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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  2007 Grand Cherokee - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Al Schuette - October 19 - 1:46 am

  Bought this vehicle new in July 2007 and put on 7200 miles in 3 months. Towed equipment trailer across country and back in 114 degree weather without any problems. I can recommend this car without any reservations. Best gas mileage to date is 22mpg- somewhat disappointing. Interior layout is well done, seats are comfortable, AC and sound system work well. Paid 24k new for this car- it is worth it.

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  I like it - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JimOH123 - October 16 - 3:06 pm

  I have a BMW with performance tires, so I needed a vehicle to drive in the winter. Purchased this car with about 85k miles on the odometer. I love my Jeep and drive it more than the BMW. Love the driving position, looks and its maneuverability. Very few service complaints. I have never owned a vehicle with so many miles, yet it is still very tight and rattle free. Would consider buying another Liberty like this one with fewer miles if this one ever starts giving me trouble. A great value for a used vehicle.

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  A Good Start - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By scla - October 15 - 8:36 pm

  Traded a Lexus LX470 for Commander Limited with 5.7 Hemi. Have been on two road trips totaling over 2000 miles. Has performed without a flaw. Ride is better than Lexus. Appointments are inferior especially the navigation system. Commander has blind spots on both sides when driving. Rear seat positioning is unique and comfortable especially for taller people. The Commander in black with chrome wheels is an eye catcher. Have had no negative comments except most think it is a new Hummer H3. I suggest getting the Hemi for both performance and fuel economy. You will feel the shift between four to eight cylinders on highway driving but it is minimal.

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  Very Nice for $19,500 - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Charles - October 15 - 6:23 pm

  For the money you can not beat it. 4wd, very good mpg plenty of room. Looks pretty good too.

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  A Jeep that will command a a second look - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Marlowe Achanzar - October 15 - 6:16 pm

  This Jeep Commander Sports 4 x 4 3.7 engine is really a fun SUV to drive. Comfortable enough on a bumpy road and never could you hear any squeaking or rattle after a 3400 mileage accumulation. One problem is the backrest, it is too high for women with a height of 5-1/2 feet like my wife. The headrest is tilted downwards at its maximum down level and very uncomfortable for her. Fuel consumption is 17 miles a gallon, a gas guzzler ha? Thank God gas is now $1.87/ gal. here in Chicago. No leaks or water accumulation on the doors as noted by previous 2007 Owners. The 3.7 6 cylinder is good enough for the size of the body. Third row seat? Thats a plus for an outdoor sportsman like me.

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  Fun Ride - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kurt - October 15 - 5:40 pm

  It is nothing fancy but what a fun car to own. Have both a Wrangler and BMW 750i. Would much rather drive the Jeep. Nothing better than cruising around with the top down on a Saturday afternoon. I highly recommend this vehicle. Get ready to wave at all the other Jeep owners. You are part of a family.

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  Worth the Purchase - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By natestj - October 15 - 5:03 pm

  This vehicle is awesome! Fun to drive, especially in the summer with the top off. I bought it with 74K miles and now have over 98k. Every time I change the oil it looks exactly the same as when I put it in, clean! No problems with engine or transmission. Excellent capability in the snow, never stuck once. The 6 cylinder is a must, despite poor gas mileage. Comfort isnt too bad, but the ride is that of a Jeep, its supposed to be a little rough. Right? The only minor problems Ive had is replacing the sway bar brackets and bushings. Also the universal joints on the drive shaft seem to wear out quick. They make a very annoying clicking sound when you take off out of first gear.

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  Fun..READ - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Frenchy - October 15 - 10:00 am

  This jeep has good gas comsuption. Performance 0-60 is really good for its weight/power ratio. The factory says 8.7s to 60. I beleive it. But with 35000 miles and no tune up, it will decrease dramatically. I timed it to 60 w/ 35000 miles: about 10.5s. Oh...it goes 115 no problem. After 60mph, the acceleration is so- so. Their is plenty of cargo space in the trunk. read the rest....

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  Mini Jungle Jeep - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Jungle Jeep - October 12 - 8:10 am

  Ive had my 2016 75th FWD Jungle Green Renegade for a month and I can say I love it. Steering is precise, brakes are highly responsive and the ride is more comfortable than expected. Though I didnt think I would like the My Sky Dual Sunroof, I love it and would definitely recommend it. For those that complain about the 2.4 Tigershark engine, If your expecting a V6 performance then this vehicle is not for you. The engine is not as refined true but its a mute point for regular drivers since you cant truly tell the difference other than the delay of the transmission when split second power is needed. I do like the transmission though you do need to step on the gas a little harder for it to upshift for quick passing maneuvers, so unless your an agressive driver it wont bother you. They styling I think is perfect and Im amazed that now I can park anywhere since its so compact but it doesnt feel that way when youre inside. My only complaint is the Beats audio, it seems all audio comes from the front dash speakers and subwoofer is pathetic. Jeep shouldnt have let Beats audio into the vehicle, Ive tested a 2015 and that premium audio is way better. Overall Jeep has done a good job and I hope they start offering the Jungle Green color for all trims because if they did I would have purchased the Trailhawk.

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  Cover Up Your Condenser or Pony Up $700 - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matt W. - October 11 - 3:46 am

  This is my third Jeep. I love the Hemi (dislike the poor gas mileage), the updated styling and the ride. However, beware. My wife was driving our Overland on a highway (not off road), couldnt avoid a blown tire (re-tread) laying in the roadway. Unbelievably, a piece of the re-tread flipped up into the unprotected AC condenser area (that huge, open area just under your front bumper) and barely punctured the condenser. The outcome? A $700 repair bill and me jerry-rigging (with gardening wire I bought at Lowes) a protection screen for this exposed area. INCREDIBLY POOR design for an alleged "rough/tough" $40,000 off-road SUV. Unbelievable - a warning to all to "cover up your condenser"