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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  Its Ok - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Look around - March 1 - 4:33 pm

  The vehicle has been in the shop quite a few times almost from date of purchase. Key wouldnt come out of the ignition? Factory radio replaced three times, window rattle, mirror separating from a pillar causing a loud whistle after 45mph. The ride is fun but gas is expensive so it turns into a from A to B vehicle. Average 16-17 in town and 18-22 on the highway. Dont use the AC or it could be worse. Not much space either. If you want an SUV buy something else. Some wagons have more room. Jeep hasnt been the most supportive either.

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  Love it! - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By marichelo - March 1 - 7:03 am

  The 2009 Jeep Compass has been the best vehicle I have purchased so far. I have no regrets whatsoever. Great fuel mileage, comfortable, easy to clean, roomy, quiet, great interior and exterior look. The new lifetime warranty is the best!

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  good not great - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dummy1234 - February 28 - 7:09 pm

  great size,rear wheel drive but 3.6 does not have quite enough torque - as most v6s go. nice ride but for a new engine needs better gas mileage. meaning 6 speed transmission. i guess the 24 gal fuel tank will give range but at the pump $80 is steep for a fill up?? and price is very steep for upgrades.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Pete - February 28 - 11:00 am

  Bought Jeep new in Jan 04. Had transmission issue shortly after getting it but was fixed under warranty and never had any further maint. issues at all. Just had to trade it in for van since 3 kids will not fit in it.Was great vehicle, made several long distance trips up and down East coast, and cross state trips. Had plenty of power, decent gas mileage avg @20MPG. Did my best to follow Manufacturers maint schedule. Besides hiccup with trans. had absolutely nothing go wrong with it at all. Held up very well was very happy with it overall and would recommend to anybody.Very fun to drive.

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  No Problems - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Frank from L.I. - February 28 - 2:56 am

  This is my 3rd GC. Had a 97 and 04, all leased brand new, and had no problems with any of them. Cant understand why so many people state these SUVs are terrible. This one by far rides and handles the best, although I liked the styling of the 97 the best. Serviced at dealer all the time, no issues. The 07 is the Red Rock Chrystal color, changes in different light, and gets many compliments. Currently has 41,000 miles on it with no issues at all. Could be a keeper, but that will depend on the new GC coming out this spring.

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  Way to Go Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Tony - February 27 - 9:30 pm

  This vehicle screams fun. Have had it for about a week now and just love driving it. It is very comfortable and offers a smooth ride. Build quality is great; the vehicle is tight, shifts smooth (I have the automatic) and the radio sounds great. Took it on a highway trip and got between 21 and 22 MPG. If youve always wanted a Wrangler but found them too small and rough, that excuse is gone. If you like Jeeps, you will love this one.

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  Purchased 2014 GC Summit Demo - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By curtis75 - February 26 - 4:40 pm

  I picked up a 2014 GC Summit (Demo) with the 5.7L V8 in Jan 2015. So far its been an excellent SUV, plenty of power, very comfortable, touch screen very easy to use and connect my devices. Interior fit an finish is excellent really like the leather seating and suede headliner, Black interior, Harmon Kardon sound, LOTS of bump. The drive, as it is a heavy Vehicle and me coming from a sports sedan, is very comfortable, Sport mode well thats a hole different beast need I say more. Jeeps done a really good job with the GC. But my only issue with it is that the Uconnect is not available in Canada, Whats the hold up...?

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  Bad Transmission - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Mad - February 26 - 1:30 pm

  At 5000 miles I needed to have the torque converter and valve body replaced on my transmission. Both are MAJOR components. About 500 miles later the same problem with the transmission came back. it was not upshifting or downshifting properly especially in traffic. This time the dealership replaced the entire transmission. Now, 2 months after the transmission was replaced we are back to square one with even more issues. I like the design and feel of the Liberty but be aware that there are automatic transmission issues with this vehicle. I have talked to other Liberty owners that have experienced a lot of the same problems that I have experienced. My problems are still not over.

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  2002 Special Edition - Love my Grand! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JGCSELovr - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I owned 2 Explorers before I finally crossed my fingers on the reliability issue got a Jeep. Its a superior vehicle all around: better ride, very comfortable seating, awesome power and acceleration from the 4.7, more tow capability, REAL off- roading ability. Averaging lifetime 17mpg (4.7 w/4wd), only 1 mpg less than my 99 V-6 2wd Explorer. Fewer quality/warranty issues than I expected. Best, most versatile vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  the best - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By john roga - February 26 - 10:00 am

  i like this a lot but think i should have waited tell the 05 came out