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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  Disappointed - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mattg22 - May 23 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this vehicle for two reasons: the style, both interior and exterior; and the positive experiences of my in laws and their multiple past Grand Cherokees. Unfortunately, I will not be recommending Jeep to anyone. My factory warranty expired less than two months ago, and all my problems have appeared since then. The passenger side power window "up" doesnt work properly. The window stops mid way everytime. The power steering has been making groaning noises for the past week or so. The outdoor thermometer has been permanently stuck at 86 degrees for a few weeks. With less than 40,000 miles, and problems appearing almost daily...this vehicle has been a complete disappointment.

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  V8 Laredo 4x4 - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ford_guy351 - May 23 - 2:13 pm

  This was the first car I had when I got my license and I bought it becouse it looked very good and I wanted the V8 power. Soon after I bought it though I relized that it was a typical Mopar useless and unreliable. I figured out that it leaked oil and it began to make a popping noise which was the drivers side C/V axle shaft boot had worn out and soon after the whole thing snapped and I had to replace it. But the engine itself has never had any major problems and currently it has 136k miles. The interior is nice but the stock speakers were blown when I got it and the passenger side heated seat refuses to work on high but the leather is very nice.

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  Love the new redesign - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Aim - May 23 - 2:25 am

  I’ve had my Compass for about six months now and love it! I loaded it with every option and that definitely changes the experience compared with what others might have in base models. Super comfortable ride, amazing in the snow (used for the first time last week), decent payment.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By TC Schmidt - May 22 - 7:40 pm

  First Jeep I have owned. Hwy driving provides 20-22 mpg at 65mph. Virtually zero maintenance problems. Easy handling in tight spaces and turns on a dime. Noisy on the highway with softop but very quite with hardtop. Transmission shifts very smoothly and plenty of compliments received regarding the exterior and interior design. Fun to drive.

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  Disappointed - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By shan24 - May 22 - 2:09 pm

  I bought the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited V8 Hemi in Jan 2011. Started having problems after about 3 months with the gas tank sensor. Took the dealer 10 times to figure out it was the electrical sensor. At 25,000 miles I had no tread on my tires (I do mostly in town and highway driving, absolutely no off road) and had to replace all 4 tires. Now at 27,200 miles, my SUV is in the garage and wont start. Its completely frozen and every single warning light comes on. Im waiting to have it towed to the dealer to be analyzed and fixed. Its very frustrating to have a relatively new vehicle and to have multiple problems before theres even 30,000 miles on it. Not sure I will buy jeep

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  Niche SUV--Large Interior/Smaller Body - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rockinroller - May 22 - 7:02 am

  This is for the 2016 Limited 3.2 pkg. Shopped the market segment (Ford Escape, Dodge Journey) and ended with this as a 2-year lease as our daily driver. The Cherokee fits into a needed niche for SUV folks: small enough to park and maneuver easily, but large enough (inside) to not feel like a compact SUV (like the Escape). The leather interior feels like quality, as well as the dash and door surfaces. Heres a few complaints: (1) wheres the inside hatch release button? Please, FCA: tell me there is one (on a $36,000-MSRP vehicle); (2) the "auto stop" SUCKS! I didnt research this vehicle enough before selecting it and had I known about that "feature" it definitely would have deterred my interest in going this route. Imagine stopping for a few seconds, seeing your tach go to zero, then transitioning quickly between the brake and gas pedal and incurring a "clunk" as the Cherokee engages and moves ahead. And its not permanently defeatable, allowing only its disengaging manually each time you start up. To me, its utterly ridiculous--to force the shut down of the vehicle in a (vain) effort to increase the fleet MPG for FCA. Ill be curious to see how many trans issues Jeep will face in the future as the wear and tear related to that very noticeable bump between stop and take off shaves miles off the already precarious transmission in these vehicles. Otherwise, a well built vehicle, but based on the auto-stop I am glad I leased and didnt purchase.

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  My so-so Jeep Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SassyOne - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Jeep for over a year now, bought it with about 46,000 miles on it. Ive had to replace my sway bar links, had to have a my exhaust manifold fixed, seal on the sunroof, replaced the drivers seat (heater didnt work) and have had to replace several speakers twice. Poor speakers for the quality of the stereo. Now while driving if I hit a bump the wrong way, my steering wheel goes crazy and I have to hold on for dear life until it decides to stop, havent figured out what this problem is but I hope soon otherwise I may end up in a ditch because you cant stop the SUV while the steering wheel is shaking uncontrolably.

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  luke - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Big Luke - May 21 - 10:00 am

  At 57000 miles I had to repair the front gear box at 950.00 dollars. At 68000 miles I had to repair the back gear box at 950.00 dollars. Was not to happy. And two sets of front rotors in.

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  I love my Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MDS - May 21 - 10:00 am

  My 99 Jeep looks and feels brand new. The only problem I have is with the wheel bearings - the front have gone bad. Everything else has been wonderful. My next car will be another Jeep.

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  Awesome to drive - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By smaherali - May 21 - 10:00 am

  A fun and exciting ride! Not really a family car but for driving pleasure,it is so awesome. The power, the handeling, and the feeling of a jeep is so unique that it is beyon words.