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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  Happy Jeep owner - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Pleasantly surprised - January 22 - 11:06 am

  I have had Jeeps for many years and have learned to love the quirks (e.g. wandering on highway, bouncy ride, poor MPG, noisy, etc.). I recently bought an 06 base model Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 and have been pleasantly surprised given that I had very low expectations as far as performance, ride, MPG, etc. The car is a pleasure to drive. For my current needs I saw no need for the 4.7 or Hemi engine since I will not be doing any heavy towing or rough off-road driving. The one concern that I have is that the city MPG is currently awful. I only have 3,000 miles and hope that it improves with break in and gets closer to the estimate of 17.

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  Not so economical - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Bou - January 21 - 9:33 am

  I purchased this car and the next day at about 105 miles started a 450 mile trip. I was not expecting to get 19 MPG on hwy after reading on the Jeep website that you get 380 mile range per tank full. 210 miles into the trip on flat Southern Florida hwy, I had to stop for gas and every 210 to 230 miles thereafter for the rest of the trip and on the way back. Yes A/C was on but 19 mpg. I love the car, the interior and exterior designs but I am very disappointed with the gas mileage. The mileage was a major factor in the purchase decision and I feel that I was lied to.

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  Love It! - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By mellman - January 20 - 11:05 am

  Im a few months into my lease with a 2015 Latitude V6 4WD, and I couldnt be happier with it. Its the smoothest, quietest, and most comfortable car Ive ever had. I took it on a 500 mile road trip with 4 adults and a fully packed trunk and averaged 26mpg according to the trip computer. Not bad for a V6 with almost 300hp. Ive read mixed reviews about the 9 speed transmission, and I dont know what all the complaints are about. Ive had zero issues with mine. Im really impressed with how quiet and smooth it drives. I feel like a lot of the bad reviews Ive read are unwarranted and people just dont know how to drive their car, or they dont understand its features.

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  Auto Off Lights - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bamalady - January 19 - 7:23 pm

  This is my only disappointment with my first Jeep. The auto off for lights is not standard and cannot be added. I havent had to pay attention to turning off lights for YEARS. This could have been a deal breaker if I had realized prior to purchase.

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  Best of the rest! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hafwgthere - January 19 - 4:20 pm

  Bought to get rid of 2007 Tahoe incapable of towing my boat(up ramp) or parking without hitting a curb(no clearance). 3rd Jeep Grand Cherokee and best so far. Had to replace power steering hose, manifold gasket when i bought it but has been flawless ever since. Wife and daughter love the feel, fit, and finish of interior and exterior plus the power 0-60 --6-7 seconds. Like so much we bought a 2001 as well. If you use the internet you can easily find and fix any problem with a vehicle and save the dealer rip off and run-around. Every vehicle has problems even run away Toyotas.

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  Problems after 60,000 - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Don Ward - January 19 - 11:46 am

  I took my patriot to a dealer for normal oil change. I had been hearing some groaning noise from front end. They checked it and said it was the right front ball joints and tie rod ends. And rear auto link. Whatever that does. The Jeep only has 63k on it. That is not very good for a three year old SUV. I will never buy one again, and I will be looking for something else.

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  They were made to be run into the ground - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NP - January 19 - 7:50 am

  I bought my Jeep two years ago with 174k miles on it (yep, you read that right). In those two years, ive done routine maintance, and replaced the driver side wheel bearings (about a grand at a Jeep delear). NOTHING else ever went wrong with it, but i suspect the other owners might have repaired the brunt of it. Im just now starting to have issues- but the Jeep is about to hit 200K! Beware, they were made to last, and made to be run into the ground, but when they get old - their repairs are NOT cheap! My problem is viscous coupler - OUCH - and sway bars. Will be sad to see her go, but cant sink money into her.

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  My Favourite Vehicle Ever - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By mozeby - January 19 - 1:16 am

  I bought this Jeep after graduating about 8 years ago. The TJ was only 2 years old with 20K on it. I had to get a few minor recalls taken car of first (water leak on passenger footwell) but since then it has been rock solid. It now has 95000K and still runs like the day I got it. Even the suspension has held up the same. My only complaint is the paint quality and rust problems. I live in Canada and snow and salt really are not its friends. Have to undercoat it every year or it will rust. Will probably last me long enough to give to my kids, or if I break down to buy a new Wrangler.

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  Fooled! - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Jamie - January 18 - 9:29 pm

  If your looking for a suv thats somewhat good on gas by pass this one! The outside of them are nice & the Bluetooth inside is good. Its a cheap made gas guzzler!

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  MY NEW JEEP - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bethtylbrand - January 18 - 10:00 am

  MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH OWNED JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES. I TRADED MINE IN ON THIS LIBERTY. AT FIRST IT WAS A LITTLE GETTING USED TO, BUT WITH ALL OF THE ADDED FEATURES IT DIDNT TAKE LONG. THE ONLY THINGS I WOULD CHANGE WOULD BE THE WINDOW CONTROLS,AND TO PUT SOME TYPE OF HANDLE ON THE BACK FLIP UP WINDOW TO AVOID THE HAND PRINTS. WHEN YOU CLOSE THE WINDOW YOU HAVE TO TOUCH THE GLASS. THESE ARE LIVABLE AS THEY ARE, BUT SINCE YOU ASKED, THAT WOULD BE ALL WOULD CHANGE. THANKS, DIANE