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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  Very Disappointed. Last Jeep Ill Buy. - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Stuart - August 7 - 5:06 am

  I bought based on styling and perceived luxury car at affordable price point. Should have known you get what you pay for! Leather dash bubbled up although always garaged at work and home. Interior trim pealing off. Both A/C vent control actuators broken. Hydraulic engine mounts leaked (Jeep mechanic told me they were terrible). Car wont start due to faulty TIPM controller which thankfully is now a recall. UConnect system faulty where it resets when I back up losing rear camera. Door lock motor replaced. Leak in motor replaces on warranty. I will not buy a Jeep again and very likely go with imports from now on. If you buy one get the best warranty they have or as I told my friend but a spare car for when its in the shop! Disappointed and embarrassed that a US company can build such junk and charge so much.

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  Love This SUV - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By EGB - August 6 - 8:56 am

  I have a 2007 Commander Limited with the 5.7L HEMI. I have driven it 2500+ miles so far. Mileage is better than what I expected based on other reviewers. I took a 250 mile trip and averaged 20.1 mpg using the cruise control set at 70 mph. I calculated this manually and the onboard computer confirmed it. Overall, Im averaging 16.5 mpg on combined city/highway (25%/75%) driving. The ride is very smooth and it handles like a smaller vehicle. The torque/acceleration with the HEMI brings a big smile to my face. My favorite SUV so far (had Toyota 4Runner, Lexus RX330). The seats are comfortable and 2nd row leg room is better than advertised (stadium seating makes this row sit higher).

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  Worth the Money! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Kinsan - August 5 - 4:53 pm

  It seems like a lot of people who write reviews on the Jeep Liberty do nothing but complain- about the ride, about the poor gas mileage. It will never be confused with a BMW or Mercedes SUV, but neither of those vehicles will ever perform the double duty of driving to a concert on Friday night and then hitting the trail on the weekend. That is where the Jeep Liberty excels- being a little bit of everything. Sure, the interior is plastic, the seats are rock hard and the 3.7l six cylinder engine is sluggish and a gas guzzler. But, the Liberty looks stylish enough to be an "adult" vehicle and provides enough performance to get you to any destination your heart desires.

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  Jeep Lover - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Lover - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but a pleasure to drive, All of you who did not like it must have gotten lemons. No mechanical or other problems

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  1999 classic - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By big shave - August 5 - 2:00 am

  let me sum it up Brakes went bad ,fuel pump twice ,transmission leaks ,wheel well fairings comming loose ,plus the recalls

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  Satisfied - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chipshot - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased a 2003 after owning a 96 Cherokee that was very reliable so reliable we gave itto our son it is still in great condition visually and mechanically with 75K miles on it.... The 03 really is a nice ride and has great styling and a very solid feel are 96 sold us on the 03...

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  First Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Corey - August 3 - 3:00 pm

  What an awesome SUV! I never knew Jeeps were so awesome; driving feels both like driving a luxury SUV and a sport SUV all in one. I think Im hooked.

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  REDEFINES SPORT IN SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By WTD - August 2 - 1:33 pm

  With over 4 years and nearly 60,000 miles I have to say this has been the best SUV ever ! Ive been in all driving conditions ( 10in. of snow, down pours, gravel, dirt,uphill, towing and uneven pavement ) with zero problems. JEEP handled everything with ease. Equipped with 3.7L engine and 4WD has plenty of power for road use. Gas mileage was much better at over 22 hwy and 18 city than the Honda Pilot I got rid of.

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  05 Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By caz_mn - August 2 - 11:46 am

  Excellent vehicle. I like the size, maneuverability over other slightly larger SUVs (Envoy, Explorer) and I think the engine is a good match for the vehicle. In the Jeep forum the 4-speed auto tranny is beat up some, but I think it does a good job. It shifts quickly, and is fairly smart. You can confuse it, but that seems to be true for most autos Ive driven lately. The interior is well put together and looks very high end. The seats are on the very firm side, but I like that.

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  Still Love it - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By overtime - August 2 - 4:06 am

  This is the only vehicle I have ever purchased that I like as well today as the day I took it home. It is a great all around vehicle for towing, going off-road, taking on vacation, etc. It has done everything I have ever asked it to do and I have never had to do anything other than regular maintenance. With the 4.7 V-8 I average 18+MPG on mixed driving and have gotten 22+MPG on the highway. However towing 2500lbs drops it down into the 13MPG range. I will probably purchase another one however, the Commander is also in my line of sight.