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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  Not a great car for tall or wider people - 2017 Jeep Compass
  By D Huntley - April 4 - 3:08 pm

  We use our vehicles for delivery and are in and out of vehicle all day. The edges of the seat are very hard and hurt our legs as we exit. The seat pans are also too short and tilt upward into your thighs. If youre riding all day its very uncomfortable. Not enough lower back support. Emerge with back and tail end aching after a day in the car. The front seat also has to slide back too far to accommodate tall people. So theres no room in rear seat for other tall people. Acceleration is poor (gutless) uphill and have to turn AC off if you want robust acceleration! Engine is very loud/deafening on acceleration, it sounds like a motorcycle!

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  109,000 miles - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepmode - April 4 - 9:52 am

  My fourth jeep, The check engine light kept coming on. After years of dealing with this nussiance, turns out it was a leaky grommet where electrical wires passed through into the tranny. After the tranny was serviced and topped off, even more fluid would pour out. It was an easy fix for the local dealer after I brought it back in. The check enginge light has behaved itself since then. Now I am going to address the lifter noises that have me worried. I will be upgrading the shocks and rotors next time I tear into the brakes. K&N stock replacement filter added about 1-2 mpg (19 highway). I enjoy driving this jeep, It handles good in all conditions. I wish I had heated mirrors, and seats std.

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  4 weeks and 4300 miles....great vehicle! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By capt_flounder - April 3 - 4:28 pm

  I bought my Limited with Hemi about a month ago and promptly moved coast to coast. It is a comfortable, well equipped SUV and our first new vehicle in 17 years. We drove the LR2/4, Q5, XC60/90 and ML350 before buying the Jeep. The Jeep has the ride of the Germans, the Offroad capability of the British and the styling of the Americans. Without a doubt, the best capability/performance/value out there today. After a week and 2800 miles, I know we picked a winner.

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  Truly Great Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kevin - April 2 - 11:43 am

  I purchased this Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 3.7 V6 on August 10th. 2006. I can not find a single thing wrong with this fine vehicle, nothing. Its solidly built, quite, and smooth riding.

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  Great looker - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jason Smith - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Well I have to admit Iam a first time Jeep onwer and I have to say I am loven it. Great feel, and its a SUV you can d anything with. We have a cabin up in the woods and live in the city, this SUV give you the best of both worlds.

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  Beware of 3.7 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By MostAnnoyed - April 1 - 2:46 pm

  Absolutely loved the vehicle, turning radius was incredible, seats very comfortable, power was more than adequate, absolutely loved our Renegade UNTIL at 85,000 the engine seized up at a stoplight, never to run again. Web search indicates there seems to be a random behavior of these engines gumming up no matter how religiously you change the oil and filters or how well you maintain the vehicle. Most disappointed. After five years, the vehicle is worth $1000 as SALVAGE.

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  Not Bad... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim - April 1 - 10:53 am

  Overall, its not a bad vehicle. This is my third Jeep, and I have no major complaints. Reliability has been pretty good - Ive had a few minor warranty repairs, but thats it. Engine runs and pulls like a champ, and I get lots of compliments on the styling. Build quality could be a little better, but its not awful either. Ill be honest - I didnt spend Toyota money and I dont expect Toyota quality. Gas mileage is 15 city / 20 highway, but that drops pretty quick if I drive it hard.

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  I Love my Jeep! - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kevin - March 31 - 2:00 pm

  This little YJ is the ultimate go anywhere, do anything vehicle. I have it all pretty much stock, with slightly oversize tires (235/75/15). The tires arent even off-road style lugs, they are street tires and this jeep will go anywhere on them. I have only gotten stuck in deep mud, and once high- centered it. If you like to go off-roading this is the best, most affordable, toughest little vehicle for that. If you like to cruise on the highway at 70+ mph this is not the best vehicle for that. Fuel mileage on the highway is dismal, but in town it is acceptable, and off-road fuel mileage is surprisingly good.

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  Jeepers creapers - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By cheri key - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Minimal upkeep w/ care over 6 years. No rust, original exhaust, replaced shocks at 35k, wheel bearings at 42k. No smoke or oil. Solid vehicle - shame Jeep dropped this model in 2002.

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  Jeep Wrangler - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Greg 0603 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Overall good experience. This is my fourth Jeep, and the first one that had the six cylinder engine. A drastic improvement in pickup and a more relaxed ride on the highway.