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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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By claw96 - January 28 - 8:40 am

  This is one of those vehicles that you have to see in person. The pictures dont do it justice. It is a beautiful car and drives like a much more expensive vehicle. Fuel economy was one of the main reasons for considering it(as well as the looks). We are averaging 27.5-28.5mpg combined and on the interstate/highway we average 29.5mpg. We have never averaged less than 26mpg. It has handled great in the snow and ice even though its only FWD. It has one of the most comfortable rides that Ive experienced while test driving other crossovers. The 2014 Cherokee is an amazing vehicle and has an overall great personality. If youre looking for a new crossover, you should definitely check it out!

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  2007 Wrangler Unlimited X - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepranger - January 27 - 3:20 pm

  Overall a great Jeep so far. Seating for five, power windows, and door locks, but it still has the classic Jeep feel. The on road ride is much smoother due to the stiffer frame. The new 3.8 liter is much quieter and has more torque overall, but it seems like less is available at idle. I have not taken it offroad yet, so more to follow.

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  Love my Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By JILTHOMA - January 27 - 2:03 pm

  I started looking for something that was fun to drive and had a unique look. As soon as I pulled out of the dealership for my test drive, I fell in love with how it handled. I have taken it on a few road trips and had amazing gas mileage. My only gripe (which is actually a good thing) is that I have had to learn to be to overly cautious with blind spots because I am a little shorter. That aside, I have recommended not only my Compass but Jeeps in general to anyone and everyone who will listen. It is an amazing SUV that gets great mileage (I average 30 mpg highway), havent had any problems with upkeep, and is it a lot of fun to drive.

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  Follow up to previous review - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tricky - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Since I posted the last time Water pump had to be replaced,brakes had to be replaced,transmission jerks under partial acceleration. I would walk before I lease another JEEP. I know the service writer by first name. Hope chrysler isnt making tanks for the troops,or will be in deep do do

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  Transmission failure - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kschleic - January 26 - 9:06 am

  After about 30 seconds driving forward, the car shifted from 2nd gear back to first gear. The car practically skidded to shift back to first. I was thrown forward in the car. It would not shift out of first. The engine light came on. They said something is wrong with the transmission. They said with a car this new, they do not have the knowledge to fixing the transmissions. They replaced the transmission. I picked it up on a Monday, November 24 and drove it home. The next day, I had the problem again. When turning on 4 lane road, the vehicle started to go across the intersection and stopped in middle. Needless to say, they cant find a problem with it. I dont want the car anymore.

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  I love my Jeep....except - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By penneywise - January 26 - 3:13 am

  I bought my Jeep used with 35,000 mi. I test drove 2, and the other one had more pep (both were V8s). I now have 69,000 mi and the brakes have "hot spots" that cause the front end to shake. Suggestion is to upgrade to racing rotors ($$$). The radiator still leaks after being replaced. The turning radius is poor, and on hard turns it makes an awful noise. Truck looks great though! Cargo space is good. Needs shoulder belts for middle rear seat; only accomodates 2 children in booster seats. Mileage averages about 16. Thinking of upgrading to Durango to get extra seating with similar style and mileage. Audio controls on steering wheel are fun. Even with the problems, I will still miss my truck.

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  The keeper - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By CJwheeling - January 24 - 8:10 pm

  This is my 14th jeep. CJs, TJs, Cheerokees have all been in my stable at one time or another. Jeep has finally made the perfect vehicle for me. Quieter, relatively spacious and with the same potential as short wheelbase TJs. I currently own a built 1985 CJ7, and after test driving the Unlimited on a whim, I bought one two weeks later. Upsides: Storage, potential, comfort (except for the seats) Downsides: Seats still suck, soft top is a pain to put up and down by yourself.

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  On last leg - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 300game67 - January 22 - 11:00 pm

  We bought ours in 2001 October. It stopped on us a year after we purchased it. It just stopped in the middle of the road but they fixed it. The maintenance cost started to get high in 2012, 2013 and so will be in 2014, with expected repair cost of 5000. We have 135K miles now and it still looks great inside and out but maintenance cost is going up. We are seriously thinking not to do any more repairs and just let it fall apart. What do you think?

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  Known it since day one! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brad Pollard - January 22 - 11:56 am

  I just bought my 96 JGC Laredo from a friend who was the original owner. The mileage is still real low at under 45k. From what I know to be factual, the ONLY things that the previous owner had to buy/replace were a new battery at about 35k, and new tires at about 30k. EVERYTHING else has & continues to function properly. The oil on the 4.0 litre 6 cylinder has been changed every 3- 4000 miles, & car has been washed & waxed (black in/out) frequently. My personal experience & observations after only putting about 1500 miles on it are all positive. I find the vehicle highly optioned, quite comfortable, & predictably reliable.Of course I will know more in years to come, but so far I LIKE IT!

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  Whats missing? - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By brookman1 - January 22 - 5:39 am

  Loving our new vehicle but totally misled by dealer around iPhone connectivity. They even programmed all our four iPhones for us before we left the dealer. But, after several reprogramming and calls to the dealer, they told us the car is not compatible with iPhones. Other major deficiency is a back up camera or sensors.