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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  Jumpy Jeep - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kim Kinna - May 6 - 2:50 am

  I have owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee in the past and was looking forward to loving this one. The interior was fine, nothing special, and the ride was much rougher than expected. Overall, this Jeep felt like the same old Jeep with a few cosmetic changes. Hopefully the newly redesigned model will be much improved.

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  couldnt of picked a better vehicle - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By DSINKA - May 5 - 11:30 am

  This vehicle could drive through a cow pasture and come out smelling like a rose in my book. Te most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. I have over 150,000 miles on it and changed a power steering pump on it; thats all. These Cherokees were made to last. I will continue to purchase this Jeep line forever.

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  Total Garbage - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Jeremy - May 4 - 10:05 pm

  I have had the vehicle 3 months and 3,300 miles. It has been in the shop 6 times for electrical system issues. The dash lights going on and off, the radio going on and off, the climate control vents not working and now the power windows not going up and down. This vehicle cost a lot of money and has been nothing but garbage. I see others have had similar issues online and in these review columns. Stay away from this vehicle. When reporting this under the lemon law they have said these issues were considered minor and not effecting the total vehicle operations and safety.

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  What a piece of crap! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LET - May 4 - 6:00 am

  This is my first JGC and I expected much more from a reputable brand like Jeep. First problem: water leaking inside cockpit thru the windshield (4 days at dealer - 1,500 miles). Then came a recall from factory for some major fault in a transmission seal (1 day in service - 10,000 mi). Third big disappointment:car wont start - fuel pump sudden death fuel pump with short circuit in pump cabling! (3 days at shop - 13,000 mi). Fourth and counting...:computer/start key system malfunction, car wont run (3 days at service - 22,000 mi). Latest problem: car wont start - stalled at mall inside garage, towed to dealer yesterday.... Dont know what the problem is (aaaarrg!) just 2 more months for lease end!

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  Does anybody else have this problem - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Krystle - May 3 - 4:13 pm

  So when i first bought this jeep, i had nothing but good things to say, but now that i am nearing the end, i do not like it anymore. I dont know if it is just the ABS, but ive had quite a few near crash situations. I think i am going with a car without ABS. If i hit a bump in the road, pothole or slippery road, my brakes appear to stop working or prevents me from braking (with a clicking noise). I may just have to deal with the workings of the ABS, but I definitely do not like it! Also, the Jeep is real noisy. Also, at 38,000+ miles, it appears my gas mileage is degrading slowly.

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  Poor Quality and Reliability - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By starbort - May 3 - 1:37 pm

  My Jeep is now just over 3 months old (4k miles) and has visited the dealership with major problems twice. First, the transmission shifts in low gears are terrible; not what you would expect from a new vehicle. A software updated reduced, but did not fix the issue. Second, the electrical system in the car is suspect. It went haywire on me. The windshield wipers turned on and couldnt be stopped, the turn signals went out and the odometer was flashing non-stop. Of course, by the time I reached the dealership it was asymptomatic, so I was basically told, to bad, bring it back broken. Hopefully next time the electrical goes out nothing more serious occurs. Buyer beware on this vehicle.

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  Voted 4x4 of the year for a reason - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Chris - May 3 - 7:40 am

  My 1997 Cherokee has been the most fun to drive vehicle I have owned, it has 160,000 miles, runs perfectly and gets 20 MPG. I would recommend to anyone who isnt scared of a solid axle ride, and someone who doesnt care about useless interior gadgets to get a Cherokee, you wont be disappointed if you take care of it.

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  Everything I wanted. - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LoriL - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is excellent! I could always count on it whenever I fire it up. Its design makes it easy to get in or out, and shopping is a breeze! Lots of room for storage, and handling is great! I recommend it to anyone looking for a all around 4 wheel SUV.

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  Dont Buy this Vehicle!!!!!! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JT33 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle new, and have had nothing but probems. Rotors keep warping, door locks keep breaking. I called Chrysler customer service numerous times since the problems were never resolved, they refuse to honor the warranty on their own parts. Ive owned two Jeeps prior to this one, as well as other Chrysler vehicles, and will never pruchase another one. They could care less about keeping their customers happy.

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  Saved my life - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By LovemyJeep - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about my satisfaction with my Jeep Liberty Sport. Five days ago I was hit head- on by another driver who veered into my lane. The Jeep held up really well. I came out of the experience with bumps, bruises and sore muscles. The CHP told me the Jeep saved my life. I loved my Jeep and Im buying a new one just as soon as I can.