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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  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.

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  Traded it after 22k miles. - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steve - January 11 - 3:28 pm

  I believe the 2015 Grand Cherokee is one of the finest looking SUV on the market. The Overland with V8 is a 90k dollar vehicle in a 50k dollar price range. Ride quality, design, and performance are excellent. However the fuel economy is terrible. In town was 13 at best highway 18 combined 14. After 5000 miles there was blow by smoke on star up. Dealer said it was normal. After 10.000 miles strange rattle in dash. Dealer couldnt locate noise. When running at low speeds in Eco mode loud vibration under driver seat. I had the vehicle for 18 months just traded it for 2016 F150 3.5 Ecoboost. More HP and torq plus 3 to 5 MPG better in all areas. Plus a 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds in a full size 4 door 4x4 truck. Full second faster than the jeep. Worlds better 4x4 and better overall vehicle.

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  Transmission problems - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By larsT - January 7 - 6:10 am

  Purchased new 2005 Laredo 4X4 and within a week it was back at the dealers. It has been back twice for a total of 20 days for repair. They told me the first time that the transmission was flooded with water. The air conditioner condenser is right above the tranny dipstick, and it drains into it. What a poor design! Never buy a Chrysler product. Not once has anyone from Chrysler Jeep contacted me to apologize for the trouble and inconvenience and hardship that this is causing.

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  Terrible Seats! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By terps02 - January 4 - 2:40 am

  After driving the Jeep Grand Cherokee for 8 months, my right leg started to go numb. I closely analyzed the situation and determined that the front seat doesnt line up properly with the pedals and the steering wheel. The brake pedal is too far to the left and it forces you to cross your right leg too far to the left when braking. Further, your body is always at about a 10 degree angle to the left from center because everything doesnt line up properly. I now have to sit on pillows to force my body to the left to feel centered in the seat. I will have to sell the car as a result of this.

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  Uconnect and Jeep - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeepsucks100 - January 2 - 8:41 am

  Trailhawk doesnt let you turn off the radio can only is mute it and then you have to turn off the touch screen or else the station info keeps displaying. When start car next time its all back on. Tech at it worst. Do not buy if you dont like constant distraction!

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  who wouldve thought - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By KrisM - January 2 - 4:50 am

  We bought the GC for the Ohio winters. 4WD is great, but its the stupid little things that keep breaking. The lock in the rear hatch had to be replaced, the drivers seat broke (and we couldnt get another one that wasnt broken in the same spot, so it had to be welded), This thing eats rotors for breakfast, had to replace the water pump at 40k. Other than that, its a good vehicle

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  Its a Jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepster0202 - January 1 - 8:33 pm

  After 3 other jeeps, my fourth will be my last of the newer jeeps, I traded up from a 98 to this 05, and cant get over how bad the gas mileage is, i have had all 4 cylinder jeeps and only regretted not having power, now i wish i had the mileage! Alot of Rattles in these, to many plastic pieces and clips,water leaks at body seams, and way to small. Basically if you want something fun, with for wheel drive and endless supply of aftermarket parts buy this! If you want comfort,and gas mileage this is not for you!

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  Only for the 1st 10-20,0000 miles - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bronze8020 - December 30 - 7:43 am

  Less than 30,0000 miles - I expected better. Rear caliper froze up destroyed rotor at 20,000 miles - Caliper under warranty - rotor not even though the warranty part destroyed it. Now at almost 30,000 miles it inexplicably bucks violently and uncontrollably once in a while when I let off the gas. Scary experience at 55 mph in traffic - wont stop till you get off the road and shut the car off. No trouble found at dealership. My advice? Dont buy one !

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  My money pit of a car - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By Lisa - December 22 - 8:20 am

  I bought my 2009 Jeep Liberty used 6 months ago. It was on a company lease program for 6 months before that. Since I have owned it the defrost as stopped, the back window gate latch broke and needed replaced and now the BIGGIE the transmission has gone!! and since Im the second owner no life time warranty on it.... Fresh out of college and this is my first car. I researched this car it was my dream car I thought. I hate it....

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  Transmission - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ronald1522 - December 19 - 7:53 pm

  I really like my Jeep. It is roomy and a good solid ride. The only problem that I have is when shifting from reverse to drive it takes about 2 seconds for the transmission to engage. If you forget to wait the motor races and it slams into gear.