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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  My Jeep...My LEMON!! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DP - July 21 - 2:03 am

  I bought a used Jeep, which seemed like a great buy. To my surprise, this one is a total lemon. Everything has been replaced, and it still doesnt work correctly; radiator, cracked head gasket, oxygen sensors, long block engine, transmission leak, persistant coolant leaks. My engine almost seized several times because the coolant leaks so fast. Do yourself a favor and buy something else.

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  Best SUV Ive ever owned - 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GC - July 19 - 1:21 pm

  I have owned mostly smaller SUVs in the past including Honda CRV, 3 Subaru Outbacks and most recently Jeep Renegade. I finally made a leap to the mid SUV segment and got a 2017 Jeep GC Limited.. What a difference. For a bigger SUV, it drives smooth, very quiet and it is totally not a gas guzzler as I initially worried about. In fact for the power of the engine I was getting 24-25 during the summer time and about 21-22 in our winter so far. Interior is clean and upscale looking better than the Toyota Highlanders and Honda Pilot. I am very impressed with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its value at all levels.

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  Such a disappointment - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By TeyMitch - July 19 - 1:15 pm

  It looks great from the outside and even the inside is not bad. My problem is while driving it... It "jerks/jolt" you while driving like its trying catch it breath. They when you are trying to gain ahead on another car it "revs" very hard when only trying to get to 50-60 mph. I mean the RPM gets near (5/6) before I reach 45 mph. Closing, It is more dependable than my old car, but I am highly disappointed. I wish I can give it back!

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  Family Adventure Platform - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By odsjk13fap - July 19 - 12:23 pm

  First off it is a Jeep so the priority of being able to head off the beaten path, plow through snow, and over things have to be something at the top of your list o/w get yourself a Honda Pilot or Minivan! I have 3 x Kids (9, 7, 3) under the age of 10 and the most awesome facet of the Unlimited is the ability to host 3x Kids seats! They love it! I went on a ski trip and was able to pack for a family of five w/out putting on a cargo carrier or nothing! The Sahara Model - provides a nice balance of jeep ruggedness with creature comforts.

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  Best Ive ever owned - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By JDB - July 19 - 10:00 am

  A day is not complete without a ride in my Jeep. This Wrangler was well worth the 25 year wait (took me that long to get over the "practical" sydrome). I have fun every moment Im driving or just riding. Its noisy. So what. Its rough. So what. Its fun. Thats what!!!

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  Love this car, Get the warranty. - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bonecruncher - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I drive about 60 miles a day on L.A. freeways, and do alot of 4 wheeling on the weekends, and have not been disapointed or let down yet. However, know that this car has some faults that will probably need to be fixed. When the front rotors warp (which will be soon) spend the extra $50 on aftermarket crossed-drilled rotors, and some good pads. They will save you money in the end. Change your fluids like you should (engine oil, X-Case, Tranny, and Diffs) and those shouldnt give you any problems. The extended warranty is fairly inexpensive piece of mind. I cant wait to see what it can do with some decent tires.

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  no complaints here - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Butch - July 19 - 10:00 am

  No problems with my Limited. It seems the 4WD has more problems than 2WD. We bought a later model 2002, to get the bugs out. Ill admit, this thing is thirsty!!!! I owned a honda civic before this, and my insurance cost decreased. This vehicle cost twice as much!

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  no complaints here - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By butch - July 19 - 10:00 am

  No problems with my Limited. It seems the 4WD has more problems than 2WD. We bought a later model 2002, to get the bugs out. Ill admit, this thing is thirsty!!!! I owned a honda civic before this, and my insurance cost decreased. This vehicle cost twice as much!

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  mojo - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By mojo - July 18 - 9:10 pm

  Have owned this for three weeks, enjoying it thoroughly. Have not had the opportunity to have off road for hiking, kayaking or winter for skiing - cant wait for the snow to hit.

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  Fun for a car..I mean Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By James R - July 18 - 8:23 pm

  I bought this car with the intention of making small modifications to improve the offroad work, like wheels and lights, only to find out later that the modifications shown in the catalog will not be produced by Jeep Chrysler, and the dealership gave me the heave-ho when I went back after discovering this false advertising