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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  Best of the beasts - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Squash - March 17 - 4:30 am

  I liked the 1996 so much that I now keep it in the garage as my reliable spare. It is great on and off road. For the do it DIY guy, this is the perfect vehicle. The downfalls of the vehicle are the transmission, the air conditioning, and the rear wiper. The remainder of the vehicle is superb.

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  Die Hard Jeep fan driven away from Jeep, by Jeep - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bboston1724 - March 17 - 2:43 am

  Great car let down by crappy components. When will Chrysler get it? The car was in the shop for almost a month. Dealer recommended having it bought back, but I just traded it in for a BMW. The transfercase failed, which was replaced and then had all sorts of driveline problems as a result. Rear shock failed, and brakes were warped by 7500 miles. The last 100 miles was just driving it back and forth to the dealer for problems. Im disappointed as a former die hard Jeep fan, that was my 7th and probably last Jeep. The dealer and Chrysler did little to keep me happy.

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  jeeps rule - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By brandt - March 17 - 2:00 am

  the newest jeep wrangler is jeep no matter which way you look at it. the only difference is the coil suspension system, and the upgraded interior. in my own oppinion the upgraded interior has to go. i have a 1976 cj7 and a 1981 cj8 scrambler and they have no interior whatsoever. its just to pretty inside and way to much plastic. a jeep is supposed to be a rugged offroad machine not a pretty city driven vehicle so keep it true to its heritage and take the plastic out of the interior

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  Quality keeps improving in JGC - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JerryP - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This is our fifth Jeep since the 84 Cherokee(which was totaled one night but my wife walked away from.) We bought this used off a lease return with about 21K miles. It now has over 48K and has been a rugged performer driving through some very harrowing winter conditions here in the Cascades; all of it without any major failures of any equipment. Better gas mileage than any of its predecessors(18.1mpg)with more power than expected. Great visibilty, good road feel: just an easy car to drive.

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  Dont Waste Your Time and Money - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By astra_ferris@hotmail.com - March 16 - 11:41 am

  Was so excited to finally get my first Jeep and go play. Unfortunately this car has been nothing but trouble. Transmission started overheating at 20,000 miles, electric system goes in and out, sometimes my windshield wipers work, sometimes they dont. I have been locked both in and out of my car with the door locks not working. Have been stranded on the side of the road for half hour increments where my car will not work. And this is after it drops from 60-75 miles to hour to 40 miles per hour without warning. I have had my brakes not work when I have used them, almost causing accidents both times. Take it to the dealer to get fixed you say! I have multiple times now, and end up leaving with nothing fixed and them telling me there is nothing wrong with it. Look online though and you can see multiple reviews of people having the same issues. These are the problems I have had so far, then this morning my TMPS started beeping at me and wont go off. However, none of my tires are low or flat. They werent when it started going off. To top it all of, my seat belt does not consistently lock. it pops out at random, leaving me unprotected in my death trap that was disguised as a new car.

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  What an interior - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LDZermeno - March 16 - 9:53 am

  After having three separate friends owning Jeep Grand Cherokees (and having to hear how fun, and convenient they were), I decided to trade in my 2004 1500 Ram with the Hemi. In exchange I purchased an 06 Jeep GC Limited with the 5.7 Hemi. With the employee discount and fair trade in value of my truck, I think I got a very good deal. I couldnt be any happier. The ride is excellent, the pick up is great. But it still has a high center of gravity, so I wouldnt recommend going fast on those turns, lol. After 1200 miles, I am finally starting to realize why my friends were happy with their Jeeps.

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  2007 Jeep Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By C. Foster - March 15 - 7:53 pm

  The 2007 Jeep Compass is fabulous! In a world of monster trucks and SUVs, this is a perfect compromise for the consumer who wants the space and height of a smaller truck, but drives like a car. The fuel economy is amazing. I am averaging 25mpg (street and highway), which is great because I have been driving it a lot. Regardless of what some of the critics say about the interior being cheap, I disagree. The interior features are amazing, from the YES Essentials (non-stain) fabric, to the power windows and doors, Sirius radio, 6-in dash CD player, ample speakers, universal garage door remote control, cruise control, and Bluetooth handsfree phone feature. Very comfortable. Fun!

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  Very pleased - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Bryan - March 14 - 7:30 pm

  I was looking to upgrade to an suv,and was willing to trade off gas mileage, then came along the patriot.Im not a serious off roader (lets face it,95% of you with suvs never see dirt), but I need to get to the trailhead or ski area, over moderately rocky and mucky logging roads with ease.I tested it this winter a few times up some steep mountain dirt roads in deep snow and an ice storm, no problem. The engine is still breaking in,getting 22 to 23 mpg mostly around town If you dont need a rock crawler or a super sized suv,and youd rather put your hard earned money in the bank rather than your tank, this is your vehicle.With gas approaching $4/gallon, I applaud Jeep for thinking ahead.

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  Horrible Electonics - Summit 5.7L 4x4 - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeeh - March 14 - 3:38 am

  Safety hazard; Mirrors and columns obstruct vision - big time. Dangerous!!! GPS; Use your phone or buy another car. GPS tends to gives bogus directions. It sends me in/out of the freeway for no reason. Hum; car hums. Dealer says "Hemi hum", period - end of story. They demonstrated that other GC do the same. Radio; Volume must be adjusted and re-adjusted each time we change AM to AM and back. If you do so - to avoid commercials - buy another car. Dealership acknowledged the problem, demonstrated that other 2014 GC do the same and replaced the radio - to no avail. Reception is very weak as well. Too many useless buttons on steering wheel. Other electronic features are inadequate as well.

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  this Jeep is worth any price - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By luvshisjeep99 - March 13 - 4:13 pm

  I bought this jeep as my second car. I had a Mazda but it was about to die and I didnt like it all that much. I bought this Jeep and i love it. Its a go anywhere do anything vehicle with so many options it will leave your head spinning. All of my friends and family love it and its reliable. Plus the insurance is the exact same as it was on my last car. Overall I love it to death.