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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  Problematic - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By freddyg - November 1 - 3:36 am

  Nice vehicle that had to go due to too many problems. Replaced the gear shifter mechanism, front shock, rear differential, two computer modules and the sunroof. I did not trust it out of warranty. Only had 37,000 miles. The resale value was terrible, originally a loaded 40K V8. Wound up with 15k on a trade in and in and lucky to get that.

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  A real SUV! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Andre Neves - October 31 - 11:16 pm

  Sold my 06 Evolution IX MR for this. Was never an SUV type of guy but this thing is a blast. Gas mileage isnt anything to rave about but it is expected from a car like this. Ride is comfortable, great seats, acceleration is acceptable. Could use about 50 HP more for highway acceleration though. Off road capability is untouchable by anything out there other than a REAL hummer (H1). Havent tried folding the soft top yet but looking forward to it. Al ot of nice features/options like remote start, SIRIUS, Infiniti system, Hitch, etc. Interior is a great place to be in, seats are firm yet comfortable for long rides. Handles great even with BFG tires. I would highly recommend this to anyone

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  One awesome Jeep! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Rob - October 31 - 7:16 pm

  Bought it two weeks back and love it! The features are very nice and not too pricey. Acceleration is great for an SUV and fuel economy I hope will get better in time. Interior fit and finish is great and I love the chrome grille. I have the 3.7 L V6 and its very quiet, the 4-speed shifts with excellence.

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  Excellent 4x4 - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Natedawg - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my cherokee! The 4 wheel drive system on the jeeps are some of the best around. One day I was being follwed fastly by a guy in an Explorer on a sandy dirt road, my cherokee ran smoothly through the sand, yet he was wiping out in the sand. Sometimes I can not tell if Im riding offroad or on the pavement. Lots of fun!

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  First Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Martin - October 30 - 6:46 pm

  Wow, This is our first Jeep and compared to other SUV styles for size and price the Commander won hands down. We were looking for a car for my wife to haul kids and groceries. It took us several months and drove a lot of cars before deciding on this SUV. After a test-drive my wife and I really loved the car. We both knew this was "the" car. This car is just right for a family of four and the occasional neighbor kids and friends.

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  REALLY wanted to like it... but didnt - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John Cash - October 30 - 5:07 am

  I really wanted to like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Having come from a similarly sized SUV that treated us well for 12 years, I really wanted to upgrade our technology and other features we didnt have. The dealer let me take the Jeep home for 24 hours to decide. Unfortunately the Jeep drives poorly -- it rolls severly in turns and is not quick or zippy like youd think given the engine. It also drives like a car much bigger than it is. It doesnt help that the steering wheel is incredibly thick. I dont know how any one would want to drive this day in and day out. Its really too bad because the Jeep does come with a TON of features and is a great value for what you get, from that aspect. And the Jeep LOOKS good. Recommendation is to really make sure youve given it a proper test drive before buying. I was *this* close to buying but decided to take the dealers offer to drive it for a day.

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  Stay away! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Stay far away - October 29 - 10:03 pm

  This has been the worst vehicle we have ever bought. We bought this Jeep new a year ago and have had it in the shop 5 times and it has less than 10000 miles. Since then, it has been one electrical problem after another. Surprise, Surprise, it is fine when it goes to the Jeep dealer. They do all their tests and drive it and tell us that it shows there are 3 things coming up on their computer, but it does not say what is wrong and they dont know what to fix. This last time it completely stalled and started 3 times while driving on a very busy road with 2 toddlers in the back and 110 degrees outside. Needless to say I dont feel safe. We are going to take the loss and sell before left stranded

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  Choose carefully kids! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By joeshibotnik - October 29 - 3:30 pm

  The only difference between new and old Commanders is age and engine h.p. Otherwise, not much changes. It is way overpriced new. Resale value is very poor. It is FULLTIME 4x4. Why? Is it that hard to push a button. Just think of the mpg increase if you could switch to 2WD. 12mpg is lucky in town. 17mpg is pretty standard. Put in E3 spark plugs and K&N air filter (averaged 19.1mpg on a 265 mile trip. Dont plan on hauling around above average height people in the back seat, especially if you are tall. Air cond. will go out. A plate protecting the lines will hold sand and salt causing leaks. If you own a Commander get rid of this plate, replacement of these lines... around $1200.

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  Never buy another Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jenjen - October 28 - 2:20 pm

  Was so excited to buy this thing and after 2500 miles I realized I made a HUGE mistake. Been in the shop 5 times, 20% of the time since purchase. Recurring transmission issue, windshield replaced and resealed numerous times, windows not functioning properly, interior cloth CHEAP and stains with water, brakes squeak and warning light flashes off and on and terrible gas mileage. Chrysler basically has not accepted responsibility and I was told to pursue the lemon law in Texas.

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  Great go anywhere SUV - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DavidBAsh - October 28 - 12:46 pm

  This is my third Grand Cherokee and this is the most reliable yet. With 52,000 miles I have had no problems, just getting my original tires and brake pads replaced. I feel safe going anywhere I need to go. At freeway speeds of 70mph or so I am getting 22mpg with this V8, in town it averages around 16mpg.