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:

• 

  To expensive to do serious off road stuff - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By jon - February 18 - 9:14 am

• 

  Cheap looking same old design - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Arthur Sentle - February 17 - 2:12 am

  Friend bought a 2006 GC brand new that I fell in love with. It was a basic model but did have the 4x4 and towing packages. 9 years later and now that I could afford one, I bought a 2015. I wish I would have had the opportunity and had at least a two day test drive period. First of all Fiat has cheapened the exterior by eliminating the dual exhausts and adding that ugly plastic trim along the bottom. Next the Uconnect is a nightmare especially since the heated seats and other options arent controlled by a physical knob. The dash squeaks so I know as my Jeep ages these squeaks will become really annoying. The steering wheel is too thick, your hands become sore after a long drive. Even with the lumbar and other seat controls, your back is sore after two or more hours of constant driving. Cheap interior trim and my leather seats are starting to crack in the FL heat and humidity. The dealer just repaired my transmission.... others have had the same problem... and now the A/C compressor is bad. It keeps recycling every 15 seconds as if there is not enough refrigerant in the system. Anyone who is really serious about buying this model or other Chrysler Fiat models, read the Consumer Report reviews. Youll change your mind in an instant. As with all Chrysler products, their styling is stuck in the mid 2000s.

• 

  Dont be fooled by its longevity - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Coleg5 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 2001. Front end shimmy & pulsating brakes from day one (never fixed). Taken to the shop 12 times over a 2 year period. Problems either came back again or were replaced by others. I tried repeatedly to get satisfaction from Chrysler with no success. I was even told by an employee at their complaint department that all Cherokees have that front end shimmy problem and there is nothing that can be done. I finally got rid of this lemon a few months ago. I had intended to buy a Dodge pickup after this vehicle, but due to this experience, I will NEVER buy another Chrysler product!!

• 

  SILVER RUBI - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By LR - February 16 - 10:10 pm

  I have owned my silver rubicon for about at year. I love this jeep. I wanted one of these for a few years before I actually made the purchase. Im still in love. Of course the rubi has its quirks, there is not alot of room, and is not great on gas, but the pros outweigh the cons. The rubi will go through anything. The rubi looks sharp. It is fun to drive and a total blast to taking the top off. Bottom line is it is a JEEP. It is not a cadillac or a station wagon.

• 

  Highly recommend NOT buying the Jeep - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By KS~Driver - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Trouble, trouble, trouble!!! This vehicle was very poorly built. Weve had nothing but trouble from the a/c, transmission and brakes. Though it was never left us stranded it has costed dearly to fix numerous times. The Jeep handles well in winter conditions only when in 4-wheel driver.

• 

  A tough Departure - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By pjc - February 16 - 10:00 am

  3.5 years, 4.0 litre, 5 speed and I always loved it, however, except for traveling at speeds under 40, every passenger sees it as a trial of patience. GREAT offroad, but I have that oppty less than once every two months. It is great for a third car, not a daily driver

• 

  A tough Departure - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By PJC - February 16 - 10:00 am

  3.5 years, 4.0 litre, 5 speed and I always loved it, however, except for traveling at speeds under 40, every passenger sees it as a trial of patience. GREAT offroad, but I have that oppty less than once every two months. It is great for a third car, not a daily driver

• 

  My Jeep Liberty Rocks! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ItsAllAboutMe - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I love it. I love everything about it. I would like it more if it didnt have the short rear and if it had radio controls on the stearing wheel. Id also like to get about 5 miles more per gallon, and a lower car payment, but its worth it.

• 

  Amazing Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Michigangurl - February 16 - 2:50 am

  Well this is my very first SUV and my very first brand new vehicle. I had a 2004 Mazda3 and a 1999 Dodge Avenger before this Jeep. I havent had it long but I absolutely LOVE it. We looked at several different SUVs before purchasing this one and we were definitely happy with this purchase when we drove it home. I have always loved Jeeps and I was definitely happy to finally own one. It doesnt even hesitate to go through the snow we have and I feel so much safer in it. My dad did own the old body style of the Liberty and I definitely love the changes they have made!

• 

  2004 Bundle of FUN - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DPSKI - February 15 - 6:06 pm

  Recently purchased a 2004 Grand Cherokee Columbia Edition from a friend. It is my second jeep and is in very good condition. It drives and handles awesome and handles the trails wonderfully. In addition, Monday - Friday I commute 40 miles one way to work and love the handling and size of this vehicle. 24 MPG would be ideal on the highways as I only get 21 at 70 MPH. Upgraded to Bridgetone REVO tires and the ride and handling is much better yet! Awesome truck will never sell!