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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  I got a Hemi! - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tony Wheeler - January 17 - 7:24 am

  6 month ownership review: I have just under 7000 miles on my Jeep now. I am still loving it. No warranty issues so far and no fuss. I took it in recently for its first oil change. Driving it on the highway is a pleasure. The cabin is dead quiet at highway speeds and the stereo cranks out some great sounding tunes. The seats are comfortable on long trips, short trips and everything in between. Ride height and view of the road is perfect. I had the front door glass tinted. The high roof line allows the hot Southeast sun to come into the side glass even in the middle of the day during the winter months. The tint took a lot of that heat and glare away. The Hemi is really coming alive now as the engine and drivetrain have broken in with some miles. I have no issue with the electronic shifter myself. I like the sleek look it gives the center console. __________________ I searched and test drove just about every SUV model offered. I just couldnt find something that excited me. I decided to take a look at the Jeep and was pleasantly surprised at the build quality, fit and finish, and overall appearance. Finally, an exciting SUV. I am enjoying my new Summit 4X4 V8 Hemi immensely. This is my first Jeep and my first Chrysler product since I drove a 1966 Plymouth Fury in High School. I had an X5 for over 9 years. I like the Jeep better. I also love the V8 Hemi engine although it is a bit thirsty. Still, the torque and the growl of the engine makes me forget all about fuel economy. Im sure it will improve as this Jeep breaks in. The interior is plush and great looking. I like the look and feel of the leather dash. The HK stereo is truly audiophile grade. Combined with the quiet cabin the music is clear and detailed like Im sitting in my living room. The only thing I notice is the navigation takes a good minute to boot up and the stereo is slow to start if playing from an iPod or an SD card. That seems surprisingly slow this day and age. The air suspension seems to give the Jeep the best of everything. The ride is solid but not harsh. The handling is firm and sporty. I like to take the curves hard and this Jeep holds the road well. The interior is the quietest of any car I have ridden in. Even at highway speeds a whisper can be heard across the cabin. All in all a very impressive vehicle. I dont know about reliability yet but several coworkers have been driving Jeeps with no issues. That was enough to go for it.

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  My 05 TJ - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By shook0002 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Wrangler and 4th Jeep. These TJs are a big improvement over YJs ride quality and interior is great. People talk about road noise and slow steering, thats not what these are about. If you want a luxury car go buy a Caddy. The is not a cute-ute like a Honda CRV or Lexus, those have no off road potential. These Wranglers are one of the most reliable solid vehicles ever built and anyone with auto knowledge will tell you the 4.0 6cyl is one of the best engines ever made. There is no comparing these Jeeps to anything out there. No Honda, Suzuki(except the great Samurai), or anything of the like can compare to a Wrangler.

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  MUCH Better Than my 2002! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 2005Jeeps - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I recently Test-Drove the New Jeep a few weeks ago and liked it! I have a 2002 and, as Reviews say, the 1999-2004 Jeeps Rock From Side-To-Side! This one doesnt!!!!!!!! I Test-Drove the New 5.7L Hemi!!!!!!!!

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  Die hard Jeep fan - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By keljo1976 - January 14 - 7:43 pm

  Absolutely love my Jeep, I bought it from the construction co that I work for when it was 3 years old & the lease was up. Had 60K miles on it then. Has 185,000 now, March 09. rarely had problems with it. Its been all over the beaches of NC & VA & thru the snow in PA. handled well in every situation. Other than changing belts when they get worn, and changing the oil faithfully, I dont normally put any money in it. I have had to replace a window motor & brakes once, but thats really about it. My daughter will be 16 in a year & I plan on handing this reliable car down to her. & she cant wait!! I wish there was another Jeep I liked as much as this one that I could replace it with.

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  Limited V6 - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By tjones4581 - January 14 - 3:20 am

  I recently purchased a Limited V6 with the Tow Package, Technology Group, & the Luxury Group. My wife and I love this vehicle. It is very comfortable and has plenty of power. The 9-speed transmission is smooth, but does take a little getting used to because the shifts happen at smaller intervals than what you expect for a 5 or 6 speed transmission. The ventilated seats are slightly more comfortable than the standard seats - they feel a little like the Grand Cherokees seats. The vehicle is quiet & well built. The tecnology group works well. On the highway it averages 28.5 mpg & in mixed driving is averages 22.5 mpg. The cockpit is similar to a 2014 Grand Cherokee, but smaller overall.

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  Best SUV out there for the price - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tony - January 14 - 2:00 am

  My 2nd Jeep, 1st was regular cherokee I gave to my son. Outstanding ride, & luxury unbeleivable in a true off road vehicle. Shoped around and compaired ALL others including KIA (lowend) to Lexus (higher end) anywhere within $15k of price. Best Buy on the market. Very Impressed.

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  Great for a First Car! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By carguru12 - January 13 - 2:18 am

  This vehicle is my first car, and I purchased it with 134k miles on it. Its a great truck, has the power I need, and the fuel economy is good. The seats, although cloth, are plush and comfortable, and the standard stereo sounds pretty good. I specifically looked for a Jeep with the 4.0L I6 engine in it due to the reliability of it. I love my Jeep!

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  Good SUV - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Don W - January 12 - 10:23 am

  We love to drive the Compass. Great use of space compared to the other SUVs we looked at. Lots of head room and rear seat room. The speed stick on the CVT is great. We do mix city/highway drives with no problems. The tail gate is a bite noisy in the extreme cold (-25c).

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  Good looking; Good runner - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Larry J. - January 10 - 3:46 am

  I love the way the Jeep Compass handles, darting in and out of lanes, feels tight and in control. The CVT feels very good, and I have not noticed any problems when merging on the highway. I own a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, and I like driving the Compass more than the Limited. I can live with the interior in the Compass, because I opted for the 26E package, and it has all the same stuff as my 96 Limited, plus I got a sun roof and satellite radio.

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  Nothing else will do. - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By 0IIIIIII0 - January 9 - 7:20 pm

  I traded in my 1994 Wrangler for a 2006 Rubicon. I was [just] looking at both the FJ Cruiser and the Hummer(s) but, I have to be faithful to the Jeep line. In owning a Jeep the last 10 years, I wanted to keep with a legacy. Plus, it IS the Jeep thing! Plus, best of all, I know the engine and it is easy to work with after working on my 94 4.0 these past years!