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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  First Jeep - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jamesjones_det - March 11 - 10:30 am

  This was my first Jeep Ive ever bought and to be honest for a winter vehicle I dont think Ill ever buy anything else. Ive driven several SUVs and trucks and I have to say by far the Jeep Cherokee is the absolute best vehicle Ive ever driven in the Snow. The 5.7 eats through the gas though I would recommend maybe going with the 3.7 or 4.7 if your worried about gas millage. With the 5.7L this vehicle can really move but again 14 MPG is a little steep when gas prices are high.

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  Problems - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nuerny - March 11 - 2:38 am

  I purchased the car new and its been in for service more than its been on the road. Ive had electrical problems with the headlights and interior lights flickering. The seat belt warning light and chime going on and off intermittently and the dealer cant find any problems. Now Im having starting issues. Im sorry I purchased this vehicle. Jeep service is terrible!

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  Great SUV - no issues - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 07gc - March 9 - 12:45 pm

  This has been a great car to own and drive. Car has been mechanically sound and Ive only had to bring it into dealer for regular maintenance. Very confident handling in snow and solid feel to drive. Only recommendation in AWD is to rotate tires every 5K miles for even wear.

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  Jeeper for Life - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Love my Jeep - March 9 - 10:36 am

  With my 91 Cherokee Limited having 258000 miles on it I decided to buy something a little newer. I have always loved jeeps. The boxiness is great. The L6 pulls my trailer and 2 atvs with no problems (sportsman 500,600). The fuel is decent for something like this. The auto trans is bullet proof. They should never have stopped building these. My only complaint is the power windows. The sport is the most expensive to replace as it is a dealer only item.

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  Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Chris - March 8 - 8:56 am

  I purchased this model to replace a Liberty that I rolled with no injuries. I bought the 4x4 sport V-6 and as for the performance it is lacking in the take off power however the weight difference over the V-8s is very benificial for off roading. The V-6 has plenty of power (with a few modifications less than $500, made my own cold air intake; gutted the exhaust system and a Jet II performance module) I have had this Jeep in some very precarious positions and I never had an ounce of trouble getting through the mud, rocks, or anything else that was in my way. As for gas mileage it stinks but you cant ask for good gas mileage on a full time 4x4 .17 is best on highway and 13 in the city.

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  Love it! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Spenca6 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I decided to go ahead with the purchase, and have been happy ever since. Jeep has a longstanding good name, and make reliable SUVs that are the only (besides hummer) commerical vehicle ready to take on the Rubikon right off the assembly line, something that I learned in years past. I have never had to use 4-Lo, and have never gotten stuck in snow, mud, or water, and there have been sometimes that I thought nobody could pull me out, but with a little manuvering, Jeeps can really get out of ANYTHING!!! ALmost....

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  1995 Jeep Wrangler Rio Grande - Great - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By fooyatz - March 7 - 6:36 am

  I bought my 1995 Jeep Wrangler Rio Grande Edition back in 1995 on time for the 1996 Blizzard. Until today, I still own the same Jeep and with 325,000 miles on it, it was definitely reliable. Original parts since day except for the shocks and brakes. I cant tell you how much fun this Jeep is.

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  not too bad - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepers - March 4 - 9:26 pm

  We too noticed right off the bat that the gas mileage was horrible: about 16 mpg average: we took our jeep to a great mechanic who laughed and said you need to understand that Chrysler uses crap parts: he started by lubing with amsoil synthetic, threw away crap spark plugs and installed Bosch Platinum +4s, nitrogen in the tires and now we average 25 mpg which is a great improvement. Dealership wanted $500.00 + to change spark plugs every 30k said would take 1 1/2 hour, they lied: mechanic showed me how easy it was, took 20 minutes and Bosch plugs are 100k mile plugs. Dont trust dealerships they steal your money.

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  LOVE IT! - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By 5loaves2fish - March 2 - 3:57 pm

  I was torn between the Jeep Patriot and getting another Caliber SXT (which I loved and ran faithfully without a minute of trouble for 64,000 miles). After rigorous shopping and research, I was able to get a loaded Jeep Patriot Latitude; 4 x 2; CVT; sunroof;Sirius radio for about $22,000. I spend a ton of time in my car, so the fact that it is comfortable is of utmost importance. Traction control is a great feature. Heated seats; smooth drive; 2.4 litre engine has nice pickup; manuevers well in parking structures and around town. Looks like a Jeep, but drives like a car. Being 51, I love that I sit up high. I think were going to have a lot of good years together. Ill keep you posted!

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  Jeep Owner X3 - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gary - March 2 - 5:56 am

  This is the 2nd Jeep Wrangler I have owned. The 1st was a 97 Wrangler Sahara which I gave to my son. I purchased the 04 Rubicon because it had a 5 speed. Other than a little rougher ride than the Sahara, I am totally blown away by the Rubicon. The thing people need to know about a Jeep is that it is a real SUV. If youre looking for the smooth quiet ride, its not for you. If you want a real 4x4 capable of going anywhere, built in the USA, that holds resale value, and is a blast to drive; this is it. The wife drives an 03 Liberty Ltd, so when we need 4 doors and have a passenger or two we use it. Like they say; "Its a Jeep thing...."