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 - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By NHVT - May 13 - 3:46 am

  I love it. It has been a great vehicle so far. The gas mileage is what I expected. The extra room is appreciated and the overall feel is classic Jeep at its best!

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  No leg room in back - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Yingo - May 12 - 11:43 pm

  Adults will find their knees pressed against the back of the front seat, even shorties like me (53"). The front seat does not move back very far and my 6 brother felt cramped in it and his head brushed the headliner. The back seats are VERY difficult for an adult to get out of due to the very small door opening. Not the right car for anyone with any type of leg or knee restriction or injury.

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  Cherokee tops Honda CRV ..USA,USA, USA - 2017 Jeep Cherokee
  By Edgar - May 12 - 11:39 pm

  I just purchased a 2017 Cherokee Latitude a few weeks ago, and continue to be impressed. To put it in perspective, I also have a 2016 Honda CRV and can make a good comparison now. I had shopped both cars and negotiated rock bottom deals on both. The sticker price of the Jeep was $36K but with big rebates to be had the price of both cars ended up within $100 of each other, or $27.5K out the door going with their mid level trim; Latitude for the Jeep and EX for the CRV. But compare what I got in terms of value: Power: the 6 cylinder engine of the Jeep is is much more powerful and smooth than the 4 cylinder in the Honda..a 90 hp difference..advantage Jeep. Convenience: The Jeep has Power tailgate, Much better/larger LCD Infotainment System, Remote Start, More Adjustable and comfortable power front seats Auto Mirror, integrated 911 system etc not on the CRV. The CRV came with heated seats and the blind spot camera, both nice things but not of the value of the Jeep. Utility: The Jeep came with Roof Rails, Tow package (can tow 4500 lbs!), and full size spare. Honda did not include roof rails at that price point or tow hitch, and can tow only 1500 lbs if so configured. Advantage Jeep. Design: The Jeep has a unique outdoorsey presence about it, with off color stitching. The Honda is a good design, but more boring. The Jeep has a full panoramic sunroof, while the Honda just has a small standard one. 4WD: The Jeep has adjustable settings of the drive system, not to mention higher ground clearance and approach angles. While not a Trailhawk, the Jeep Latitude wins vs the CRV re offroad capabilities. Ride Quality: This is a big factor.:The Jeep is as smooth as can be; The Honda is great compared to other small SUVs and has an impressive CVT transmission but compared to the Jeep ride quality is not as good and does not feel as substantial. Especially on long highway trips, the Jeep with the V6 is just a better place to be and feels like a luxury car. In fairness the CRV scores some points with more cargo room, better mpg, and the blind spot camera. So in terms of Value, the Jeep is the clear winner and would even be worth the sticker price. In terms of reliability, I guess that is TBD, but the Jeep seems impressively solid and unstressed. If that is a big concern, Jeep offers an insane Lifetime/Unlimited Miles Warranty Upgrade for $2-3K. Being an import car buyer since 1982 ( my CRV was assembled in Canada), I am now changing my perception. Honda and CRV are always rated at the top of pack, and there are some outdated perceptions out there that imports are somehow better. Jeep Cherokee has one of the highest US contents of any vehicle. It is great to support fellow hard working Americans who make a product that is world class. USA, USA, USA!!

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  Solved the Brake Problem - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JHL - May 12 - 6:00 pm

  After having this vehicle to the dealer for warped rotors at least 3 times and to other mechanics twice thereafter, I bought a custom set of drilled and slotted rotors at 60k miles, now I have 130k miles on it and have not had a problem. Daimler Chrysler was "no" help at all and refused to acknowledge that they have a problem with these rotors. I traded a 1995 GMC Jimmy which was total junk for this and it has turned out to be better junk thats more comfortable. Ive owned this vehicle since new, I do not intend to ever buy another car by Daimler Chrysler.

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  Jeep 06 Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Evelyn - May 12 - 5:13 pm

  My 2nd Jeep liberty, this one has problems onset, drive belt snapped within 6 months. Rainwater gets in the passenger side window even with Windows shut. Dealer will not fix window. Just reached 30k miles called dealer for the 30k service, they say its $575+ taxes. My local mechanic charged me half of that. If you can oversee the above problems and the 17 mpg fuel. Otherwise its a fun little suv to drive, but my next car will not be a Jeep liberty, unless Chrysler will make it more fuel efficient.

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  reliable - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Perian Dunmire - May 12 - 4:46 pm

  I bought it from a private owner. It has approximately 130,000 miles. Drives well. It does not have very good mpg. As it is a v8. I have put brakes on it and new a. C. I feel it is a reliable vehicle, but with the unsure gas prices, it is scary.

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  Proper Utility Vehicle - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AufMitterSpiel - May 12 - 7:16 am

  It seems that there are allot of people out there that love to hate this Jeep, but I must say that it has thoroughly impressed me. I have taken it across the entire north western half of the country and back in the dead of winter and couldnt have felt more confident traveling in this vehicle. With the Quadra-Drive AWD system, 4.7 V8, and heated seats its almost too easy! 20 MPG overall doesnt hurt, either. Handling/roadholding has also impressed me versus the Land Cruiser and older Range Rover SUVs that I have driven in the past. Reliability has been great thus far, with an easy to work on underhood layout.

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  CVT is not for lead foot drivers - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By james - May 12 - 1:30 am

  The engine & CVT is set for max engine performance not gas guzzling. Applying gradual pressure to electronic speed control pedal will give you the best acceleration. From take-offs and passing you will notice a difference. And for added speed try running RPMs up and then back off a little on ESCP. This is an analog input devise with no direct connection to throtle valves. Work with on board computer not against it.

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  Love it, but.initial build quality is ? - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By HistoryWithJeeps - May 11 - 7:30 pm

  I thought the Patriot was well-equipped for the price so I purchased one last week. I was very happy with my purchase for the first 24 hours, but I would soon discover the lift gate does not lock. Patriot lift gates only lock electronically (no keyhole).The dealership discovers the factory installed the wrong wiring and the dealer doesnt have the part. That requires a second trip. Of course, Chrysler/Jeep doesnt reimburse you for the fuel you burn or your time you spend fixing their factory mistake. They gave me a loaner car for 24 hrs (which is cool) but you have to refill the tank upon return (not cool). Seriously, Jeep(or the dealer) needs to step up more if you find a defect on day one.

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  cant be beat - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepster - May 11 - 8:40 am

  This is by far the best SUV out there. Especially the 23 mpg average. Plenty of power...good handling, and looks good.