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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  One big shiny let-down! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dessi - October 28 - 5:23 am

  My husband and I purchased this vehicle to have something safer and more dependable for our future family. We have barely owned this thing for a little over a month and it has been in the shop for its forth time now! After putting the first full tank of gas in it after purchase we got a check-engine light. Was not fixed the first time so we had to take it back in for a second and third visit. Now the lights on the dash panel flash on and off, check engine light still comes on, gauges fluctuate, and the automatic trans will not shift when driving. I am very disappointed. We are giving the dealership one more chance to make this right then we are done with it.

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  I hate this car..... - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jlp60 - October 27 - 7:30 pm

  This is my 3rd Jeep Grand Cherokee, and by far my least favorite. Every feature in this car has been thought out (excuse me - not thought out) to be for driver safety and passenger comfort. 1) I love that quick automatic turn signal that only blinks 3 times. Works so poorly in heavy traffic. Its a great feature when you drive put a turn signal on and when finishing changing lanes the signal flashes as though you are turning back to thee lane you came from. 2) I always love a car that lurches when starting to move forward. 3) I have driven rear wheel drive cars that handle snow better than my 4x4 Jeep.

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  I love my JK - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepin Dad - October 27 - 6:23 pm

  I upgraded from a 89 Wrangler to the 07 with the 6 speed, S-package, freedom top, tow package, rear locker, swaybar disconect, 17" wheel/tire package. The ride is great, the engine is responsive with the 6-speed and 4.10 gears. Gas mileage isnt great, I have been averaging about 18 mpg which is what the sticker said it would get. The seats are comfortable, the height adjustable drivers seat is a nice feature. I really like the removable hard top panels, it takes less time to remove and replace these than it did to put up and down my soft top. I have had it off-road and with the rear locker and swaybar diconnects it performed great. The disconnect really smoothed the ride out.

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  2002 Jeep Liberty Limited - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By tom nevins - October 27 - 1:06 pm

  The Liberty is a lot of fun to drive and is a rock solid vehicle. Very quiet at highway speed and a smooth ride. The handling is responsive but could use a little more get up and go when you hit the gas to pass someone ... probably because its a heavy vehicle. Interior is well thought out, practical and finished nicely.

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  Real Sport Utility - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Wilie KihotE - October 27 - 11:16 am

  Have owned lots of suvs including 3 Jeeps. The Unlimited is the most capable. It can haul more inside than a Grand Cherokee. It tows my trailer with tractor easily. Lot of leg room front and rear. JKs are 4" wider so there is shoulder room. AC is powerful as is heater. The 6 speed is smooth shifting even when it is -11 outside. Nice stereo system. 1st birthday with 18,000 miles. Not a single problem. What else can you ask for? Bottom line: Where else can you get a 4door 4wd, convertible with a great ride and unlimited options for under 20 large? No wood, no leather, no separate climate control, no fleeting styling cues. Just solid performance.

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  Modifications are Fun! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LuckyAZ - October 27 - 9:43 am

  I have the 5.7L Hemi and have added a performance chip and cold air intake. This made the Jeep awesome off-road and fun in-town. I love going on the trails, and then beating performance sedans in town.

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  Hit the Road - 2017 Jeep Renegade
  By Carlos Maldonado - October 25 - 11:01 am

  The 2017 Jeep Renegade is a sporty SUV that drives like a car. Its a great companion when cruising the adventurous outdoors. Its one of the most comfortable vehicles Ive owned. Its a great ride...you wont regret it.

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  JEEP - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By AUBREY PHILLIPS - October 25 - 10:00 am

  IT RUN OK BUT I WILL NEVER EVER SEND ANYONE TO THAT DEALER SHIP.

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  2014 4dr Jeep Wrangler manual - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By wpotis - October 25 - 5:15 am

  I bought a brand new 2014 jeep wrangler sahara back in September. I drove an automatic and didnt like it at all. Drove the only manual they had on the lot and bought it on the spot. Havent regreted it for a min. Got the hard top, navigation sirius and alpine stereo. This is my 5th jeep and best yet. Everyone that gets in it can not believe how smooth and quiet the ride it. Including my dad who has a Jeep grand cherokee. I will have this vehicle for years to come. Very happy with my purchase especially since we just had our first snow fall here in NJ and it handled beautifully.

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  Refinement and New Technology - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tom Hiland - October 25 - 4:43 am

  This previous Jeep GC owner (1993 & 1996 models) left the fold in 2001 for a Pathfinder. Limited supply on the new 2005 Nissan led me to the new JGC Limited. What a surprise! Nothing like the Grand Cherokees of the 90s. Exterior styling is sharp, the 2005 is feature rich, the 4.7 has more than adequate power to climb the on-road hills and passes in the Colorado Rockies, steering is very responsive and the cabin is quiet. In four words "refinement and new technology" and perhaps influence from the Daimler folks have created an exciting vehicle thats nimble and fun to drive. Interior plastics, backseats and cargo capacity leave room for improvement, but the new JGC is a winner!