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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  Great car, okay MPG for type of SUV. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Ryan W. - December 30 - 10:53 am

  This SUV is awesome!!! Sure, gas mileage isnt all that great, but who ever said you had to have great gas mileage to have a great car is stupid. For me, this car is great! Its just me in it most of the time, but I have many siblings and this helps me take them around when Im taking care of them for a while. I average about 19 miles to the gallon so I think they new EPA estimates arent accurate on that. Dont believe the numbers because thats driving the car like a stupid teen. If you drive responsibly, then youll get about 16 in the city and about 23 on the freeway. Enjoy!

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  Its a Chrysler - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Weston - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Its cheap! But not cheap enough! I should have spent the extra 50$ a month and got a Blazer. Cool classic rugged styling, but, rough ride, BAD breaks, noisey,and below average overall quality. In and out for warranty work 7 times. Resale is very very bad,, cant find a dealership that wants another one sitting on their lot.

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  its a jeep thing... - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By robbo - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall, a great "little mule". Several little things (i.e. rattles in the door, dome light quit working, rear window washer broke, worthless cup holders, loose exhaust pipe) are making me not appreciate it as much as I could. The engine and transmission are trouble free at 91K miles. Off-road capability is unbeaten.

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  The BOMB!!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Jumbo - December 30 - 2:00 am

  My personal opinion is the Jeep Liberty is way better than the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Hyndai Santa Fe. I have owned a 93 Jeep Cherokee. It is a "Classic" and in good condition.

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  I was surprised - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By The Devil - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I had the Renegade in "Extreme" Off- Road conditions, and it performed above and beyond what I expected. Most of the time I didnt even need to use the 4- Wheel Drive system. Heres a hint though:In the owners manual , it tells you to remove the side step/running boards. You best do it !!They knew what they were talking about.

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  Its a Jeep thing...you wouldnt understand. - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By LandersMJ - December 29 - 9:16 am

  First off, this is the best off-road vehicle out there. I love my Jeep, but I did have some quality issues when I first received it. Paint quality is poor, and had to take it back to dealer to get several spots re-painted. New seats since 2003 are large, awkward, too low, and difficult to see around. I had to buy seat risers to be able to see correctly over the hood (and Im 61"). The transmission is 18 wheeler like, not smooth at all. Aside from all that, this is my third and best Wrangler by far. Lockers and transfer case are great. Jeep needs to up their quality control, but still make a good product overall.

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  Okay - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By wd - December 29 - 7:10 am

  I have owned the Jeep since Jan 06. At first loved it.It is the 3rd Jeep Ive had. Drove it with 4 adults and 2 kids on a 1000 mile 8 day road trip twice with no problems. Overall, I like the Jeep The biggest problem is that it has started to leak. I actually had standing water in my floor. Had to go a week befor they could get me in to fix had to ride with the stinky bacteria growing under me. yuck. The seat will stain with water, the windshield whistles, the middle console cubby needs to be more accesable, power adapters in middle row would be nice. The material on back of third row seat wears fast with storing everything in it.

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  My no good car - 2015 Jeep Compass
  By Elenanca - December 28 - 6:14 pm

  I leased the car in 2014 . After driving it for a while I started to be very disappointed by most of features of the car It is like an old car once you press the gas . It makes the noise of a tired grandpa and the noise is loud ! . Poor acceleratin , lack of space for the driver and bad adjustment of driving seat . No real storage at all in the car . The door side pockets are for the birds and the back of the seats have no pockets . There is just a minimal storage box in between the chairs . You can store few things . The trunk has no dividers for anything so your goods goes from right to left and all other directions . Once you get home you repack everything and please dont buy eggs ! !

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  Still Going Strong Great S - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepkayakgrl - December 28 - 4:35 pm

  I have had a 1996 Limited Grand Cherokee since 2002. I like everything about it and it only has minor problems that need fixed. I have only had some major work on it done every few years usually the same stuff. This jeep stays outside year round in all weather conditions and it still gets me to point A and B without any problems. A jeep this age of course needs routine maintenance so its understandable when it has issues. I truly enjoy driving this jeep even today and I still have people ask me about it and people still comment it. I am sorry for all the owners out there that have had problems with theirs I will have this jeep till it stops running a truly great suv to own! Thanks Jeep

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  Asphalt Hater, Dirt Devil! - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By blue93yj - December 28 - 8:03 am

  Picked up ol blue almost a yr ago on July 4th. Had 119K on it, now it has 123K. In her retirement, shes received a lot of TLC - 4" Superlift, 33x12.5x15 BFG Mud Terrains on Series 152 Black Rock Crawlers, AEM cold air intake, high flow cat., along w/40 Series Delta Flow Flowmaster, Detroit lockers rear, Detroit true-trac front, and 4.88 gears f/r. No oil leaks (yet) on original 2.5L I4 AMC engine. Engine runs strong for a 4 banger and now takes synthetic motor oil for more TLC. To date, no white or black smoke from her tailpipe. Has been a good experience mechanically, and overall, easy to work on. I have had too much fun giving this rig a new lease on life.