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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  Its a Jeep...what else do you expect - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By runningman - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I am always suprised by some of the critiques on this vehicle, like its fuel consumption, loudness and hard ride. What do you expect from a kick- ass ultimate 4WD convertable. Mind you, it is loud as loud can be on a road trip, but if you plan on making multiple long distances car trips, then the jeep isnt your best bet. If I was concerned with fuel consumption, I would have got a Honda Civic. Overall, I plan on running the wrangler into the ground. It takes everything I give it. Finally, it is just plain fun. From the first time you drive with the top down to every time afterwards, you will understand why you bought the wrangler many years before.

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  Jeep grand repairs - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By D Easley - February 7 - 10:06 am

  Bought mine from one owner used. Had just over 100000. Since January 2015-Oct 2015 have replaced the clock speed sensor, the starter, wheel bearing, now the transmission is starting to slip. Chrysler jacked up the jeep name. Used to be a dependable vehicle. Stay far away from this vehicle.

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  Solid vehicle, happy with my choices - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By xsmojo - February 7 - 4:37 am

  I had a 2012 4x4 v8 for a year and it was great overall. The cons: MPG not so good, the Nav system is difficult. I have since fixed part of this by trading for a 2013 v6. Now the MPG is better. The power is acceptable too, I was surprised. I recall the 2011 v6 seemed to lag but mine has done this. Now if we can just get the newer Nav from the 300 it will be a great vehicle package.

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  MORE TROUBLE THAN ITS WORTH! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jpgrl - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had nothing but trouble with rotors, and axle repairs. Jeep refuses to fix these problems and see them as defects. I have had rotors replace 2x and rear and front axle work!! It was a lemon from the get go and they didnt do anything. The first 2 rotor(both done at less than 12,000 miles!) repairs were covered under warranty along with the rear differential work. More recently i had new rotors(again!) and a front axle job!! Please save your money and buy something other than a gr cherokee!! Save yourself the time, money and stress!!

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  fix the air again and again - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave - February 6 - 10:43 pm

  Had to repair the air the first year I had it and the 2nd year and the third and 4th year. Warranty ended and I gave up on being cool because repairs only lasted one year. Had to replace water pump, radiater, cat converter and radio around 100,000. But she still looks good.

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  Excellent Value! - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By brobin - February 5 - 10:53 am

  The Commander compares favorably with SUVs costing twice as much as this one. Many friends have commented "THIS is a Jeep?" when they first get in. In terms of comfort, power and reliability its every bit as good as a Land Rover, Lexus or Escalade.

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  Wrangler; Im back! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Butler Jeeper - February 4 - 4:26 am

  Traded in my Mustang convert in order to get back into a Wrangler. This is my third one and they just keep getting better. Sahara has the perfect trim level for cruising. The 18" wheels and Dueler A/T tires can take you anywhere. Plenty of power and acceleration for freeway cruising. The 6-speed shifts so smoothly! No complaints about gas mileage. The trip computer consistently shows Im getting just over 23 mpg average per tankful (30/70 city/highway). Almost 6000 miles and not a problem. This vehicle gets a lot of looks. Cant wait for Camp Jeep 2009!

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  very poor design - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By richardp71 - February 3 - 12:38 am

  The door handles are built into the whole inside panel, and they are brittle. so we have a 05 limited with the HEMI 5.8L 2 door handle have broken, 3rd on way out. and looking at 700+ per door. 99% of cars have the handle seperate, why the heck they choice this design i dont know, but its poorly done. there was talk they were going to recall this online, but to thi date they havent and refuse to help with this. DO NOT BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Jeeping! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zees - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought it with 111k miles, love it. Exhaust manifold was replace by previous owner as was A/C leak, several rubber joints in the suspension, had real seal on difference replaced ($50). In lin e6 has lots of power. Low gas mileage 13.2 mostly in town. Rides great, very comfirtable seats in front, kinda of small in back (typical mid-size anything).

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  You got to ride in one - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By big black jeep - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This is one of those Automobiles that makes you smile every time you hop in. It has excellent build quality, it has never had any problems.