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 Engine Failures due to Valve Seats - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By David K - February 8 - 2:13 pm

  major problem with the valve seat coming off and damaging my Jeep Liberty engine. We purchased the car new and have continually provided maintenance on the vehicle at your dealerships. What is upsetting is the lack of interest now from your customer relations department except for your local dealership who has been supportive, on what has occurred. This is a safety issue and this problem is a manufacturer defect . This incident could have caused my daughter to have an accident since she was driving this car as a high school senior. I will take

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  Window regulators - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Frank - February 7 - 9:20 pm

  I had to replace the window regulators in my 2004 Jeep Grand Cher. Laredo once,but guess what,Im going to have to re-place 4 of them again. Ill never buy another Jeep Cherokee and will never recommend them to anyone else. These things cost a lot of money, which I cannot afford.

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  Mixed feelings on this! TRUTH - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By mixed feelings! - February 7 - 4:03 pm

  I live in Santa Fe NM. I purchased the car this past April. Traded a truck and a sports car for this. and with an extra bank discount I got a great deal. I purchased the floor room Jeep 4x4 all black with the sky roof open... The undercoat was not painted and after 3 weeks with the Jeep everything rusted underneath. Jeep squeaks when I brake! The roof is lifting and at first I was more than in love with the fact it made not a sound but now it is a wind tunnel from hell that even the great radio SAT system wont block out! I have a color called Black Pearl? There seems to be a sun spot on the hood small but does not look finished.The biggest headache of them all is Jeep does not offer a loaner.

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  good old jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By christine - February 4 - 2:30 pm

  Me and my husband got this Jeep after I drove on of his buddys jeeps. I like his and wanted one. This Jeep has been good to us. Just the normal repairs. We bought it used with 43,000 miles. Good power, goes in snow and mud. I would like to get a brand new one if I could. We have 105,000 miles and it still is going strong.

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  LOVE My Baby Jeep!! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Stacey - February 2 - 5:57 pm

  I just traded in my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the 2016 Cherokee Latitude (v6) and OMG! Im in love. I didnt think I would like a smaller version of what I had but I was wrong. The comfort, the bells and whistles and the road handling. I feel like Im in a sporty type vehicle. It handles curves AWESOME! Im happy. The ONLY thing that can be a little annoying is the ceiling noise. I guess, with the panoramic moon roof, the glass doesnt shield road noises like a metal ceiling would. But it looks FABULOUS when the roof is exposed! I love it! Ill always have a Jeep in my life! Since I only had 11 miles when I got it (2 days ago), I cant speak to the gas mileage yet, but the car is wonderful! I LOVED My Grand Cherokee, but it had soooooooo many issues. It was hard to part with it because it was truly my Dream car, but this baby Jeep has me wondering what took me so long. Great look, great "toys", great handling and GREAT car! But wait! Forgot to mention the fact that with UConnect, I am able to start my car from ANYWHERE. From my computer at my desk(!!!), from the mobile app on my phone or from my keyfob.

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  Worst car I ever bought - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GLENNS - February 1 - 9:03 am

  This car has been in the shop for shutting off while driving multiple times, rubbing noises when braking, windows not working properly, mirror has to be replaced, car still stutters periodically, manual locks had to be fixed. Until reprogrammed, car would stall when you hit a bump. Would NEVER buy another jeep. Horrible investment. Check resale value before purchasing.

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  97 Jeep - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Tyler Kunde - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive a full fledged jeep lover. Im 17 and this is my second jeep, and it surely wont be the last.

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  Go Anywhere! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By TBNNashua - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep. Having always wanted one, I am happy that I finally have one. The noise is not as big of an issue as I had thought it would be. It is noisy, but I can still talk on a cell phone while driving, and the person on the other end can still hear. There is really no major negatives to this vehicle. It is great!

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  Every Car Should be This Fun!!!!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By colorado1974 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Dont get this if you have a 2 hour daily commute or need to carry 5 people all the time. Get this if you want to grin from ear to ear every second you are behind the wheel. Nothing in the world compares to this! This is the only convertible you can buy that will carry a Dog, your wife, luggage and pull a boat all at the same time. Hell, you could to all that and cross a 3 foot deep puddle.

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  great - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By whitley - February 1 - 2:00 am

  i love libertys they r awesome