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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  Jeepetto 2016 Latitude 4x4 Manual 1.4L Turbo Beast - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Ryan R - August 4 - 6:39 am

  Jeep and FCA have come up with a very nice and well equipped CUV. Make sure to go with the Turbo 1.4L engine and a manual transmission and you get a excellent driving vehicle as well. None of the automatic transmission horror stories to be found in this set up. Car is peppy, and has good handling for a vehicle with a slight CUV lift. I went with the Cold Weather package. Interior amenities are plentiful on even a stock Latitude model. The package just checked all the marks for a truck that will be used in the Colorado mountains. Look forward to doing some mods on the engine and exhaust, to pull even more pep out of this little Jeep. The Fiat turbo 4-cyl found in the Abarth is very tuneable, and has a excellent after market. I will utilize this once Jeepetto is fully broken in. We also picked the car out in the very nice Anvil Grey offered just in 2016. Good call of jeep to make this color for all the renegades and not just trail hawks Around town getting 24 mpg, with a ton of spirited driving. I received a great deal from Autonation Jeep West. So overall the value is totally there. Hope to have many happy years in my turbo jeep.

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  2000 Wrangler Sahara - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeffrey Morris - August 4 - 2:53 am

  Ive owned 3 Jeeps - the others being a 1993 Cherokee and a 2002 Grand Cherokee. The Wrangler is the only one I own now, for almost 7 years. It is mechanically well built, with very little drivetrain repair being needed. I have replaced a starter (warranty) and paid for a new muffler, wiper motor, and various wear items (brakes, serpertine belt). I tend to leave the top down in the summer. One year the steering column filled with water during a rain storm resulting in almost $1K in repairs needed - in the warranty period, but not covered. I have since been more careful to put a trash bag over the column when the top is down. I bought a 2006 Chrysler 300 sedan and kept the Jeep as a fun vehicle.

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  Best car I have ever owned but... - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By billybatts - August 4 - 2:51 am

  Looks sharp, rides like a dream, interior/exterior are fantastic. I have received compliments from people in parking lots who had Jeep GCs in the early 2000s/90s tell me that the new design will bring them back.

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  Big fat lemon - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By tremeregirl - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This was my dream vehicle, emphasis on WAS. Ive had 3 new transmissions, 2 new throw out bearings, a new starter, new clutch, and a new rear differential in under 3 years. I have babied the hell out of this vehicle and have still had all of these issues. Ive put in formal complaints with the dealship as well as with Chrystler to no avail. I cant wait to get rid of this thing! It has spent more time in the shop than on or off the road. NEVER AGAIN.

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  My Jeep Grand Cherokee Experience - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jose Ortin - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Nice exterior and Interior designs. Currently with a very competitive price. Poor reliability; after 30.000 it has been necessary to go to service several times to repair brakes, steering wheel (column) and other features repeatedly. Poor brakes.

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  Outstanding - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cfoster1238 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  My Jeep has been an outsatnding ride, it fact I will drive it for a while, then consider buying another.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim - August 3 - 12:10 am

  Very reliable and sturdy vehicle. Have had good luck with this SUV and this is my second one. Great price and plenty of HP for towing. Great vehicle for this New England weather. Have been a proud owner since 2000 and would buy another in about 3 more years.

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  Shouldve kept my Tahoe - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kmurray - August 2 - 5:20 am

  Well after bugging my husband to get our 71 Scouts done he finally caved and let me get the Jeep. I wish he had held his ground. I didnt really test drive it all that much, because if I had I would have never bought it. Rough ride more of a man truck and not a family vehicle. Need to trade it in for one with better fuel economy. Only bought it because I wanted a smaller car payment. Like the forums say "Your either a Jeep lover or not" I would be one of the nots. My husband on the other hand likes it. Looks cool, but just not for me.

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  Solid feel - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Charles R. Drake - August 1 - 11:06 pm

  Ive owned several Jeeps, Every vehicle has been reliable & I particularly like the "secure" feeling of knowing that when the 4X4 stick is engaged, a whole different vehicle emerges. Not like other 4 wheel SUVs, this has a "solid feel."

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  Not the Grand Cherokee of old - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By G Laich - August 1 - 4:18 pm

  Ive had this Jeep for 6 years now and I am generally pleased but it falls short of an A. My complaints may not be applicable to everyone since I"m 64". The driver seat is not comfortable. Leather is stiff and the upper part of the seat hits my back wrong. Also, poor lumbar support. My next issue is visibility. Rear view mirror is too low due to the convenience console on the ceiling (garage door opener/Sun glass holder). Rear window wiper assembly is huge and obscures vision. The only mechanical issue I had was failing air conditioning (twice).