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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  its a Jeep! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ryan - October 24 - 2:56 pm

  I have had three Jeeps now, two of which were Wranglers. Although I still love the Wranglers, they cant compare to the everyday capabilities of my Cherokee. I have a 99 Limited and have yet to encounter any problems. The power is great coming from the 4.7L engine and the overall quality is superior. It goes great in the snow. Ive had to pull out Blazers before in places that my Jeep wouldnt even bat an eye at. This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned and will definitely buy the new 05 Hemi within the next few weeks.

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  I love my Patriot - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Maureen - October 24 - 4:13 am

  I love my 09 Jeep Patriot; it is a pleasure driving it; this is my first Jeep product and Im very satisfied. I drove the 09 Toyota RAV-4 and the 09 Honda CRV and I did not like them but when I drove the Patriot I felt in love with it. The interior is so comfortable and the design is so elegant; it is easy to maintain. The exterior design is so cute, perfect size, easy to park, in other words it is the best SUV for its class: (economic + reliable + comfortable). I have driven about 3600 miles and more I drive it more I love it. Thanks Chrysler for this wonderful product! Maureen, Ft. Lauderdale FL.

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  First Time Jeeper - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jimS from PGH - October 23 - 4:56 pm

  It is definitely a different experience. After owning a Plymouth Laser and 2 Dodge Intrepids in the last 14 years, it has taken some time to get used to my Jeep. I do love sitting up higher and dont have to worry about bottoming out (plenty of ground clearance). Overall build, function and finish of the vehicle is solid.

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  Not so much a Jeep as the old ones. - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By johntesh71 - October 23 - 2:47 pm

  Bought used in 2010 with 50,000 miles. Had the radiator cooling fans go out one month after I bought it and then the Shifter broke costing me $200 dollars to fix. Took it off roading and nearly destroyed the front fender...Hit a patch of snow at 25 mph and slid all 4 wheels spinning for 90 feet through traffic...blew the rear strut assembly driving over a speed bump then ended up only getting 17 mpg on average costing me almost $6000 dollars a year in gas....I recommend finding an older Cherokee or Grand Cherokee and sticking with that this thing was a nightmare for me and my family glad were trading it in for a Dodge...good ridance.

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  Love the Hemi Soccer Moms need not apply - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cyclone1 - October 21 - 6:50 am

  I traded in an Acura RSX for the Family Truckster. I also own a Mazda Tribute. The Hemi is a must Have option. I would say that I am very happy so far but I do have a couple of issues. First the warrantee is very limited. With Acura the warranty covered everything up to 50K. This warranty is not even close, so be warned. Also I am wandering if anyone else has noticed what I term fluttering of the engin at low RPMs going up hill? I might be just feeling something that is not there. Finally, your vision is limited with the low profile windows. The SUV has great power. The style is much better than the normal soccer mom SUVs and all the features are useful. For the price this rocks

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  my jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By onenottaken - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I was pleasently suprised with all aspects of my Jeep Liberty.After testing several entry SUVs my Wife And I were unanimous in our decision to purcase it.It has an eye catching design, comfortable and roomy interior, and handles very well. From the interstate to the red clay back roads of Georgia , it has been a great vehicle.

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  I love my Jeep! - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By surrealistic_star@ya - October 19 - 11:46 am

  My Jeep is the best vehicle I have had. I have, unfortuatley, been rear-ended twice with absolutly no damage to the Jeep at all. Its stock but still a beast off-road, gas isnt too bad. It takes me 45(give or take) to fill up and I get about 250 to a tank around town. 100 miles on the freeway uses about 1/4 tank. The convienence of the soft top is great and fun! I definitely suggest anyone have one at some point in their life at the least!

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  Scared to drive - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jmklaers@gmail.com - October 19 - 9:59 am

  I just bought this car and its been in the shop 3 times already to no avail. Car cuts off in the middle of driving and leaving me with no power on a busy Interstate several times. Dealership cant find anything wrong with it although I barely got it there. Car States vehicle needs transmission repair service and brake service. Seems no one can help! Do not buy this car. Lemon warning.

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  Not my first choice...but ok - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By rpsims82 - October 19 - 3:49 am

  We got a good deal on it, first off. Bought it new with only 29 miles on it, and $5k less than book. Good running vehicle, but its gutless, really. The 4x4 and traction control system are amazing! Ive never had a vehicle with such an awesome system.....when they work. Weve got 40k miles on it, and the transfer case control module has issues. The steering rack sprung a leak, rear tire pressure sensor went out causing everything to shut down. Couldnt use 4x4 with that out, and the rear hatch light comes on with the dome light at times. Rides like a rock, but turns on a dime. There is only a few inches of suspention travel, so dont get too crazy off road becuase it is not forgiving

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee Review - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By carsrule444 - October 18 - 12:00 am

  The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is an important vehicle for Chrysler. Under its new FIAT ownership, Chrysler has kicked up everything a million notches in performance, safety, looks, quality, reliability, design, and fun in this new Jeep. borrowing parts from the next-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class, The new Jeep is much more composed, agile, and fun to drive while retaining its extreme off road capabilities. Engines offered are a 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 290 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. its a strong engine, but when put in a car over 4,000 lbs, well, not so much. The optional 5.7L V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque pulls effortlessly for 0-60 under 7 secs. overall this car is truly perfect.