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:

• 

  Take care of your vehicle - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ORJeeper - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive been a Jeep person for 25 years. Ive owned nearly every model at one time or another and there are few vehicles which can come close to the craftsmanship these vehicles are built with. I am religious when it comes to maintaining my rigs (especially the CJ) and because of that, they last far longer than the same vehicle in "average Joes" hands. Most negative comments are from people who do nothing more than gas and go and expect the car to last forever. It just doesnt happen. Treat this vehicle right and itll take you anywhere you want to go.

• 

  Finally a Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By C Wisehart - July 5 - 12:13 pm

  Just bought my first Wrangler yesterday and I love it. Owned a Liberty and gave it to the wife, now she wants this one. It handles like it should. The quality is outstanding and the design is proven and perfect. Not recomended to one desiring cushy creature comforts but I love it!

• 

  Dont Do It! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kpcoach - July 4 - 7:07 pm

  Sold my 14 Jeep GC today. First American car in 20 yrs. Biggest $50K mistake of my life. Replaced it with a Lexus NX that will give me no trouble. First 10 weeks of owning this Jeep - dashboard went black, service department AWFUL and have had it back in the shop every few months for other issues; including rear shock failure at 16K miles that caused daily creaking and clunking in the rear end. "The most awarded SUV" is a complete piece of junk. Old Jeep Service Dept. not meant for a luxury vehicle experience (looked like a Kmart) new Lexus Service Dept. treat me like royalty (beautiful place). I will NEVER buy American again. There is no reason they cant build good cars. Took a loss, but so glad to be rid of it. I felt sad b/c it looked good, just didnt run and ate gas like no other car Ive owned. BEWARE.

• 

  Fuel Economy - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Edwin - July 4 - 12:20 am

  I am getting 23 to 27.5 miles per gallon around town. Has more usable space than a car for hauling etc.

• 

  Jeep Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By RDAgan - July 3 - 5:23 pm

  Me and my wife just purchased a Jeep Patriot. We were looking a a Toyota 4- Runner and a Nissan Murano, previously but by mistake we pulled into the Jeep lot. So we got out and looked at the Patriots. After test driving it and talking with the salesman about it we ended up making the purchase. we get about 23 mpg and for an SUV thats pretty good. We got it for approximately $21,000. We love it it drives great you have plenty of room. We purchased it because we have a baby on the way and it has plenty of safety features. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a SUV with a smaller budget like us.

• 

  Takes a licking and keeps on ticking - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By dave#1 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Had her for 2 years. Picked it up used with 27K. Have only had 1 major repair bill for major 4WD repairs, something about induction. The car has pick-up on the highway (up to 85/90 mph). Took it up to Vermont all winter to hit the mountains, I only had trouble on ice/snow once or twice during a white out. I love it. Reliable to the bone.

• 

  Love it. - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chickster - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This car has been bullet-proof. I have had no problems and can fully rely on it to get me where I need to go comfortably. I have been told (per my mechanic) that the straight-6 2wd version of this car is in a different league than the v8 4wd, which tend to come with many more mechanical problems. Fuel economy is between 18 and 23...no complaints!!

• 

  2005 Diesel CRD Limmited 4x4 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By cc1999 - July 3 - 1:13 am

  Great power, good fuel economy, quiet for a diesel, best ergonomics of any small to mid-size SUV Ive found (really easy to get in and out of for a large man like myself at 61" 265#s. Comfortable ride even for a short wheel base 4x4. Very maneuverable in traffic and parking areas. Great little 4x4 SUV.

• 

  Dissappointed - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jeep Compass - July 2 - 10:26 pm

  I bought the Jeep Compass because I had heard it was a great little SUV along with great reliability....I was very wrong!! I have had the brand new Jeep for only three months and just last week the transmission went out, and it only has 8,000 miles! The passenger door makes a loud screeching noise every time you open it and the rear doors are not even flush with the car. i have to say that is one of the cheapest, and most unreliable cars I have ever owned!

• 

  Run away - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By captkirk2 - July 2 - 4:14 am

  I bought a 2014 GC Summit diesel for Christmas less than a month old and been into the dealer 3 times. This last time tranny is stuck in 3rd gear, all I can say is do not buy this vehicle! You have been warned! If you are even considering a Heep run away, run far away....