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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  Limited Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Janell - January 3 - 6:40 pm

  This is my 3rd Jeep and this new one is the best ever. It is more stable on the road and around corners. The Hemi is great and gives that surge of power when needed. I have taken it on a long trip and it was very comfortable. No back aches or leg aches. The navigation is great and the smart high beams are amazing. I would recommend this quality vehicle to everyone.

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  So far so good - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By meghansays - January 3 - 12:44 pm

  Ive owned my 2011 Jeep Compass for just a week now and have been quite satisfied with my purchase. The only issues Ive had with the vehicle thus far have been user induced. However its only been a week, and Ill definitely be willing to post again if/when I do run into any problems.

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  Works for Me - 2010 Jeep Commander
  By kennyj - January 2 - 11:36 am

  I was looking for a reasonably priced smaller SUV with a 3rd row for my 2 kids if an extra adult or two wants to come along. So far I am very pleased with the overall package. The rear seat TV is a blessing with the kids but I will agree the 2nd and 3rd rows are a bit cramped for adults, especially if the front seat passengers are tall. But the front seats are comfortable and spacious and it works for a family of 4. I have had 4 adults plus my 2 kids in the back for a short trip and its a bit cramped but it works. An excursion or Yukon XL it isnt, but it fits in my smaller garage and easy to park and maneuver. Blind spots are huge, but no worse then any other boxy SUV I have driven.

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  2007 JEEP GRAND CHERKEE - Love it! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By disgustedagain - January 1 - 10:22 am

  We Purchased the 2007 JEEP Grand Cherokee used with 41,000 miles on it. Now has 75,000 Miles on it. We have had a few warrenty issues with bad differencial gaskets, and leaky transmission hose. Starter - All Covered - No cost to us. We have done nothing but preventive regular maintenence you have to do with any car. Gas, Tires, Oil, Transmission check at 70,000 --Drain, Flush, All OK. We have rough Winters here in Minnesota, and this is the vehical to own. Goes through 2ft or more like it is not there. Very stable ride, smooth, quiet, sits up nice. I was so happy with this one, I bought another JEEP Grand Cherokee 2998 Limited, Love that too!

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  A lot of good - some bad - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By traildog - January 1 - 9:56 am

  Bought new, now 138K I6 Quadradrive Ltd - had her in mud, mountains, rocks, washes, desert, snow, hunting etc - never got stuck! Get 19/22 and have put less than $500 in 7 years (other than tires, brakes, and oil). Now I am facing tranny, CVs, A/C, power window, water pump, cruise repairs, tires and who knows what else. It aint cheap to get fixed.

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  Tight fit for infant seats - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Justin - December 31 - 2:20 pm

  I have driven this car for 18 months. I have had no problems to date. It handles very well in snow, rain, and muddy dirt roads. Fuel economy is around 24-25, but decreases significantly with anything on the roof. I just installed two infant seats and barely fit them in. I am 510" and had to pull the seat 1 click forward from my usual position to fit them in. If you have long legs and plan on adding a car seat, buy different car.

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  What else can go wrong - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By horrible suv - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I have replaced fuel pump, power steering pump, water pump, radiator, rear end, and radio. The air conditioning was leaking water into the interior..sounds baffling. I guess that is another common problem in these jeeps. These repairs were all done at my "five star" jeep dealership. Thank God that I had purchased the extended warranty. I have 119, 000 miles on it now. Everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. Make sure you stay away from the V8 and four wheel drive. The interior door panels are falling apart. I think jeep makes a few crappy ones out there just so the dealers service department can make a few bucks.

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  Mechanically substandard - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By MikeBrock61 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Hello All, This is one of many new cars I have bought and it is the worst one mechanically. The engine makes rattling noises, the front seats have been stained by water, the rear right brake drags, the clutch / drivetrain makes a bad clunking noise, it idles rough, and a myriad of other smaller problems. Some of the problems are intermittent which makes it even more difficult to get fixed. I would not recommend this car to anyone. Save yourself problems and buy something else. I hope I can invoke the NY "lemon law" and get rid of this car.

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  Love it! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike & Jenny - December 30 - 10:00 am

  We love our Jeep. It handles very well and has plenty of interior room. Im 65" and my wife is 510" and we have plenty of head room.

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  My Great Grand - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Weoflun - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Extremely sporty feel to it. The uniframe is very rigid and seems to be very durable. Off-road it seems smooth and yet extremely responsive; just like the other Jeep vehicles. The ride is very different from the older Grand Cherokees, it doesnt rock nearly as much as before, and yet is still a great off-roader - in fact, I feel its better. The Jeep feels very safe to drive. I like the steering much better than my previous, older Grand Cherokee. And although bigger, I feel more in-tune with my vehicle and the surroundings than I did with my previous Jeep.