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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  Never Again - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike Mensing - April 4 - 10:00 am

  My first Jeep Grand Cherokee was a 1997 model with the V8. It was a wonderful vehicle except for the gas mileage. When my lease came up I opted for the new and improved version, a 2000 model. This vehicle has been in the shop more times than my previous 3 vehicles combined. The service staff knows my name when I walk up to the counter. I complained enough that Chrysler put new front rotors on my vehicle at 37,000 miles. Other problems to note: power windows, keyless entry forgetting codes, vehicle not starting due to computer system,....I could go on and on. I will never buy another Chrysler product!

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  Easy SUV to drive - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By JamesCommander06 - April 4 - 4:53 am

  Ive owned several SUVs and full size trucks and this thing rides better than any. Its got a better truning radius than most full size cars. I did have an issue right out of the start with the transmission down shifting hard into 2nd on deceleration. The dealer reset the computer and it went away. The gas mileage is also very poor averaging a little over 15 mpg mixed use. On long road trips the seat puts my legs to sleep and I get sharp pains in my legs. I wish I would have gotten the Hemi.

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  DONT BUY!! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Kenny - April 1 - 7:05 pm

  I bought the 2016 Cherokee Sport, it sounds like a diesel powered sewing machine, according to the dealer its normal.. yeah you heard it right.. A 2016 Jeep sounds like a 92 Chevy Cavalier only the Cavalier has more power and sounds better!! not to mention the headlights get a lot of moisture in them "dealer said thats normal too" < because you want a brand new car with rusted headlight connectors right?!?.. this vehicle is a joke!! You hit the gas and it takes a good 3 seconds to start moving. The MPG is around 13 to 14, not what the manufacturer says and thats driving like an old lady. Very Unhappy with it and will NOT buy another Jeep unless its a 90s model thats the only time they got it right!!

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  A Fantastic Blend of Capabilities - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By jansah1 - April 1 - 5:17 pm

  I just got my first Jeep Wrangler Moab Edition, manual, premium soft top with saddle brown leather interior. I live in CT. There are no official off road trails here but Wranglers are still very popular. I love the ride more than I thought I would and its pluses outweigh any minuses. Before buying it, I read reviews where people complained about various things. To those people Id say...drive an updated one. Theyve changed a lot in the last 3 years. Road noise is no more than my previous car especially with the radio on. I dont have the hard top but the premium soft top keeps out the cold as the heaters crank even at 10 degrees outside. I love having the only Moab edition in my area.

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  Great performance, crappy interior - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Golf09 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I am a high school kid who bought the jeep with 87000 miles on it. Got for a heck of a deal, $6800. It is an amazing car except when it comes to the interior. All the cheap plastic and other junk in there rattles or squeaks. The backseat is also a pain in the butt to get in and out of. Also the gas gauge seems to be getting a little weak. Just last weak i was on empty, put 6 bucks in and some how was still on empty.???

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  Reliability - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jtravis2 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Like vehicle, unfortunatley I cant because of reliability issues and high maintenance costs.

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  tomd used jeep purchase review - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By trtrudey16 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  These cars are a "gas" to drive. You want to throw on aflannel shirt and your hiking boots and head for a field. The other people who drive them wave to you so you feel as if you are part of some "club". Im not certain if its a vehicle or a "lifestyle". I love it so far.

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  First Jeep Purchase - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By claudia ridge - April 1 - 10:00 am

  A very pleasant experience. All sales reps had jeeps and were very knowledgable of the product. Very satified with the ride-even up to 60 miles per hour. Price ended up at $21,800. I love my jeep!

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  First week impression - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By pumposo - April 1 - 10:00 am

  After having driven the much larger Chevy Trailblazer for the past three years, its literally refreshing to drive this vehicle. This is my first Jeep and I have no regrets. While I do miss the cushy ride of the TB, I certainly feel much more comfortable in this Jeep. I actually feel more secure going off road with it.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By oscar - April 1 - 7:53 am

  I wanted a FWD SUV with good price and capabilities, this Patriot was the answer. Driving is fun despite the CVT, thanks to the shiftronic. Good size and looks. 2.4L engine is capable but my wife complains it is a little bit noisy (for me it is perfect as it reminds me that I am NOT driving a car).