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:

• 

  overall good vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By delta mike - July 28 - 12:36 am

  Fun to drive, extremely reliable, good looking SUV. Had problems with the brakes warping every 12000 miles.

• 

  Get me out of this mess! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeff Shepherd - July 27 - 4:12 pm

  I am considering standing outside my local Jeep dealership with a sign that reads " talk to me before you buy a Grand Cherokee" I have had electrical issue after electrical issue, transmission, all exterior lights quit working, wipers come on randomly,climate control either hot or cold, fuel cap would not open,random check engine light which could not be duplicated at dealership,five factory recalls, still waiting on parts for two of these. they always tell me there were software updates for this vehicle but I have no way of knowing these updates exist because Jeep is not required to notify you, so unless you are back at the dealership for routine service the updates are never done. GRRRRRR!

• 

  wifes 2010 commander - 2010 Jeep Commander
  By s burke - July 27 - 1:36 pm

  So far my new jeep is fun to drive and draws lots of attention, seems to be well built and designed. For us this was the only midsized SUV with 3rd row seating in our price range....nothing else compares, poor mans Land Rover...This is our 3rd SUV of sorts, SportTrac and a Explorer, we looked at this car when we bought the 07 explorer, pricing made it unaffordable, now its the best option

• 

  Family Fun - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brian - July 25 - 7:30 pm

  I also have an 02 Wrangler and love to drive it. I wanted my wife and kids to enjoy the Jeep experience, but with limited room, it was terrible for the ones in the back. I also couldnt carry any gear in the 8 inch trunk. When I saw the 4 door, I knew I had to have it. It has tons of room for cargo. Now we can all go camping, hiking, trail riding in comfort and it is a blast!

• 

  Great Vehicle - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By redjeepsrul - July 25 - 4:16 pm

  Purchased new and with regular oil changes every 4k and transmission oil changes very 30k, this has been one solid vehicle. Now with 181,000 miles and still running strong. I have maintained everything. Only significant repairs were water pump and radiator at 100k miles., idle air control valve at 110k, fuel pump at 120k, rear axle bearing at 157k and front balljoints at 170k. Has been great in snow. Mileage with the 5.2 V8 has been averaging about 17 mpg. Engine still meets emissions and has pep. Very well-engineered and reliable vehicle. Body still solid, no squeaks or rattles. Would buy another Grand Cherokee in a heartbeat.

• 

  after a long line a jeeps, finally one. - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Jim S - July 25 - 4:00 pm

  Generally, I love my jeep. Its my 3rd, having had a 1991 Cherokee and a 1995 Grand Cherokee. I was initially sold only because of the warranty and features (the previous 2 had a lot of problems). Now, Im really happy with it. It rides well off roads, is amazing in snow and mud, and drives reasonably on the road. Its been reliable, even compared to more "reliable" cars a few of my friends purchased at about the same time. The gas mileage seems to be about the same as my 5.2L V8 Grand Cherokee while being a good bit smaller. Also, the ground clearance is limited compared to my previous jeeps. which are my only complaints. Some complain about window controls, but Ive had BMWs-same place :)

• 

  Nail in the coffin of American cars - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By BajaMan - July 25 - 8:16 am

  One of the worst vehicles I have ever owned. Gas mileage was terrible, 15 mpg. Acceleration was terrible. Wind and road noise terrible. Build quality terrible. Reliability terrible. Top took forever to install (like 15 minutes). Had lots of problems with exhaust system. Owned it nine years. Developed an intermittent starting problem. So I finally decided to unload it.

• 

  Jeep fan - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By nilekinnick - July 25 - 3:16 am

  I bought my 2007Jeep Wrangler greystone pearl X, s package, power package,17 rims with soft top. Ive always wanted a TJ about 17 years now. Being in the market for a new vehicle for the second time ever I stopped in and test drove the redesigned 2007 Wrangler. I was impressed from start to finish - 5 inches wider, really well refined, so much more room and interior features. The body is bigger and tougher looking. Dont get me wrong it does not ride like a car but with the improvement in comfort from the TJ to JK I fell in love with it and drove my Jeep off the show room floor that day!

• 

  Jury still out - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By JimWalker - July 24 - 9:06 pm

  I have submitted an earlier rating, "My Jury is still out". That was with 1000 miles. My main concern was MPG in my new Diesel, about 20. Its gotten worse after 3000 miles, 18. I am a very conservative driver with 80% of of my driving highway. I am returning the car to the dealer with instructions to check out the engine and transmission. In order to shift into the top gear I have to run the car up to 65 and then coast back to the desired speed. I spend more time watching the tach than the speedo. I hope the dealer can do something because I enjoy driving the car. The main reason for me purchasing the diesel was for the fuel economy.

• 

  Great Rebuild - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By jeeper - July 24 - 1:56 pm

  This is a great SUV. I have had this for a little over a month and decided to get the SUV despite the gas prices because every time I started looking at another car I would always come back to this one. The gas mileage isnt really that bad, get about 18-19 on avg. This vehicle is so much fun to drive. Instead of dodging potholes, I am aiming for them because the tight suspension takes large potholes with ease. Very comfortable seats and love how much higher i sit. I really liked the old liberties too, but this one is so much improved from the last one. A must have!