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:

• 

  You Can Not Beat a Jeep - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Andrew - June 5 - 8:13 am

  I bought my 1994 Jeep with 99,000 miles on it two years ago. The Jeep now has 160,000 miles and it just keeps going. It has had its share of problems along the way, but I am 18 and I like to take my grand on the trails, so most of my repairs are due to me beating on it (VC in transfer case, starter got water in it and broke, shocks had to be modified, rear end went out, ripped up gears in transmission). Most of these things happened on the trails but if it were a Blazer it would have been much much worse. You beat a Jeep and it will still run for you, now what car will do that?

• 

  Should have kept this instead of new 2015! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John - June 4 - 9:34 pm

  This was a great car. 55,000 miles and never a huge issue. Sure just had to bring it in for regular maintenance but with the 7 year warranty coming to an end this month we traded it in for a beautiful fully loaded 2015 Limited. While no transmission issues like a lot of people have, my 2015 has a lot of electrical issues that just piss you off! However, my 2008 was a Jeep and it drove like a truck. Crappy gas mileage but a great all around car, no electrical or engine issues ever. Had a small hole in muffler at the end that I didnt repair because I was getting rid of but it was very reliable. I wish I could get it back and maybe trade it in now for something!

• 

  Nice For The Price - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By ron - June 4 - 1:16 am

  What you see is what you get! Solid little runabout. I use it for work and at 62 and 200 lb with long legs, I am quite comfortable. The fold down front pass. seat allows you to haul 8 long items. The only thing a bit small is the rear cargo area width and height. But I knew that going in. I get 23 to 25 in mixed driving. I am not heavy footed and I dont see doing much better. Speeds over 70 and heavier loads drop the mpg. I think you can get 27-28 at 50-55 mph. Like the looks and convenience features of the limited. Got it for under 20k out the door with rebates. Exceeding my expectations.

• 

  2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport Very Dependable - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jonathan Harris - June 3 - 6:31 pm

  So first, I have to warn others first, BUY A SPORT MODEL. Dont buy a Sahara, or a Rubicon if you are wanting to modify it heavily. The Sahara has issues with electronics, and the Rubicon has constant issues with the motor in the Electronic sway-bar disconnect motor burning out, and electronics. The sport model, however, has almost no issues. Some things that me and other Jeep lovers have noticed about this Jeep that you may need to do/address: 1. JEEP WAVE! When you buy a jeep Wrangler, you will notice that a lot of other Jeep Wranglers will be waving to you. This is part of owning a jeep. You MUST return the wave. A head nod does not cut it. If you dont want to wave, dont buy a jeep! (Comes with the territory) 2. Remove the rear seat, its a cheap way to double your cargo room. Plus, for me at least, it caused my jeep 2 door to do a rocking motion when going over bumps at high speeds. Removing the back seat allowed the rear to be a little stiffer, and remove the rocking motion. 3. Get a cargo cover. I personally have a Tuffy Security enclosure in mine. 4. DONT LEAVE ANYTHING VISIBLE IN YOUR JEEP! Unless you want your top cut. (new cloth top costs almost $1000 dollars... even with a 2 door) 5. Dont expect this to be a quiet and easy ride. Its loud, noisy, whistles, and on the highway with a strong crosswind, its difficult to control. But hey, Its a jeep! Every one has had the same issues. (THIS IS NOT LUXURY! IF YOU ARE BUYING A JEEP FOR LUXURY, BUY A MERCEDES, THIS IS NOT FOR YOU) With all that, thats it! Welcome to Jeeping and loving a Jeep! Some people love it, some people hate it. [HTML removed]

• 

  Best of the 4 Jeeps Ive owned! - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By eas - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Reliable as the day is long! The V-8 has lots of power when needed. No rattles or squeaks. Change the oil and drive it - thats all Wax 2xs a yr. finish is still like new. Interior is still in great shape. Well thought out drivers layout. Auto shut off of exterior lights is great when parking in dark places. Cruise is childs play to use.

• 

  2002 Wrangler Sport 4.0 Liter Engine - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Paiute - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Only one time in shop for warranty repair of defective multi-switch on steering column. My Wrangler has 5000 miles on it now. It is a 2002 TJ Sport.

• 

  Good Buy! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By 452drexel - June 2 - 8:36 pm

  I bought this car for my wife, but was surprised that I, at 64", was so comfortable behind the wheel. Interior room and layout is deceptively large for a smaller vehicle. Ride quality and acceleration are also better than I expected. Overall, a well-built vehicle that will serve us well for years to come.

• 

  Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By 71charger - June 2 - 7:20 pm

  Othen than more horsepower and/or torque I dont know how they could make this vehicle any better.

• 

  great suv - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rcvin - June 2 - 3:36 pm

  ride is smooth yet very quick, the 3.7 is very open and ready for any kind of touch. plenty of room is great for a family.5 adults will fit this suv easily.

• 

  The Best Vehicle Ill Ever Own - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By aodell - May 31 - 7:53 pm

  I had the 04 JGC 4.0 Spec. Ed. for 3 yrs and put 75K on it. Recently traded it in with 115,000K on it (b/c of nagging husband) for an 07 JGC and have been sick about it ever since. I have no negative comments about this car and will probably never love a vehicle as much as this one. It had all the bells and whistles, smokey gray in color with dark leather. Loved the overall appearance, design/features, and the way the 4.0 ran. (getting rid of the 4.0 was a big mistake Jeep!) I ran this thing hard and only repair was replace water pump at over 100K. Avg. 18 mpg and the 4WD rocked. Had a tick in engine, was told lifters going bad but never left me sitting along the road and i miss it everyday.