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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  4 Month Review: Still Outstanding! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John Germani - June 13 - 11:16 am

  We have owned this vehicle for 4 months now and we are very impressed. We have put 5K miles on it with no troubles. Just within the last week, the Jeep was given 5 star front driver, front passenger, front side, and rear side impact ratings! It (4x4 version) also got 4 star rollover rating which is highest of any SUV tested. Gas mileage is around 14-16 in Washington DC metro driving and 21- 24 in highway driving. I cannot complain about that. The width of the back seat is fantastic for our sons car seat and still room enough for two more adults. It rides and handles great. Very enjoyable to drive as you have a large cabin feel. Great vehicle.

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  Great Car - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jill from LI - June 13 - 5:53 am

  This was my first car and was purchased from a family friend about two years ago. It is extremely low maintenance so far, with the exception of the gas! I get about 15 mpg but lately it seems much lower. However, despite the $3.50 gas prices and my very low income, I refuse to buy anything but a Jeep Cherokee and I wish that they didnt stop making them. This car is extremely fun to drive, very roomy, excellent trunk space. I have had no problems with this 11 year old car except to replace the rear brake line in the winter of 2004 because I had been driving over so many snow banks and created a leak in it. Besides that I plan to use this car for as long as I can. Im up to 112,000 miles and going strong!

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  JEEP/Liberty/2002- disappointing - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By 2002 Jeep Liberty - June 13 - 1:30 am

  This is my 3rd Jeep- bought all of them new. The Liberty is a 2002 and only has 54,000 miles. So far, had 3 batterys- two sets of tires, Air conditioning needed to be replaced, Exhaust System and Muffler needed to be replaced at 50K miles and NOW the Catalytic Converter needs to be replaced! NEVER drove off-road- looking at the miles, the truck is not driven that much at all-Well maintained, oil changes every 3000 miles. Do not understand the poor quality. Having owned Jeeps in the past I have something to compare this one with. Would like something to be done about this... Very disappointed with the rust under the Garage kept, barely driven SUV.

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  2008 jeep patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Dean - June 12 - 10:13 am

  Bought new. almost 32,000 miles. no problems at all. great in all weather. gas mileage is now 30 mpg on highway and 26-29 city. The 5 spd really uses all the engines power. Heated seats are awesome, as well as the optional sound system. A very safe solid reliable vehicle. Jeep did a great job!

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  New are lemons - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By sinus - June 12 - 3:16 am

  I have been having problems with this car since I bought it. Now the suspension is jack up the steering wheel making loud noise. The brakes feel like they going to give out especially when I am going down a street and trying to stop. The brake feel like its touching the ground this should not be going on. I bought this brand new, very upset. Now I want this car back. I am scared of this monster.

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  Great vehicle - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By stevenwv17 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I havent had the vehicle long but it runs like a champ. Great vehicle. I love Chrysler products.

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  Jeep Wrangler owner - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By sjmaderia - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This is 2nd wrangler that I ahve owned. I never should have sold my old 92 wrangler. This is a great car with could ride and handling characteristics. provided you are not expecting sports car handling or luxury car ride. It is bumpy and loud. You get good mileage if you stay around 72 mph. Faster and gas gauge drops much faster. There is no possibility of using a cellular phone at any speed above 20mph with top down. Top up increases that speed to about 40.

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  Im a fan - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By writethereview - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Great fun, perfect size, outstanding handling both off and on the road. First time SUV owner, and I couldnt be happier. Best SUV for the money.

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  LOADED LEMON - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BUD - June 11 - 1:00 pm

  I have the 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland Summit. It has great options & most work well. The problems have been many recalls; the original tires, which were expensive wore poorly & had several flats. Since 11/12, I have only put 31000 miles. My latest problem started with a antifreeze leak, which was diagnosed as a cracked left head(hemi). Apparently this happens regularly since the heads are on national backorder. This latest fix kept me using a loaner for 5 weeks. The dealership is terrific, but the Jeep isnt. UPDATED 8/2/16 HAS HAD A FEW MORE RECALLS, MILEAGE NOW 37100, PUT NEW MICHELINS ON & THEY DONT WARE OUT AT ALL. NO AMOUNT OF SNOW, ETC. EVEN SLOW DOWN THIS VEHICLE. EXCEPT FOR THE MILEAGE, I LOVE THIS JEEP.

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  Flawless Vehicle Since Day One - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Loren - June 10 - 7:20 pm

  23k miles in the first year. Pulled a 5000 lb trailer half way across the U.S. twice. Multiple trips between Denver and Rockies thru a lot of snow and ice. Off road in Moab, UT. This vehicle has been flawless. All this and have averaged 23 mpg over the long term. Only complaint I have is when the airlift system is all the way up the shocks top out with a loud bang over any significant bump.