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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  Problems - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By David - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Hope this helps someone else. I had electrical issues with this vehicle. Dead wont start. Change the ignition module. Mine went out around 30,000 and now again. Tow package for lights not wired correct. Was told it was my trailer wiring. WRONG! It is the wiring and electric in this vehicle. Blower motor for fan went out the other day. This vehicle is a lemon.

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  First time Jeep owner - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By baycouple929 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I am active duty military and wanted to purchase a vehicle for my wife. I was set to buy a new GMC Terrain and then a new Ford Explorer. I even heard the AUDI Q5 was nice. I am completely happy that I saw the commercials and read the reviews about the new 2011 Jeep grand Cherokee. What an amazing vehicle. I purchased the overland 4x4 v8 hemi engine. This new Jeep is so smooth to drive and gets great gas mileage for a v8 (21 hwy) the quality and workmanship is Superior to any luxury SUV on the market. Try to even compare a porshe Cayenne s and you would pay so much more for the same features. This Jeep is worth every Penny and much much more. My wife is so happy.

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  HIGHLY recommended!!! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Warren - May 21 - 11:23 pm

  A pleasure to own and drive. Appears well-built, have experienced no faults or issues and no minor irritations. I really like the CVT transmission but only with the autostick (manual override) which allows you to use the engine as a downhill brake and provides for smoother engine operation on a long uphill ride (plus a fun component if you are getting bored). Everything being considered, I cant think of a better vehicle.

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  2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 Diesel - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kloten20 - May 20 - 12:47 pm

  It could be an excellent vehicle, sharp looking, fun to drive and all the bells. But there is where it stops. My first american car after over 18 years of Japanese and German. To put it short, the most expensive and also worst vehicle I have ever bought/owner. Just within 5000 miles I had the car at the dealership for the same electronic issue and they still could not figured it out. I never had so much stress owning any vehicle. Finally I had enough and traded it in after only five months of ownership. What a pity. It is absolutely sad, that Chrysler has not more pride in their product. Consequently this will be my last Chrysler product ever.

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  Jeep Patriot Sport 4x4 manual transmission - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By R.L.Faverty - May 20 - 10:13 am

  Our family has owned and driven jeeps since 1970 starting with the Grand Wagoneer, we love them. All have had a complete low range gearing. My previous jeep was a Cherokee bought in 1984. As I consulted to the minerals exploration industry and mining it got heavy use and the low range came in handy as it did in the previous models. I have drive manual vehicles since 1964 and was dismayed with the Jeep choices. I wanted a full Jeep transmission like the Cherokee had, but my choice there was a glitzy model or a Wrangler. At my age the Patriot was the best fit and all I could get was 4x4 Sport model as I like crank windows and no central lock, The 4x4 drive lack a true low range, but when you lock the four wheel in it seems to drop to a lower range as describe by the technicians at the Jeep dealer. The anti sway feature is remarkable on muddy wash board roads and where hydroplaning is occurring, I live in western Colorado and the afore mentioned features combined with the 2.4L engine is remarkable. Also, I bought the Patriot for its plane jeep look. I like to scramble old mining roads etc and the glitzy just would not fit as I would not want to scratch and dent such a fancy vehicle. I am a large, very large man, and this vehicle is roomy front and rear for me. On the freeway gas mileage is about 30-31mpg using cruise control at 65mph. Lots of power to spare and shifting is smooth and easy, and the stick is well positioned.

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  Bullit Proof - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Mike - May 20 - 8:46 am

  Has well over 100K miles and still running strong. Brakes have a slight pulsating problem.

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  I Love My Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Eric - May 20 - 12:13 am

  I love almost everything about my car. Im not much of a Jeep person, but this car is what Ive been looking for. I love the box shape. I love the navigation system. The speakers are great. I have the 4.7 liter V8, and that gives me enough power. This car has horrible fuel economy, but I dont mind because its worth the extra money. I feel safe in my Commander, and I would recommend it to anyone. This car is a true commander of the road.

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  loyal jeep owner - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By tracy - May 19 - 2:06 am

  I got my jeep in march 2008, and it is FWD 2.0. I love it and it is good on gas. I have to get used to the autostick, and I really dont use it. But overall I am a jeep fanatic and I really like the fuel efficiency.

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  Really Crappy Wiring - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rabbit - May 18 - 8:36 am

  After 10 years, nearly every wire in the Jeep is cracking and beginning to fail. Intermittent failures in the window operators, instruments, radio. Cruise control, horn and airbag are all out of commission. Car has never been crashed or bumped and has had only light 4wd use, but body panels are coming loose, trim strips and bumpers are falling off. Transmission is noisy. Death wobble is getting steadily worse even after new tires, shocks, dampener and alignment. The Jeep is the newest of my three cars and the only one that I seriously want to get rid of. VERY Disappointed.

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  2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 2WD 4dr - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JH - May 18 - 5:53 am

  Purchased new in 2001. What a mistake, I should have gone for the 4-Runner. I have had to replaced all rotors, calipers and pads twice within the first 25K mi. Three window regulators so far at a whopping $225 each. The reverse gears went out of the transmission. Had to have it rebuilt at a cost of $1800. Idle control value went bad at 75K. Almost forgot, had the have the leaking plastic radiator replaced also.