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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  Im in love - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Katy - May 8 - 8:41 am

  Went to the Dodge Jeep and Chrysler dealership today not knowing what I was wanting but after test driving the 2016 Jeep Patriot Sport Im in love with this car it is everything that Ive been looking for all in one it is a great car and soon I will be going back and putting a down payment on this car never owned a jeep ever in my life always been in love with Dodge and it handles just like a Dodge acceleration is great interior is comfortable room is perfect the car is just gorgeous I recommend this car all the way especially if you have small kids the dealer today he will help me to put my 3 car seats in the back with my kids and my mother and we still have room so if youre looking to buy this car go for it!

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cspillman - May 6 - 11:02 am

  I purchased a used 2015 V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4x4 California Edition. Ive had the car for three weeks and love it. I drove it back from Colorado to AZ and it is fun to drive and the technology is wonderful. I have owned Audis but the fit and finish of this car is similar and the the digital dash and user friendly interface is better than Audi. I had to call to get the UConnect transferred into my name and the level of service was amazing. No wait times and everyone was extremely friendly and professional. I did purchase an extended warranty because this is my first Chrysler product and I read some bad reviews but so far this car is the best Ive owned.

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  Still worh it - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By McMartin - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I read all the reviews about the Jeep here before purchasing one...and theyre all about reliability, so, I purchased and extra long warranty, covering almost everything, so I feel confident everything will be taken care of should the need arise...besides that, what can I tell you? I love this SUV!!! I love the leather interior, the engine (4.7 V8) is VERY responsive, very smooth, althought it likes to consume a lot of gas...(Im getting around 14mpg on the city...) all the amenities inside are great! to all of you out there in the doubt: go for it, but purchase extended warranties!!

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  Enjoy the moment! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By CTSahara - May 5 - 9:10 am

  I swore I would never own an American made car again, but I have to say Chrysler has definitely earned their bragging rights. I purchased my 2008 Sahara in Steele blue metallic with all the bells and whistles, including MyGiG. Who would have thought a Wrangler could be $30,000? I love the rugged look of this vehicle and the polished aluminum wheels for 2008. This Jeep is such a head turner and Memorial Day weekend reminded me over and over of why I purchased this Jeep, as I cruised along the highway with the top off.

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  A capable SUV - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MS&T EE - May 2 - 11:50 pm

  Bought the Limited 4wd w/5.7L Hemi as a tow vehicle for fishing boat. Other than pickup trucks, few vehicles are available capable of towing more than 1,500 pounds - most SUVs are now "crossover" vehicles (station wagons). The Grd Cherokee can tow up to 7,200# w/Hemi and tow pkg. Although my experience is limited(2 wks), I have no complaints. Cabin is quiet, handling is nimble yet stable, body is solid, doors and interior fit very well, Hemi starts easily and runs sm-o-o-o-th. Backup camera great to hitch trailer. Insufficient experience to comment on reliability and fuel economy. Jeep web site is confusing-QuadDriveII (limited slip, skid plates, tow hooks) came standard with 5.7L Hemi.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Pat - May 1 - 6:00 pm

  Solid SUV with great acceleration. Handles GREAT in a foot of snow.

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  RDS TOY - 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Richard B. - April 30 - 7:49 pm

  Just returned from a trip to WV, and my Grand Cherokee performed flawlessly. This is my first Jeep (formerly a Ford lover), and I am not saying this because its mine, but Jeep has don their homework on this vehicle. We drove over 700 miles on out trip, but I did not experience any sore back, arms or buttitis. Most comfortable and easiest to drive vehicle I have ever owned. Fuel mileage was 22mpg overall and the air ride suspension is wonderful, especially when getting in or out.

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  Well loved Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Love my liberty - April 30 - 6:53 pm

  We have had our Liberty for about 2 months and I love it!We got the color that we wanted and a 6 speed manual transmission, which is rare. When we bought it, the reason was that I needed a small SUV with 4x4 for our lovely CO winters that sometimes play jokes on traffic. In the short time that we have had it we have only had a flat tire which was my fault. Our fuel economy has been wonderful!! Better than my husband expected at about 25- 29 mpg depending on how much I put my foot into it. It has also helped us get out on the weekends for family outings. Taking the dog is easy, too. Maybe we have great luck with this SUV, but it is well made and tons of fun to drive!

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  Gotta love Jeeps - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SarahSmile - April 27 - 7:03 pm

  I just traded my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 for a 2004 model. I owned the first for 3 years and loved it! Drives beautifully and is the perfect size. I did have to take it back to the dealer because of the rotors but they fixed them for free. I dont like the brake dust that gets all over the rims and I guess this is a common problem for the model. Other than that it is great.

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  A COMPLETE Shocker - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By afterrainjosh - April 25 - 5:50 pm

  Contrary to what some reviewers have said, I was blown away on all fronts by the Compass. The comfort of the drive is astounding. The handling and power is better than my wifes $50,000 sports car (I am not kidding. Her exact words were "Oh my gosh; honey! Its amazing"), the gas mileage is nothing short of amazing- we have recorded between 29 and 30 mpg on the freeway. The style of interior design is on par with similarly priced other makes; however the actual layout is extremely functional- everything is naturally where it should be- the little added touches (removable flashlight, power outlets, LOTS of storage, and seats that all fold flat to create a HUGE cargo area) are great too