quite the step up. I wont go bragging about my fuel mileage (its a 2-ton, V6), but I will go on about how comfortable and useful (Ive moved myself and several friends) it is. She runs like a champ, although there have been two major mechanical problems (cracked exhaust manifold, wonky fuel pump). I love the look of my truck as well, its got that boxy, truck feel; its not all sedanish like the later model years. Love it!

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  I love this Jeep! - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By kest812 - March 9 - 10:12 pm

  I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited first and when I finally had to start looking for a new car I chose the Jeep Commander. I have had it since April 2010 and have had not one problem with it. I drive all over the country in it, Long Island, NY to Orlando, FL etc. We are a Military family, so its my Husband and I, 2 kids, 2 dogs and 2 cats when we move (which is a lot!) and it fits us comfortably. Its a smooth ride, performs AMAZING in the snow and on the beach and I feel safe having my family in it. I am upset they stopped production on these. I love it.

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  Will Never Buy Jeep Again - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By M Hatfield - March 9 - 2:06 pm

  Bought 2005 GC used in Aug 2006. Vehicle has been nothing but problems - steering column replaced, computer system replaced (at Chryslers cost), EGR valve replaced. Vehicle only has 46,000 miles on it. Vehicle would stall while driving, wouldnt start on first try - Jeep service dept didnt believe me when I told them it just "died" while driving. Now theres a rattling sound when slight pressure is put on gas pedal.

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  All Jeep, Practical Transportation - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By job2133 - March 8 - 9:50 pm

  We bought this vehicle as a second car and my wifes daily driver for work. Since we live in the Northeast, we wanted to get a 4 X 4. We looked at the Honda CR-V, Saturn VUE, and the RAV 4 but no one could touch the price of the Jeep Patriot and the lifetime power train warranty. I am very pleased with the Trail Rated Version and as a second vehicle to a Chevrolet Suburban, it fits the bill perfectly for low cost, 4 wheel drive, fuel efficiency and the historic look of Jeep. Yes this vehicle is a little noisy and does not drive like our Suburban, but what do you expect? It is practical transportation that gives you many standard safety features, low cost and rugged looks.

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  awesome - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By rvnclaw22 - March 8 - 3:23 pm

  i thought that the car had a little comfort issues but it was amazing.

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  Jeep Wrangler YJ - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By texasjeepguy - March 8 - 2:00 am

  My Jeep YJ is great as a second car. If this will be your primary car, then you better be ready to turn int o a true Jeeper.

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  Jeep grand cherokee limited 5.2 - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DNorem - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this Jeep for 3 1/2yrs and had no problems. I have it serviced regularly and change oil religiously. Ive had other Jeeps and definately recommend the 5.2L engine. It seems smoother, has more get up and go and pulls a trailer much better.