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:

• 

  Always something broken on this jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kg89 - October 17 - 6:24 pm

  All I did was pay to repair this thing. Faulty radiator, brake calipers, two engine fans, ignition coil, camshaft sensor, wiring harness, engine computer, engine oil cap broke off and oil had to be put in through the dipstick shaft, power window motors, bad adhesive on insulation on all the doors led to many wet seats after rainy nights. And my personal favorite, the drivers seat became a rocking chair after becoming completely detached from the track. This car was always broken. Not to mention the terrible gas mileage, which I would have been fine with if it were not for the constant cost of repairs. It ended up costing me more money to repair it than it did to buy it in the first place.

• 

  !ow you dont know what your missing! - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By keydriver33 - October 17 - 4:23 pm

  i see people complaining about this or that, its a Jeep thing is right. Ive owned several and sure it takes cash to keep them running right,but look at what your getting out of it. I 4-wheel a lot, almost every weekend and I gotta say I always make it back when others dont. My favorite saying as Im passing them is "you wouldnt be stuck if you bought a Jeep". Thanks for your time and lets get out there and have fun in a jeep.

• 

  Jeep Cherokee - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Shari - October 16 - 10:08 am

  Just bought this Jeep Cherokee five days ago. I wasnt really looking to buy a SUV. My husband talked me into taking it for a test drive. When I came back with it I really liked it. I havent gotten a new car in some time. Drove real smooth, and it didnt even feel like a 4 cycle. The in side is real nice. I cant believe I went to a two door car to a SUV, that is how much I liked it..There are a few things I would of liked it to have on it. A sun roof, tinted windows, and the sound of the radio I wish it was a little louder, the volume isnt that high. I planning on keeping this for some time..I never thought I would be driving a SUV, when all the kids are gone and its just me....

• 

  So much fun - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By brentg - October 16 - 3:06 am

  This thing is just too much fun. Everything is better than I expected. Longer wheelbase gives it a smoother ride than I expected, the interior is quieter than I expected, and the millage is even slightly better than I expected. The power is what I expected. In low range it will climb anything, and it will easily tow a Toyota FJ out of the mud that you just crossed. On the street, however, you are going to get beat across the light by a Chevette. This thing has been everywhere, up mountain trails, in mud up to the frame, over rocks and boulders, and even stuck in downtown traffic, and it has never disappointed us. Had a great summer, now I canÂ’t wait to get it into the snow.

• 

  Bad News Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim Frye - October 15 - 2:23 pm

  Dealerships fail to stand behind this very marginal vehicle. Although very nice looking even with an extended warranty (dont waste your money), you will pay, pay, pay. Small things like the transmission will keep you in the repair shop until you go broke.

• 

  Neely - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Skip Edmonds - October 15 - 12:11 pm

• 

  I Like It - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kcrutchmcfr - October 15 - 11:43 am

  Bought new in time for first child. Wanted something safe to carry him around. Been thru many blizzards with no problems. 76,000 mi and only on second set of tires, 2nd set of brakes. Just came out of warranty with no issues. Very Comfortable on long trips. 4.0 six is one of the best motors out there. This thing has been unstoppable. Just wish I could lock it into 4hi.

• 

  Airman - 2013 Jeep Compass
  By ROY J. WALLS - October 14 - 11:16 am

  I buy this 2013 jeep compass because look better then car had before cost me lot money get it fix from timing belts! It easy get in & out when wear knee brace. I had jeep about 2 years & 8 month now only time drive my jeep when go see my Dr. and to store or family. Stereo sound very good got lot bass cd hold up to 6 cd & 4 speakers 6x9 in doors! 2013 jeep compass latitude with life time warrant.

• 

  Commander Review - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Luv My Commander - October 14 - 7:20 am

  I love this car. Everything about it, from the boxy outside, to the spacious and almost luxuriously rugged inside. It is great. Dependable, awesome!

• 

  All my window regulators have failed .. - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By reggio - October 13 - 11:06 am

  I purchased the diesel model to get better mileage, am happy with the vehicle with the exception of the window mechanism. Each window regulator has failed at least once and had been replaced while still under warranty. The driver side rear modulator has been replaced twice and now failed for the 3rd time (now no longer under warranty). This is crazy, these regulators are way overdue for a recall, shame on you Jeep! This is my third jeep in in the last 10 years, and probably my last.