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:

• 

  KIMS JEEP - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By KMBRLY - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I WISH I HAD ANOTHER SET OF SEAT IN THE BACK. OTHER THAN THAT, I LOVE THE LOOK AND THE RIDE OTHER THAN THE ROAD NOISE..THE ONLY REAL PROBLEM WE ARE EXPERIENCING IS THE RUBBER AROUND THE WINDOWS ARE SHRINKING AWAY FROM THE JEEPS EXTERIER..

• 

  So Far..........So Mostly Good - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By rgravesjr - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Originally went shopping for a Toyota Tacoma 4X4, but couldnt get any extras in them w/o spending megabucks. The Liberty goes through snow like a plow and handles well. I think the front seat cushions could be an inch or two longer. My only real beef is I had it in the shop at 2k miles for a strange turn signal/flasher problem. Fixed under warranty.

• 

  Our Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bettys Jeep - November 12 - 9:36 am

  I compare our Jeep to a 47 cj2a. My first. It meets and exceeds expectations. Bigger gas tank. Built like a tank where it counts. Can go anywhere better than any stock 4x4 except another Jeep. Still looks and acts like a Jeep! Gas mileage around 18 average. Did not buy for economy. My wife bought it for the looks, everything else is gravy. The ride is good on and off road because the weight distribution is almost 50/50. Braking, turning and handling are better than expected. The stereo is awesome. Warranty the best. We paid less than a 1000 for 7year/100k bumper in addition to the lifetime powetrain. Just hope they stay in business before we die! We like our Jeep!

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sam - November 11 - 3:03 am

  Lets start with the easy points - You dont buy this car for its gas mileage or to haul 7 passengers around. Instead, you buy this car if you want a vehicle that is safe, has phenomenal 4 wheel drive, and has a great feel to it (drivewise), which are the factors most important to me. Yes, the ceiling is low, the pillars are thick, and I would not buy a grand Cherokee without the backup sensor (which works great), but in essence this is a great vehicle and well worth considering (if you can get past the first hurdles). Ive had it for less than year and reliability is yet to be seen, although no problems after 6,000 miles. This vehicle is great for what it is, but it is not for everyone.

• 

  1995 YJ Wrangler - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By yjnightrider95 - November 5 - 5:44 pm

  Very Reliable. Bought it with 105k miles 6 months ago. Now has 120,000 miles and the only replacements Ive made is the radiator, motor mounts, and drive shaft yolk. I drive this vehicle hard. Only typical problem I have that any older vehicle has is that in extreme hot weather idling and geared down it tends to run a little hot. the longest Ive drove it straight is 5 hours on 1 tank of gas.

• 

  Great vehicle - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Aremee - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought this new with hesitation in 2007 my wife had to have it. I love this vehicle! Fun to drive very good build quality. I have had 45k miles of trouble free driving.

• 

  Great Car But Cant Pair with Galaxy Note 3 - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mylblujeep - October 29 - 5:59 pm

  Just bought the Overland 4x4 V6 and I do love it. However, it appears that it still has glitches. I would give it 5 stars but my must have Samsung Galaxy Note 3 cant pair with the Uconnect/Nav/Stereo system. Confirmed with manufacturer that its still behind in addressing the issue. In fact, if you look at their compatibility list, its a short list. Pathetic that Jeep/Chrysler/Uconnect cant address this issue. Also, there appears to be some concerns with the Front Collision Warning system. Many cant verify if this system actually works. Also, system appears to work differently when Adaptive Cruise Control is on versus off. Hope Chrysler reads this and address these issues.

• 

  Its a Jeep. - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Golf007 - October 28 - 11:36 am

  Purchased the car new, and have used it primarily as a toy. It has been very reliable and has not required anything but normal maintenance. This is a great car for weekends and vacations, but I would not recommend it for everyday use. It is also great in poor weather conditions. The ride is not super comfortable, but that is expected for the type of vehicle. The hard-top is difficult to negotiate, and it becomes an ordeal to remove each season. The exterior metal is thin and dents easily, and the car burns gas at an alarming rate. I replaced the air filter with K and N, and that improved mileage about 2 MPG. All that said, I still love my Jeep.

• 

  Jeep still has it! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Merlin315 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  For one of the lower priced SUVs on the market, the Cherokee still performs. I only hope the Liberty shines as bright as the Cherokee has.

• 

  There truely is only one Jeep - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Stephen "Slacker" - October 26 - 2:33 am

  I bought my 97 TJ Jeep (her name is Jessie) with 86,000 miles in 2004. My ex-wife used to say I loved my Jeep more than her. Well, apparently she was right...I still have the Jeep! It now has 162,000 miles on it and runs stronger than ever. The 4.0 may not be fast, but it will pull trees out of the ground and get you out of the stickiest situations. There are very few vehicles out there that generate such a since of pride, excitement, and comradery as a Jeep. Hands down the best vehicle Ive ever owned. For those who have a Jeep (wrangler) it is customary to waive at other wranglers you pass on the road. I know youre checking out my Jeep so dont forget to waive, you are family now.