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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  Everything you need - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jerryo12 - January 6 - 8:30 pm

  I bought my Jeep with 41,000 miles and now have 90,000. I have have done no major repairs; only brakes and tires - water pump is getting a slow leak though. Very powerful and fun to drive. I used to update vehicles every 2 years but this one has everything I need so I dont need to upgrade. Luxuries match those in expensive luxury cars! Performs great in snow in mud as well as on road. Very comfortable vehicle as long as only 2 people or 4 short ones.

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  I love my Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By LaurBry25 - January 6 - 1:03 pm

  I purchased my Commander a month ago and I love it! I had also considered the Patriot, Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape, and am glad that I chose the bigger SUV. I recently took a 1400 mile trip and it rode great on the highway and I felt very comfortable and safe. The gas mileage was decent considering how big this car really is, I am averaging 16-18 city and 19- 21 highway. The only problem so far is the CD player which first wouldnt take in a CD, and now it does but reads "Error." Overall, I love the ride, looks, and it goes through snow like nothing!

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  First Time Except for 1967Kaiser preSUV - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HEADON - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Grand C Ltd is a great vechile to drive The comments I receive about my particular taste in a SUV was a good insentive as the truck suits me Fits me like a glove.What can I say The best of the best

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  Not good - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By abdixon - January 5 - 10:13 pm

  I loved this Jeep when I first bought it 11-06. 12-23-06 I was on my way out of town for Christmas when the transmission went out 100 mi from home with no warning. 1 yr 3 mo later the trans is going out again. Keeps slipping out of gear and sticking in 2nd. There was another Jeep (an 07) at the same shop, same day, with the same problem and the mechanics said theyre seeing this a lot. Apparently the problem is the ZF trans. Its also used in other vehicles and some of them are having problems. Jeep looks good but isnt dependable. I guess some people are having good luck with theirs but many others are not. If you Google Jeep transmission problems youll find a lot of information.

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  I Love My Jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mary - January 3 - 10:13 pm

  I was the second owner for this vehicle and I have never regretted buying it. I had just gone through a divorce and had to travel across country. I have never had any problems with my jeep except the recall on the radiator which was fixed right away. Ive changed the tires once and have only had to change the oil and transmission fluid. Im about to sell it now at 17,000 miles and am very afraid I will not find a vehicle as reliable. I highly recommend this year for a Jeep if it is a I6!

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  Now my Twelth Jeep 2016 yes another patriot latit - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By George Leedy - January 3 - 1:24 pm

  2015 Jeep Patriot . Yes my 11th jeep I am 64 yrs. old. As a child was was fascinated by old military jeeps.My first jeep was a 1984 jeep Cherokee , I believe its first year of production. And my latest 2015 Patriot. In between numerous Cherokees , Liberty and Grand Cherokee models! No major malfunctions. This current Patriot has just 4999 miles as of today. Many of my previous jeeps had excess of 200,000 plus miles when traded in. I am a happy customer!

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  Instant Sale - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By David - January 3 - 12:00 pm

  I was driving a F250 Lariat Crewcab but the high cost of diesel forced me to downsize. I test drove so many small SUVs and never though I would like a Jeep. My first ride in the Patriot was an instant sale. It is such a cool vehicle and looks good too. I am fascinated with the 4WD and Autostick features. I went from paying $100 a week in fuel to only $40. The inside is very roomy and just by adding a custom seat cushion, I now have the feel of a Lexus at half the price. My Boss drives a Land Rover, but to be honest, the Patriot is just as classy and having the 4WD capabilities makes it just easy to stand up to his Land Rover. Buy One! You will love it!

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  Put the 3.6 not 3.2 liter engine in this! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By buffalotom - January 2 - 9:45 pm

  Great great great car, I was so happy to see this come out, excellent all way around and the off road features are unsurpassed.

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  Modern classic - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By objectively - January 1 - 11:55 pm

  We drove a 2003 Honda Pilot for the last 10 years. It was the darling of the automotive press when we bought it. So that is the yardstick. When going to test drive the Rubi, I expected it to be loud on the highway. It isnt. In fact its pleasantly quiet, much quieter than the Pilot. Huh? Yes. Every review about Wranglers goes on and on about how crude they are. We did not find this to be true. The UConnect features work perfectly and intuitively. Were happy with the Wrangler and enjoy the fun it brings on our local trails and off road parks.

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  way cool - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By rlbrich - January 1 - 9:30 pm

  I love my Jeep, right now it is a totally stocked Renegade. I plan on adding a lift kit and larger tires. I keep on eye on the Liberty websites for news and ideas to improve my Liberty. The family loves to go off road and to go geocaching. This is an awesome vehicle. My Liberty is so much better then my first Cherokee was.