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:

• 

  Expensive to own - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LAM - November 26 - 12:03 pm

  Bought this car new. Is beautiful, drives great, has great power. Regarding the car, the heat/cool dampers went out at 38K and it cost $ 800.00. A couple of engine sensors failed (while on vacation) at a cost of $ 600.00. Now it is in the shop due to rust-through on the rear wheel wells. No more Dodge/Chrysler/Jeeps for us.

• 

  06 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Nate H - November 26 - 3:23 am

  Great capability, fun to drive, sunrider top a nice feature when the weather is changing, geared really low (can start in 2nd gear), speaker quality could be improved.

• 

  Learning to love your vehicle - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By 3sa - November 25 - 5:20 pm

  I traded my Chrysler Pacifica for the Commander. I loved the way it drove and handled and was looking to only upgrade. Once I drove the Commander it was surprisingly pleasant and I liked the sporty look. People often mistaken my "P" for a van which I hated. What I dont like is the 3rd row seat (for kids or small adults but ok), it blocks visibility when head rests are up, passenger seat sits to low, very hard to see stop light when stopped, rain collects at driver door, need better cup holders in 2nd row, and air vents make noise when opening to defrost. Gas mileage could be better. Thank God I live 5-10 miles from work and my daughters school. I miss the "P" but beginning to love my "C"!

• 

  Not Much Bang for your Buck - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mills - November 25 - 4:26 pm

  This is our second JGC, and we are not pleased with it. We had to take it back to the dealer 3 times for computer errors (had to replace main PC board), the AC does not work all the time, and the engine is so detuned that it feels like a strong V6. In addition, I hit my head all the time when getting in and out (you would think I would have learned)and I am only 57". I could not imagine a tall person enjoying this vehicle.

• 

  Apparently no option for a V6 Trailhawk review... - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By bodhizuffa - November 25 - 2:38 pm

  So this is what I have. I love it so far but only have about 500 miles on it. Like I said, I love it, it drives great, love the uConnect system. Keep that in mind as I will only list my gripes so far here. The A Pillar is very big, so gauging traffic to the left and turning and/or pulling into traffic takes some getting used to. The throttle is really sensitive. Takes some time to get used to it. Also, the steering is very boosted at slow speeds; more weighted otherwise. I prefer a direct and consistent response, but thats my preference. I also wish the tilt/telescoping steering was a little more adjustable. It doesnt go low enough for me. But a great vehicle so far.

• 

  a very reliable vehicle - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By c.g. garcia - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my jeep used with about 40k miles and it now has 95k miles on it and it still runs great. only problems ive had were with catalyc conv. and AC other than that this is a very reliable suv. 4wd handles great and regular upkeep should keep it running in good condition for many years to come. interior is roomy and comfortable. overall a good vehicle.

• 

  Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tim Gydov - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of its large size and high ride. I was not disapointed! Over the past 3 years Ive had a lot of fun with this car, and its saved me tons of money in UHAUL trailers because of its large cargo capacity. Occasionally I would use the 4 wheel drive for snow and ice, and it worked well for that. The only real problem Ive had with it was the fuel pump. I had it changed out twice. The A/C would also give me problems from time to time. I think it has a small leak. Otherwise, its been well worth the money.

• 

  JEEP - Wrote the book on 4WD - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chsheaf - November 24 - 2:00 am

  After looking at several other SUVs I again went back to the Jeep. Nothing like it for the money. Great style, great comfort and fun to drive. Rugged eough to go off road whenevr you want. This is my 5th Jeep. Just traded in a 99 Cherokee with 100K miles.Never did anything to the engine. Routine service really does work. Even though I look at the others, there is still only one- JEEP

• 

  jeep #3 - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Happy Jeeper - November 24 - 2:00 am

  just came out of a 3yr lease but drove 65000 miles never a problem always a great suv

• 

  gas milage - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By carole spicer - November 23 - 5:53 pm

  Gas tank is half the size it should be. At 21 gallons youll be searching for a gas station every 180 miles or every 3 hours you will be out of gas. Towing a empty trailer approx 800 lbs. I got 12.5 mpg on the freeway. The hemi stinks huge amounts of gas. As much as a 454 suburban 4x4 does. The Sirius radio has almost no reception. On a 6 hour drive it came on 3 times for a total of 10 minutes max.