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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  Beyond expectations - 2018 Jeep Cherokee
  By Matthew Thomas - October 6 - 9:03 pm

  I actual have the 3.2L V6 Limited 4X4 trim version with heated front leather seats and steering wheel, dual zone climate control, BSM, Rear cross-traffic alert, Back up sensors, back-up camera, and automatic start stop. It totally has went above and beyond my expectations, I was a bit hesitant at first with the 9 speed transmission cause I had rented a 200 when they first came out with 9 speed, but it’s great in the Cherokee. I love the styling mines white with the the black cladding, I blacked out all the Crome and dipped the rims black. Acceleration, comfort, driving aid and entertainment are all great, but one major thumbs down is there is still no apple car-play in an 18 come onnnn. Would totally buy it again next the overland though.

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  So far... so good. - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chad Adams - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Have owned for 6 months now. Bought with 40,000 on vehicle... now at 52,000. No problems so far. Got the extended warranty in case, but at this point, unsure if I will be using it at all. Love the way it looks, and with a few minor engine upgrades (headers, exhaust, etc.), the 4.7L really screams and turns heads.

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  Bought as is from a used car lot. - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By terjej - October 4 - 10:51 am

  Step daughter wanted a Wrangler but we talked her into a Cherokee. This vehicle was found on Craigslist and is white with gold trim. It has dark grey leather interior and a lot of extras. Had a lot of issues with the jeep in the beginning. Radiator sprang a leak and had to be replaced, then the water pump and thermostat soon went out. The jeep then had a problem with shutting down when driving and was totally unreliable. Had to replace the crankshaft and cam shaft position sensors before that problem went away. Changed out the battery for a heavy duty one. Replaced the rotor, distributor cap and spark plug wires. Changed out the fuel filter and worked on the shift cable.

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  Jeep Wrangler - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dacoda - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Had a 1995 Jeep Wrangler Sahara for 13 years. Bought the New 4 door and just love it. Now I find myself looking at the New 2011 Jeep Wrangler 4 door. They changed the inside and some more equipment. It is now your every day drive with comfort and extras and your off road toy. What a great way to get it all in one package.

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  Successful Downsize - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MBT - October 4 - 10:00 am

  After four Acura MDXs and less kids living at home, I was looking to downsize. Drove the Audi Q5, Nissan Murano, Acura RDX, as well as a few others. All were either too small or drove like a minivan. I Stopped by the Jeep dealer on a whim and drove the 11 GC. I was pleasantly surprised; Jeep has definitely gotten it right this time. Power is as responsive as our 08 MDX, steering is not as heavy, and ride is quite smooth. Cabin is beautiful with all the right tech features. I would highly recommend shopping the Jeep against all the midsized imports. You will not be disappointed and it certainly is the most bang for your buck!

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  2014 JKU 4x4 Highly disappointed - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ljku - October 3 - 12:38 pm

  I was over the moon when I purchased my jeep. That soon ended when within the first week I had to take it back to the dealer due to a bad fan. Dealer claimed it was a factory defect. Two months later my check engine light came on for a day and went off. Checked the code and it was for a cylinder 6 misfire. Thought it may have been caused by bad fuel. About a month later we got some heavy rain and my driver side floor board was full of water( 1/2inch). I had taken the top off maybe 3 times since I had the jeep and thought maybe I didnt put it back on properly. My husband and I took it off and readjusted it. Another rain storm came and soaked the floor once again. Took it in to the dealer and said it was due to a foam piece that needed to be replaced at the top of the roof by the driver door. Needless to say that didnt work. The foam didnt even stay on. Took it in for a second time and all they did was replace the foam again. The service tech kept telling me how temperamental the hard tops are and insinuated I wasnt putting the top back on properly even though I hadnt touched it since taking it to them the first time. He then proceeded to show me where the drain plug was under the driver seat in case it took on too much water. I thought he was joking. Again replacing the foam didnt work. Took it in for the third time and they kept it for 3 days and said it was due to something with the frame and part of the hard top not being square. About a month later I had no leaks and hadnt even taken the top off due to fear of it leaking again. That seemed to have been fixed. A couple weeks roll around and my check engine light is on again for a cylinder 6 misfire. Took it in to the dealer and they said it was due to software updates that needed to be done on my jeep so they did the updates. Here we are about 2 weeks later and the check engine light is on yet again. Im scheduled to take it in this week and here what they have to say. Bottom line Ive taken it in soon to be 6 times in the first year of owning it. Save yourself the heartache and money and dont buy this vehicle.

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  Forever Reliable Plus Comfort - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Frank Badolato - October 2 - 10:10 pm

  My Jeep has taken me through college and now with 4 children. I dont doubt that if I keep up with regular maintenance that it will easily last another 150000 miles. It is the only one of our cars we trust in all forms of weather.

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  No Problems So far - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Whizzer - October 2 - 10:50 am

  I have had My Patriot for 2 months now and have had no complaints. Handling is a little vague at times and I am still getting used to the blind spot. However it is reliable, comfortable to drive and easy to maneuver. I am averaging about 25 mpg in combination city highway driving. The 4WD does handle well in the snow and I like the stability, traction control and airbag safety features. It is a basic SUV but it serves its purpose and makes a good second car. I would buy another one

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  New Toy - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By JC - October 1 - 11:46 pm

  Just purchased Unlimited X, could not be more happy! Dont believe all the cons you hear/read about. No its not like driving a sports car and it shouldnt be. Pick up is more than adequate(unless you need to drive on the autobahn) I have never driven a more "fun" vehicle. Go with the freedom top not the soft. Its a 4 door, 4 wheel drive go anywhere convertible. I cant say enough. I drove a GMC Envoy for the past 6 years, dont have the bells and whistles I had with the Envoy but I dont need them. MPG at this point has been close to 17 both in town and highway. Straight out high way I got almost 21, its only a day old! Dont believe all the negatives you read, test drive one for yourself

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  Jeep Liberty Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By G L - October 1 - 5:43 am

  This is an awesome vehicle on and off the highway. I have nothing but extreme positives for this vehicle except for the gas mileage which could be better; however, all of the other assets make this worth it to me.