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:

• 

  Continue to be the best option - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gamoroj - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for 6 months, but I can say that it is worth every penny I paid.

• 

  Hoped it wouldnt be me! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cook_415 - June 11 - 9:11 am

  I read these reviews..but with most reviews, there good and bad. I bought my Jeep in May 11,in 3 weeks I started having check engine lights,it wouldnt shift or accelerate.Had it looked at a 3 different places & finally took it to the Jeep Dealership,they replaced a transmission sensor,$1600-not covered by my warranty.3 weeks after I got it back,driving down the interstate, in a.m. rush hour 65mph, when I sped up to get over & exit the interstate,the Jeep jumped so hard I thought I had hit something.It had shifted itself into 2nd while I was going 65mph. I had to pull over to get out of oncoming traffic.Now the service dept says it the 2nd gear ration & valve cover. So dangerous-Not worth it!

• 

  Hemi - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Ben - June 11 - 1:46 am

  Chrysler doesnt give the best customer service once you own the vehicle but so far, the Commander does wonders. It is tough getting in/out of rear since the wheel well blocks doorway. The sun shades in the rear roof could have been designed better. Also, cargo room behind the rear seat does not exist with the rear seats up. Your belongings will fall out if open the rear gate if you dont have a cargo net which is not standard.

• 

  Multiple Problems - Will never buy another - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By j smith - June 11 - 1:40 am

  What a huge let down. We have had issues with ours nonstop. The check engine light comes on indicating a problem. The dealer charges a diagnostic fee of about $95.00 to tell you why the light comes on. The first time was because the gas cap wasnt tight, the second (about 6 months later) because the gas cap had a crack. Each time at a cost of $95.00. The engine light is now on again (3 months since the last $95.00). My air conditioner wont get cold and the heat wont get hot. This began after 1.5 years. We also had to replace a fan relay at 18 months ($325.00). I was just over my 36,000 mile warranty. I spend less to maintain my 10 year old Toyota! I should have purchased from them again instead.

• 

  Four Door Jeep Wrangler - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dr. Kris Johnson - June 10 - 6:16 pm

  This car is much sturdier than the two door Wrangler. The larger wheels and stable frame makes this car an excellent and safer drive. Ive purchased a couple of 2007 four door Wranglers and they have not tipped over or "flipped" over. I love this car and the bigger the body and wheels, the safer the Jeep is.

• 

  My Experience - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bdarnell - June 10 - 11:06 am

  I have owned my Jeep since 2008 with no major issues. I did have the ball joints replaced on the recall. I also had an issue with the locking mechanism on the back hatch. In my opinion this Jeep runs great and is comfortable. I take this vehicle to work daily for a short commute and have also taken it on long trips. I LOVE my jeep!!

• 

  So far, so good! - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Nancy Jo - June 9 - 5:48 pm

  This is the first larger SUV that Ive owned. Have always purchased the smaller models and I am absolutely thrilled with my new Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 with the luxury package. The ride is smooth and quiet and I feel very safe driving it. I was driving home through a heavy thunderstorm the other night and the Jeep held its own and was not blown around like a lighter vehicle would be. I am happily getting about 23 mpg at the moment and it will probably get better as the vehicle is broken in. The interior is comfortable and the navigation is very easy to use. I am very satisfied with this vehicle!

• 

  diesel - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nevin - June 7 - 10:40 pm

  Love this Jeep, Traded Dodge 2500 diesel for this. Upset with Jeep with Std. Features. When you get Diesel engine, Jeep takes out many Std. Options, Remote start, wood gear shifter,power remote mirrows. Had torn sun visor from factory. Diesel has great pickup, quite. Evertime I fill up @ pumps, people tell me I cant put Diesel in Jeep. This is a fun driver. GPS is old School, wish it had new My Gig.

• 

  Issues - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By danbreslin - June 7 - 6:35 pm

  Just found out, like others, my ball joints are totally shot at 40k miles, way before they should have failed. Have had other common problems on this Patriot as well such as leaking ventalation system causing interior corrosion and musty smell.

• 

  LOVE my Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Gal in CO - June 7 - 4:03 pm

  I had been looking/researching/test driving SUVs for the last year. Wanted to get out of the car & back in 4WD for the snow we get here in Colorado. Compared with Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe and a few others of similar size, price. We had bought our son an 07 GC last year, so I stopped at the dealer to look at the 08 GCs. MUCH more comfortable than Escape or Santa Fe. Have taken it off road in CO mountains and it performed great. It is my everyday drive vehicle and I am very happy. Consistently getting 18+ mpg city - havent driven enough highway for a accurate average. For the price - with rebates & incentives - it blew the competition away! Now we are a2-Jeep family! Get one today