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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  Great SUV - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepyeah - July 14 - 3:13 am

  The 5.7 L Hemi is awesome in the performance it provides. I highly recommend spending the extra money to get the Hemi. You wont regret it.

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  Love my jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Couch - July 13 - 5:40 am

  This is my 5th jeep and i just love them if you take care of it it will take care of you. 3.7 has nice power and stopping is nice. great American made auto.

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  Quite a SUV - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By sanio - July 12 - 12:23 pm

  As mechanical engineer I have always tested many cars prior to make a personal choice. My last car was an Infinity FX35 with a rate of satisfaction of 90% well over BMW and Mercedes ones. This Cherokee V6 - 4x4 is fully equipped, with a drive as soft as a limo and yet quite reliable in all weather conditions. I recommend nokian wrg3 tires, you will love the silence and control level in all weather conditions. My v6 Cherokee, in spite of an updated transmission program was hanging in 1st and second gear. A "flash" review was quickly completed by the dealer after 800 miles for a perfect result. I love this car, congrats to Fiat and Chrysler ! Choose the V6 over the 4 cylinders.

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  Cherokee - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Aaron Ngel - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the best SUV on the market.

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  Jeepers Not Creepers - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chris West - July 11 - 2:36 am

  This is my very first American car. I have been smitten with this iteration of the GC since it came out and bit the bullet earlier this month on a brand new 2015 Overland 4x2 V6. I initially was going in for the V8 but felt the V6 had enough power since I was not planning to tow anything. Overall I love the vehicle. The technology package is really awesome and I dont know how I lived without Adaptive Cruise control before. The auto start is a jewel to have as the cabin cools down in hot Texas by the time I get inside. Everyone who gets inside is impressed with the stitching, the pano roof, and the comfort. Two things to watch for. Just the other night I hit the button to open the power tailgate and it tried to open but didnt. I hit the button again and it opened with no problem so Ill be watching that. The other thing is the center console is ultra flimsy. I just know it will break a few times before I get rid of the vehicle. When you open it, it is very weak and wobbly so that needs to be addressed. Other thank that Im in love and hope to have many miles of happy driving.

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  Jeeperz - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeeperz - July 9 - 9:23 pm

  Best all around car. Fun on and off road. its one of three Jeeps we have. I got it with 80K miles and drive it hard. Easy to fix up with many upgrades I can go any where my son goes in his Rubicon

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  engine light - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By oma31093 - July 9 - 6:50 pm

  I bought a 2002 Jeep liberty as a pre owned car. Older lady drove it. So far we had no major problem except the engine light stays on. Took it to auto parts store did test and it said fuel cap. replaced that 3 times. Nothing. took it to dealer same result,they checked the car and found nothing told me fuel cap again. Bought another cap from them and light is still on. At 114000 miles it seems to start taken more and more gas..wet roads are also not a good thing. other then that I like to drive it and its been a good car so far

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  Soggy 2016 Jeep Cherokee lemon - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By IngridD - July 9 - 4:43 pm

  My 2016 Jeep Cherokee has under 3K miles on it and it is a lemon. It has a water leak that causes floorboards to be soaked. Vehicle has been at dealership four times for this issue (currently still there). Each time they return the car to me they say they have sealed this or that and water tested. Each time the leak has quickly returned. I opened a case (#29199176) with Jeep/Chrysler. I want my money back. I am concerned about corrosion and long-term reliability issues with the vehicle. I worry about mold affecting my familys health. I want my money back so that I may buy a different vehicle and Move on. I do not have time in my life for this drama. I am super busy with high stress job, kids and a frail mother suffering from dementia. The last thing I need is an unreliable car which is why I purchased a new vehicle. I felt the jeep would be easier for my mom to get in and out of but clearly I should have gone with another SUV. So far I am underwhelmed by the response I am getting from Jeep/Chrysler. What a pain!!!
  
  
  
  

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  Love the GC - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jonathan - July 8 - 9:30 pm

  I like this Jeep a lot. Light Khaki shows the lines very favorably, and I like the looks a lot, although they do tend to polarize opinions. It has enough power for my needs even with the V6, and the price was amazing. It is fun to drive, has room for my family and our stuff, and is great to drive up to northern Michigan or to Target. As of now (3 months) no complaints.

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  Vastly Improved! - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By wrightonman - July 8 - 5:52 am

  Due to a growing family, growing dog, growing gas prices, we needed an AFFORDABLE vehicle that was no frills and durable. Our 2004 Wrangler had to go :( The dealership gave me a 2011 "redesigned" Patriot as a loaner vehicle while the Wrangler was being serviced. I couldnt believe it, but I really like this thing! I was always a Jeep snob and dismissed the Patriot anytime someone mentioned the name, I was wrong. It suits our needs perfectly-Thanks Jeep!