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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  Theres no replacement for Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By SL - April 16 - 3:00 am

  Bought this very basic 4x4 last summer with 125k on the clock, and just grow more enthusiastic every day. Its not a luxury car, but is very tractable on-road and there is NO vehicle still in production in 2008 that can come anywhere close to matching it for balancing on-road manners and sheer offroad capability. Its also built like a tank and is unbelievably reliable. Important stuff just does not fail on this car. Fuel econ. is quite good in commuting. Theyre so common that theyre almost forgotten- but just look around you in traffic some day and start counting, and note how many still look great. Then remember there hasnt been a new one built for 7 years. Take THAT, Toyota.

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  Good for everything - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ZJguy - April 16 - 2:56 am

  I own a 93 and now this 97. The new 4.0L gives a little less HP than the 93/4/5 but a few cheep mods can kick it up to about the same. I drive a lot of highway and offroad most weekends. ZJs are very good for both. I have driven no problem 3000 miles in 3 days, and even been excited to start the next day. In the snow this Jeep is as safe as any subaru etc. The balance and traction is second to none, and it is difficult to get out of control. Driving this Jeep is easier than most cars, and light years ahead of most 07 SUVs. Without a doubt the best SUV for the money.

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  cheap jeep - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lyn - April 15 - 10:00 am

  No a/c vents for rear passengers. No cup holders for rear passengers. No hand holder for passengers (roof grips) Rear end noise is so loud you can not hear the radio. Several mechanics have tried and can not lower the noise. Why do american car builders keep putting the fuse panels in such a difficult location........ Jeep leans to much in 30-45 mph turns.

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  Awesome Vehicle ! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gymshark - April 14 - 1:06 pm

  This is my second Wrangler first was a 1995..sold it and now bought a 2007 with only 12,000 miles. The Wrangler is my weekend fun machine. The ride is comfy and stereo is awesome. The top is way easy to drop and put up. I upgraded the wheels and tires, not the suspension because it doesnt need it in my opinion. I dont extreme off road. The new design is by far the best because its still looks the same just bigger and better than previous years.

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  94 Grand - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dave - April 14 - 3:40 am

  Have Owned for over ten years. Bought from father in law due to 160,000 miles and he thought it was ready to die. It now has 310,000 miles; uses a quart every 1600 miles. Normal maintenance, and been in the woods many years for hunting. No major problems, and have to run it till it drops dead. My quest was to make it to 300,000 but the dumb thing keeps going, going,and going. Great on ice.

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  3 Months now - and LOVE IT! - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Benbklyn - April 13 - 9:24 pm

  This car is Perfect!. (My Latitude is 9 speed auto with many other upgrades) So fun to drive, great looking in and out. The Detailing in the interior with it curves and chrome accent gives it a solid expensive look and attention to detail look. Everything appears to be laid out perfectly. Best handing car I have drove so far. Very smooth ride on highway, and excellent on turns. Lot of technology and electronics in this car. Too soon to see how they all hold up. Very stylish exterior with nice curves with no wind noise. This is my first 4 cylinder car, and I have to say I am impressed! Power and acceleration is just enough even with 5 people in the car. I don’t know why people are complain about this, lets get real, this is not a sports car where you going to feel a gravity pull when you gun it. I think it’s plenty for a 4 cylinder and size of the vehicle. I am averaging 20 MPG, I kind of expecting a bit more since its rated 23 city and 30 highway. But its way much better than all my previous cars. The "Stop start and Go" can get annoying, however it can be disabled by a push of a button. If this car holds up as is, i just might buy it at end of my lease. Love it!

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  Compass is a great buy - 2017 Jeep Compass
  By JohnT - April 12 - 7:31 am

  The Jeep Compass is just plain fun to drive. It is a Jeep and has a firm ride that is solid and is confident under any road condition. The interior is not as "plush" as other vehicles to which it is compared but it costs thousands less but it is still well equiped. Those who complain about this car after buying it apparently never bothered to drive it before spending their money. One cant blame the car for their failure to determine whether the car is right for them. Over all it is a fine vehicle it is a Jeep not a luxury sports car.

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  Very Happy with it, love the Sky Slider - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave - April 11 - 1:13 pm

  Its a Jeep, so fuel economy is not going to be good by any means. But the performance and capabilities make up for it. We bought a Sport model with the Sky Slider which performs flawlessly. We love it and couldnt be happier with our decision to trade in an 06 V6 Commander for this one. Some reviews claim that it lacks a bit of power. Maybe it does, but to me its got plenty of juice. Think about it, it is the same engine they put on the V6 commander but having to handle over 1200 lbs less. In my opinion the engine moves it pretty good. It takes time to get used to the 4 speed tranny instead of 5 on the commander so you will have to press the pedal deeper on hwy driving to pass. Very happy.

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  Why the Problems Chrysler??? - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jvesci - April 10 - 12:41 pm

  Just hit the 30 day mark of ownership of my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd. 5.7 v8 and heres what happened today: Engine Light, ABS Light, Brake Light, Airbag Light, Traction Control Light all suddenly came on! In addition, backup camera not functioning properly, cant open lift gate, and UConnect keeps cutting out completely! Took it to a Jeep Dealership (not where I purchased from, but it shouldnt matter, right!?) and their service shop was closed but they told me I could "rent" a vehicle...ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME!!! I am taking it to the service shop at 7:30 am tomorrow and by hell or high water will be getting a loaner, at no cost, and will be having it out with the service team.

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  Problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By kENNETH - April 10 - 10:30 am

  Purchased the commander in 4/07, in 7/09 my water pump went out at 37,000 miles. Which I had to replace cost me $1100.00, because the Chrysler corporation said it was past the manufacturer warranty of 36,000 miles it would not honor. At 38,000, right front wheel bearing went bad had to replace, $475.00. At 39,000, my sunroof started leaking. Now at 63,000 I have an electrical problem. When it rains and I turn my wipers or lights, they go out. Otherwise the vehicle is fine.