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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  Not sure if its a keeper - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By stryker4 - August 22 - 8:07 am

  Im at 6500 miles and the car has been at the shop 6 times. The navigation system has not worked correctly the entire time. It will not show the correct location, so is useless. They have done 3 updates and are currently installing the 3rd radio as we speak trying to resolve the issue. Not the quatlity or the aggrevation I was expecting. Not to sure about the transmission either it seems to not shift correctly downhill it runs up the rpms. If this issue isnt resolved this time looks like I will be invoking the lemon law. I waited along time for this car at this point its a dissappointment.

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  1999 Jeep Cherokee Classic - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By mjt1727 - August 21 - 10:53 am

  The 1999 Jeep Cherokee Classic is a very utilitarian vehicle. It is a bit loud on the road, does not have the best gas mileage, and the six cylinder engine is adequate. That being said, there have been absolutely no major issues and the vehicle just keeps running.

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  RUN FROM THE TRAILHAWK - 2017 Jeep Renegade
  By a. e. fin - August 21 - 10:15 am

  I owned my Trainlhawk three weeks before it went to the service department for the first time. The heated seats came on by themselves without a warning light. They re-programmed the car. Three days later the navigation system would not work, so they ordered a new one. One week later, while pulling up to a red light, the car would not accelerate when the light changed. The Jeep had died and all of the interior functions were still working and I did not feel the Jeep die. Fortunately in rush hour I was not hit from behind. The dealer has now had my Jeep 3 weeks, unable to find out why it died in traffic. Run from this vehicle. This is a systemic problem, with many complaints on the NHTSA website. Jeep corporate has no solution for this vehicles problems.

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  Love It! - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Marcus - August 20 - 7:26 pm

  Recently traded in my 98 Cherokee for an 06 Wrangler Sport. In short, I LOVE IT! The sense of freedom you get with the top down, and even with just the rear and side windows off. Havent even taken it off-roading yet but look forward to doing so. The ride quality is a little rough but still better than I thought it would be. If youve driven Jeeps, you wont mind it though. The wind noise with a soft top is more tolerable than youd expect. If youre looking for a cheap convertible, a 4WD off- roading machine, and just a fun vehicle to drive, look no further than a Jeep Wrangler.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By kristellb - August 19 - 10:53 pm

  I just got mine about a week ago, I absolutely love it! It is so much fun to drive. Its different look makes it unique... (I like that you dont see too many of them). Also I find it a very affordable vehicle.

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  2011 Overland Summit V8 - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Scott - August 19 - 3:12 pm

  We purchased our Jeep used with 34K miles. The color is mineral grey with saddle interior and saddle leather dash. The vehicle feels solid on the road and is very quiet. The sound system is good with lots of features. We drove it on a 3400 miles trip with speeds between 70 and 80 mile-per-hour. We averaged 19 MPG for the entire trip and covered a lot of miles per day as driving the Jeep is not fatiguing. We did have a failure with the vehicle, the TIPM went bad. This is basically a computerized fuse box. We were lucky and got ours replaced with an updated one. Since we also own a European car (SAAB), the leather in the Jeep is nothing like our SAAB. The leather in the Jeep is surfaced dyed and the SAABs is dyed through and of excellent quality. The SAAB is 13 years old and the leather looks new. The Jeep is just over 3 years old and the leather has surface cracks in the sprayed on dye. The Jeep is almost unstoppable in the snow. Weve driven on roads that are closed to "traction devices only" with the all-season tires and had no issues. The Police that wave drivers off the road when they see no chains waved us on through as we werent slipping at all.

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  Tired of this jeep - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 1996 Jeep Grand Cher - August 18 - 10:56 pm

  I love this jeep but I am tired of having one thing after another go wrong. Ive had the transmission rebuilt, the motor in the rear door replaced, the rear window on the drivers side cant be rolled down because it doesnt like to go back up. Ive got an oil leak and am constantly putting oil into it. The AC leaks and has been recharged twice since Ive owned it. I recently had the fuel pump and distributor cap replaced along with the drive shaft. And its going back to the shop tomorrow to figure out what the loud "click click click" noise is that causes lots of staring, possibly the CV joint, who knows how much itll cost this time. I think its time for a trade in.

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  Cant beat the deal! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Frank - August 18 - 10:16 pm

  This is by far the best small SUV for the price. I have the 2WD with a 5 speed and its fairly quick, and consistently has been getting 33 MPG on the highway!!!

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  Luv My Jeep! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ESW - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The factors I used to determine which SUV I was going to buy was performance, reliability, comfort, appearance and value. My search lead me to the Toyota Fourunner and Jeep Grand Cherokee. I wanted a mid-range SUV. Nothing as big as a Land Cruiser or smaller than an Explorer. I chose the Jeep after test driving both vehicles. The Toyota was very nice and I know they are dependable, but price was a factor. I got more for my money and additional options. Three years later, I still love my Jeep and would buy it again if I had to do it all over again1

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  Bills Review - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Wanzik - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the nicest vehicle Ive ever owned. I love the looks and the ride. This vehicle was 6 years old when I bought it and it was very well taken care of. I am the third owner. I added a K&N Filtercharger. Other than scheduled oil changes and new tires (got to almost 80,000 on original tires) Ive put nothing in to it. Right now it needs a new muffler but no other signs of problems. I plan on keeping it for a long time.