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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  Good - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jennifer - November 23 - 12:03 am

  All in all this car was very nicely finished. My only complaint would be the steering wheel, which looks kinda awkward. Besides that this car is ideal.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jill - November 22 - 9:46 am

  This has been the best vehicle Ive owned. Although it has been in the shop a few times (its a Jeep) its still going. It gets me where I need to go when and how I need to get there. As a jeep that is stock, it outperforms some of its competitors in the off-roading department. My brother also has one. He has a great photo of his jeep pulling a Ford 4x4 (with all the extra add-ons for four- wheeling) out of the mud. If youre looking for an SUV that can haul, tow, drive through snow and mud w/o any difficulties, Jeep is the one! One more thing. When the back seat is folded flat, I can fit a dining room set with six chairs and the table. Tons of room!

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  Im done with it - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By steve - November 22 - 3:46 am

  This vehicle spends more time in the shop than it does on the road. I think they have a sensor that goes off at 37K miles that permits every functional system to go wrong with the car. I have spent $2500 in the past 16 months (given - tires & brakes were $900 of it) and I have little confidence that the end is near. This is the second Jeep I have owned & I have no idea why I was so stupid to buy another one. From here on out, I will only buy Toyota or Honda vehicles. American cars are just not worth the headache.

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  I chose the 5.7L Hemi - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Steelblueone - November 21 - 3:16 pm

  I bought the Commander as the family shuttle, realizing its limitations in that regard; it is not a mini Van, so in that capacity it is just adequate. It is not just a suburban taxi, it wants to play. It is a 7 seat 4x4 SUV and as that, it stands out as you leave the road and hit the trails. On the roads the Hemis power is effortless and always available. Inside it is very comfortable and my three kids (10, 9, and 6) love the stadium seating and the moonroof. It is quiet inside and the sound system is excellent.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Showcoach97 - November 20 - 8:00 pm

  The fit and finish of this Jeep is remarkable. I thought I would not spend this type of money on a Jeep but this Jeep was worth it! I never thought that a Jeep could ride like a luxury car. Power delivery is so smooth that you must keep an eye on the speedometer in order to stay within the speed limit. If I had the extra funds, I would buy a second one.

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  Value for your $$ - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Bill C. - November 20 - 4:49 am

  I bought the Jeep Patriot sport se 4x4 model. I traded in my 2011 Grand Cherokee that had 140,000 miles on it. The fact that I can drive a 4x4 suv worry free from repair costs, is quite comforting. As I was still making payments on Grand Cherokee and repairs would come out of my pocket. Now as for the patriot, it aint no Cherokee, but its not intended to be! Overall Im impressed with this package on the patriot, the extra attention to details, heated seats, trim accents, etc. Ride quality is good, tolerable road noise, front seats excellent, easy to park, perfect vehicle to zip around town in. A few nit picks I do have is, the lower entrance height, and the lower height of roof area when back hatch is lifted up. I tend to smack my head on these as Im 6ft tall. Just need to get used to it and be careful. The only real problem I have so far is the absurd location of the usb port. Its not on the radio, not even in center console area, its in the GLOVEBOX! Really?! Its almost impossible to find, even in there. The dealer couldnt even locate it. It is above the opening of the glovebox, up into the dash area. You need to blindly reach up and feel around for it. I have no clue how this is a useful spot to mount this. To use it, you need to drive around with glovebox open and place phone either in glovebox or above on small shelf built into dash. Horrible design on this! This will be my 3rd Jeep and I hope to get years and years of use from it.

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  Hunk of Junk - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By FCosmen - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Almost the day the warranty ran out, this hunk of junk has been nothing but a headache. I bought this jalopy new and in the last year have had to have the tranny rebuilt, a new water pump, a new power steering pump, a new radiator, and now the evaporator needs replaced. Enough already! I am buying a 4Runner.

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  02 Jeep Liberty Limited - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By northtexas - November 19 - 10:00 am

  The 18 months Ive been driving this vehicle have not experienced any mechanical problems and except for the gas mileage (15-17) am quite happy with this purchase. My only regret is not getting a brighter color then the dark green.

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  My Crown Jewel! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By stimp - November 19 - 12:38 am

  I cant say enough good things about this jeep. I have a fully loaded with 5.7L Hemi. Black with a factory upgraded chrome rim. I truly feel this product rivals anything from the luxury brands. I bought it used with 36k miles for $25k. Now it has 65k. I replaced the battery thats it. My payment is $368 a month and people act like im rich to be driving it. My wife drives it more than I and gets way too much attention. It turns heads everywhere we go, but im blown away by the interior cabin comfort and feel and how it handles. its like a sports car. My wife and I agree we are going to pay it off and keep it until I give it to my nephew. He is only 8 now so I will have it a while.

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  mikeark - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mikeark - November 18 - 9:33 am

  Purchased new in 1999, now have 90000 miles. Still love the looks and power of the 4.7 liter 8 w/ quadtrac. Some problems with brake rotors in front ... nothing serious. Mileage not real good, 15/19, but this is a heavy 4wd vehicle. The heater in the drivers seat has not worked in years and the hood will not stay up. I am concerned about the future after reading these reviews ... am looking at a Mazda3 5 door.