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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  "Cheap" Grand Cherokee - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jimmy - January 29 - 12:06 am

  Well, this car was the worst one we ever bought. The brake rotors warped within 8 months of driving it out of the lot, the air conditioning is hot in the summer, but the heating is marginally good in winter. The fan relay went at 38k miles. The fog light on-indicator burned out at 39k miles and one of the power outlets doesnt work. At 33k miles the seatbelt failed to retract. The car floats all over the road. The tilting steering wheel jumps out of its last position when you go over a bump. Do not, whatever you do, by a used Jeep Grand Cherokee. I wouldnt say its trail rated---I would say its "fail" rated.

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  Weve come home - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Todd L - January 28 - 1:16 am

  We rented a Jeep Wrangler X when we were vacationing in Maui and came home and bought one. We had owned a CJ5 about 20 years ago before we started having kids. We had so much fun with the Wrangler on the Road to Hana as it took every curve and hill with ease that it reminded us just what we loved about having a jeep. This one definitely has a better heater/AC than the CJ (thank goodness) and handles great. All we own if 4x4s but the jeep handles so much better than our trucks. Thanks goodness we rented one and rediscovered what a joy it is.

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  Dont be fooled by "Cute" - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Jeff - January 27 - 8:45 pm

  I rented the 2018 Compass and it is is "cute" but has a sluggish 2.4 Cylinder engine, a transmission that to this day Jeep (the ZF-9 Speed) , just cant seem to get to shift right, a dreadful stop-start system, and an air conditioner that even on high is marginal at best. The vent air flow to the driver, by the vent to the right of the drivers steering wheel, is blocked by the steering wheel. Howd they miss that? If someone is hell bent on owning a Jeep buy the Cherokee. For just a few more dollars the ride, comfort, and overall experience is at least 50% better. You still get the lousy transmission but at least you have the option of a V6 (at least in the 2017s). The Cherokee tracks much better on the road also, like its on rails. The Compass, not so much -like to wander more. The interior of the Compass is like a Jeep Cherokee Mini-Me. Fits so much better in the Cherokee. I actually owned a 2015 Cherokee for two years and loved the car except for the transmission. That alone was enough to make me trade the vehicle at 50,000 miles. Maybe they get it right in the 2018 Cherokee. Anyhow.....the Compass is cute.....but you can do much better with your hard earned dollars.

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  Its a Jeep Thing - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Scott3249 - January 26 - 9:43 pm

  Got this Wrangler in July of 2001 after my 98 Wrangler got total. Was surprise at the improvements to the top. Great SUV, not gonna win any MPG awards, but hey its a Jeep. Ive put close to 90k miles on it and just replaced the radiator, was my fault for not flushing it out. Has been been a great jeep.

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  Jeep is best SUV I ever had - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By msolomon@stevensandgoldwyn.com - January 26 - 12:26 am

  I have had acura, lexus, land rover and porsche suvs. The jeep was the best by far...love that ride, handling, minimal maintenance issues.

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  Bring back the cherokee - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By truxton - January 25 - 7:00 pm

  My 2001 is my second Cherokee. I bought a new 1994 when Chrysler rumors came out that it would be discontinued. The 2001 was the last year, so i bought a 2001 Cherokee classic. My daughter has a 2000 and my son has a 1998. The Cherokee was a classic well built utilitarian vehicle. I love the visibility, 4x4 ability and the dependability.

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  Jeep Junk - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Junk - January 24 - 1:10 pm

  Its hard to know where to start, ok, the good, great looks. there done. The bad, everything, always in the shop, from drive line to electrical, heating and a/c to braking to cooling to, well everything. Paint peeling to add to it. worst vehicle i have ever owned, do not purchase this Jeep and year or any other, save yourself the pain and hassle, oh and money. Dealership can never fix it, wish someone would steal it so I would never see it in the drive way again.

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  Watch out for bad O2 sensors - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Riggs - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had to replace both O2 sensors in a span of less than 6 months. Jeeps have two of them. It will cost you over $200 bucks to change each O2 sensor unless you know how to change it yourself. Steering is a problem. When making tight turns the front wheels will shake and pull. Other than that, the Jeeps are a decent vehicle.

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  Jeep = Worst Junk Car - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Charlie H - January 24 - 10:00 am

  It is such a junk car!!! Since I bought it, I have kept getting back to dealer for repairing, radio noise,gas tank leak,window noise, power window not working,power seat not moving, door can not be unlocked, engine check light on, so on........If any one wants a reliable car, never look at the Jeep!!!! Take the lesson from me! But you like the fancy functions and dont care to visit Jeep car dealer for fixing "small problems" once a month, go ahead for it.

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  Not Bad - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By My second wrangler - January 24 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for something fun to drive with high versatility this is the vehicle. If you want a quiet reliable ride buy a foreign car. My previous 99 Wrangler had 20K miles, the electrical system had a short, the hard top was cracking. I traded that in for a Toyota Tacoma truck. The truck was built extremely well, but its still a truck. I traded the truck for a 01 Wrangler (currently with 19K miles). I just received my second recall notice, the main seal has failed (replaced after three trips to the dealer), the throwout bearings are making noise, and it shakes at 70 mph. Despite all this its very fun to drive and can go anywhere.