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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  Go Liberty Go! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Miss Liberty - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my Libery and it is so comfortable on the highway. The ride is smooth and I feel like a Queen on the road. The gas mileage is a plus because I am not a heavy footed driver. In the snow/icy road conditions it is two thumbs up in getting me to my destination. I am just a happy and satisfied customer who loves her Jeep Liberty.

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  Jeep Liberty 2004 - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By mvansomeren - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun and rugged. Jeep Liberty is the replacement for the Jeep Cherokee. Unlike the Cherokee, it has front wheel independant suspension. The ride is firm and solid, but not uncomfortable. It is as home on the road as off-road.

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  Good concept, poor followthrough - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Rob - March 18 - 8:00 pm

  If engineering is to automotive as pitching is to baseball, Chrysler has no bullpen... still. Ive owned more than 30 automobiles in my life and only 2 other Chryslers before this, now I remember why. As a lifelong mechanic I have a very strong love of good engineering. It makes working on things much easier, less frequent, and should make the usefulness/usability much more enjoyable. It is in this area that my Jeep falls way short. First Ill start with what I actually appreciate about my little Patriot. The leather seats are visually appealing and hold up quite well to standard use. Steering is tight, feels good with less body roll than I anticipated. Braking is smooth, provided by all wheel disks, and doesnt have any quirks to it, something I love since I live in an area that frequently gets snow. I appreciate the storage spaces seemingly stuffed into nearly every place they can put one (more on one of these particularly later), especially the large cubby above the glove box. Steering wheel audio controls are well located and easy to utilize. The 6sp automatic transmission shift well, not great, but well; perhaps a reprogram of the TCM would keep it from shifting too soon and bogging, this is better than many of these types of transmissions but since it is sourced from Hyundai I suppose it makes sense. The manual shift mode and location of that is far superior in my mind than the thumb button my wifes Focus had, and for this type of vehicle, better in my mind than even paddle shifters. Cargo room is plenty for the size and easily accessible and the back seat is plenty for my kids. Sadly, this is where the good ends and the limp arm of the pentagons pitching team starts throwing wild balls. First, the little 4 squirrel engine is under-powered, noisy at anything above an idle, and considering the lackadaisical acceleration, falls short even in the economy range. I would have happily exchanged some MPG for enough power to get out of its own way without having to rap 5K on the tach. My 2008 V6 Mustang has much more acceleration, far better performance, far less engine noise, weighs more and nearly matches the Jeep at the pump. Considering the Jeep has almost 10 years of "innovation" on the mustang, and even more when you consider how old the for 4.0l V6 design is, I guess I expected more. I know what youre all saying, comparing a mustang to a Jeep is unfair, but its what Ive got. The automatic transmission seems to shift a little early for my taste, causing some bogging and slippage, but not a major deal breaker. And this is where the mediocrity ends and the downright poor comes in, the day to day usefulness. Driving the Jeep is downright one of the most uncomfortable and unusable space Ive ever had the displeasure of occupying. The side bolstered seats are too narrow and dig into my outer thighs and glutes. I know I need a diet, but cmon here, it hurts. As mentioned before, the little storage spots are great, except the phone/cigarette pack one below the park brake handle, making it not only useless but a lesson in ignorance of design. The cup holders... ugh the cup holders. The front cup holders are both impeded by something. You cant pull a cup of coffee out of the front without hitting the shifter that is located directly above it, and the rear is covered by the center arm rest. Every car Ive driven and used the sun visors pull to detach from the hook, these you push which is oddly clumsy feeling. The visors dont cover enough of anything to be useful, when moved to the side dont extend nearly far enough out, and are clumsy putting back. The A-pillar is seeming enormous and the B-pillar is right next to my head if I dont want my knees in my chest making this one of the most view obstructed vehicles Ive been in. Lack of some very basic features like a telescopic steering wheel even when equipped with tilt, blind spot door mirrors, a fuel calculator on even a mid-level equipped package make this seem overly stripped down. There are enough of these little things adding up to the point that there is no indication that the cruise control has been set just gets me irritated. My Jeep has the jack-off drivers seat height adjustment and Im just going to say it "TO THE ENGINEERING WORLD, THIS IS TRASH, QUIT PRODUCING THEM." But, if they will continue, at least leave enough room for a mans arm to access it since I have to open my door to adjust mine.

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  Expensive to own, fun to drive - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pphilipp - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun and powerful car. Had it for 6 years, and the main reason I wouldnt by a Jeep again is that it has had lots of problems over the years, and their service really sucks. everytime I take it for service, its at least 400-500 bucks. The transmission had to be re-built after 60k miles at $2.000. Airconditioning broken several times, and $400 to fix. I would much rather get one of the newer SUVs, such as the Highlander or the new Honda Pilot. Be careful if considering a Jeep, you are getting a fun, but not reliable car, and set some money aside for repairs.

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  The Total Package - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Greensburg - March 18 - 9:43 am

  This is my second Jeep product. The last Jeep was a Grand Limited with the 4.7L V8. I needed more room and was looking at the Chevy Suburban and the Ford Expedition. After looking at the Jeep Commander I was totally impressed with the fit and finish of the product. Although not as large as the other two vehicles it had all of the room that I was looking for. This Jeep has a ride, comfort and limited road noise that would rival a premier car. The amenities were so numerous that I fully didnt realize all of them until after I had purchased the vehicle. Although the gas mileage stinks and I wish it was better, this is expected with a vehicle of this type.

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  Wrangler: Its all about the ride! - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark - March 16 - 12:26 pm

  This is my first Wrangler, an Islander. After trying different models, a Sahara and a Unlimited, I kept coming back to the Islander, with its Performance Suspension. It handles like a dream, even on curves and roundabouts. It has 3.73 rear axle ratio instead of 3.21 makes a difference when accelerating on the highway. I really enjoy driving it, as I have a feeling of connection with the road, but at the same time, its quiet inside the vehicle, no noticeable road noise. It does have a hard top, which helps. I have driven Jeeps before, and I must say, they have come a long way in terms of comfort and features, but have kept the integrity of style. You can always spot a Wrangler!

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  Pushing 230,000 Miles - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By eprince - March 16 - 10:41 am

  I bought this car from my grandmother with 160,000 miles. Ive since done more than a few minor repairs (radiator, alternator, idler pulleys, etc.), but nothing I couldnt either do myself or a family friend couldnt do for cheap. The belt tensioner pulley is messed up, causing strain on the alternator, so I have had to replace it a few times, but it is under lifetime warranty with free replacements and I do the work myself. Now, it has 231,800 miles and counting, original block and transmission running stronger than ever. If you can live with doing relatively minor repairs, doing proper maintenance, and dont drive like a bat out of hell, this is one of the best vehicles made.

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  disappointed - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By disappointed - March 15 - 9:33 am

  I have a love/hate relationship with my Jeep. I love the style, comfort, and features. But the reliability of this vehicle is extremely disappointing. I do drive quite a bit, but there have been so many things break on this Jeep that should not go bad. Starters, ball bearings, water pumps, and hoses... I cant afford to keep this Jeep. Its always twice as much to service and fix than anything else.

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  Jeep is a rock, exept for the brakes - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By iguana - March 14 - 10:00 am

  its been a great experience with my jeep ive only had it a few months and i cant beleave how many miles ive put on it. I just cant seem to stop driving it. Im still getting used to the fact that its a jeep and can handle things i know i try to baby it to much. as far as bad things the brakes. but i knew that going into this adventour.

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  1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee review - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Billy Johnson - March 14 - 10:00 am

  grand cherokee has been reliable for the most part.the only major repair ive done is to replace the fuel pump & regulator assembly.I pull a boat with it frequently and the 4 liter engine is a little week for towing, but the performance of the 4 liter has been very good to excellent.The four wheel drive performs great.Ive been very pleased with this vehicle, in fact, my wife and I agree that its the best vehicle weve ever had.We love this vehicle!