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:

• 

  Dont buy this thing - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By nts550 - July 28 - 5:06 pm

  I drove this car/truck twice a week. I had only 62k on it and heres what went wrong: water pump, fuel pump (3 times), belt, alternator, radiator, oh and the engine (head gasket and bearings). Each of these problems happened with about a month of each other. Cons: When it didnt break down it rode very rough, like a truck. It was noisy and the gas mileage could be 20 mpg if you were going 55 and had no wind. If you drive normally (70mph), then gas mileage dips down to about 15mpg. Doesnt have a split rear seat. The engineering is horrible. Pros: Climbs hills pretty good. Is good in the snow, if you have good tires I hated this POS, you will too.

• 

  Maxjeep - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By CannonBalls - July 28 - 2:13 pm

  My 2nd Jeep, had a 1998 sold it, missed it...bad, had to go find a replacement. Best offroad vehicle I have ever driven. Love the go anywhere, do about anything attitude of the Jeep. No problems with this one or the other one. Really nice, fun vehicle. Cant wait to get it to Montana this July, going mountain climbing.

• 

  Everything I want I have in my Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Chase - July 28 - 11:20 am

  I have been looking and test driving the Liberty for the past year and have to say that I am glad I waited for the 2005 trim. Love the chrome accents and have to say that with a Jeep I never expected the ride to be so nice. Really appreciate the great back support of the seats, makes it relaxing for longer road trips to the cabin and lake.

• 

  Bad jeep - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By t - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought on 06 one problem after another not sure why. Replaced the whole car etc brakes brake line wheel bearing alternator 3 times ecu water pump transfer case three time new viscous coupler radio speakers tires ac compressor drive shaft cv boot three times 2 tune ups trunk lift gas is anywhere from 9 mpg to 13 mpg this Jeep only has 100,000 miles on it I dont off road or drive like a crazy person just to the store and school and the problems never end I have been fixing things every month for a year now and I do it myself so I saved a lot if money it would have cost me 10,000 to do at the dealership if I would have knowing this was going to happen I would have never bought it. Do not buy

• 

  Made for fun - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mukund - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Engine: Excellent Interior: Comfortable Features: All available, what required for off roading and day to day use. Jeep is giving much more for what money they ask, compare to other brands.

• 

  Never again - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By monevasia - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Very uncomfortable ride..too harsh for day to day driving unless you are driving on freshly paved road. Window regulators have been a nightmare. Every time I took it in for a warranty repair they would just lubricate and adjust it. As soon as warranty ran out the only solution was full replacement at my cost. This is the main reason why I would not buy another Jeep or Chrysler product, crooks. BTW I did go to 3 different dealerships while under warranty, not one would replace these defective regulators. As you can see from this forum and many other Jeep sites, this has been a known defect for a long time.

• 

  Wish I bought 2 - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Don B - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. I bought it for winter all wheel drive and towing motorcycles. It has done everything well. Comfortable and quiet for travel. Only mechanical issue is a stripped cog on the electric seat adjustment (it gets used a lot). Just reached 60,000 after five years. Only drawbacks, besides the seat, are poor fuel economy in town and towing, and the relatively extensive routine maintenance. On balance, compared to other cars and trucks Ive owned, it has been a good value. My wife likes it, so it would be nice to have two (the seat would last longer).

• 

  Best bang for the buck! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Brian Spjut - July 27 - 3:15 am

  Value, value, value! I bought a 2016 base model (stick, 4 banger, no electric windows, etc.) in Green. $12,999 ... less than $15k out the door! As soon as I test drove it, there was no question in my mind. Great value, at lower price than comparable USED vehicles. Thank you South County Chrysler Jeep in Gilroy, CA

• 

  Impressed, so far - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Scotsman - July 26 - 8:13 pm

  I just bought this Hemi Limited a week ago and have put 1,700 miles on it so far. It is so much more comfortable than my 06 Tacoma Double Cab, I cant believe it. The interior is outstanding, with fit and finish very good, and very quiet. The power seats are extremely comfortable, and the Sirius radio with Boston Acoustics is great. I am taking it in to see if the dealership can take care of a rattle in the dash and wind noise around the drivers side back door. The hemi has unbeleivable response, gets reasonable mileage (17.5 mpg overall)and is a blast to drive. The quadra-trac II with limited slip front and rear is truly amazing. Im happy now, well see if I am a year from now.

• 

  My Commander - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By Rodwg1 - July 25 - 9:53 pm

  Since driving the commander Im very please with the ride very smooth. The accelerating could be better and the mpg needs to better. currently im getting 18-19 mpg an thats taking it easy.