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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  RUN - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By titu27 - May 26 - 12:44 am

  I was excited to purchase this vehicle after doing much research on it. This is my first American car, but I think after this purchase, I will never buy American again. Its recall after recall and the parts are rarely available. Several times Ive tried to get into my car and the remote didnt work, didnt recognize the key nor did it start. I love the ride of the truck and the look, but its not worth it in the long run. I need a safer vehicle and Im disappointed that this did not make the mark.

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  Great Jeep - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By rdv - May 25 - 9:56 pm

  This 1995 Wrangler is one of the neatest vehicles Ive owned out of about 75 cars. Great on gas and the 4 cylinder has plenty of pep. Great in snow and also great summer vehicle.

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  Great New Liberty - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By JeepinMatt - May 25 - 9:13 am

  I grew up with a Cherokee and wanted another Jeep for myself. We still have the Cherokee with almost 130,000 miles. This 08 Liberty is my first truck - a great 4WD, go anywhere vehicle. Already have over 3000 on it. Was great in the snow this past winter - looking forward to taking it out west this summer.

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  Problems - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tinybook - May 25 - 5:41 am

  Brand New 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been in the shop for 18 days in the 38, I have owned the car. Transmission phantom shifts and revs unprovoked. There is a knocking in the front end when braking that the dealer said was an issue then came back to say that knocking is "normal" for all 2014 JGC. Also the same climate issues that other reviews state. I am a lifelong Jeep customer. Owned 6 in 20 years. This will be our last one.

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  AVOID!!!!! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By scoutldr - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Car is at the dealer for its 3rd set of warped brake rotors in less than 2 years, at $550 per set (incl labor). Yes, theres a TSB calling for replacement of calipers, pads and rotors, but dealer says Chrysler wont pay for it because the car was purchased used, is out of warranty, and my extended warranty (EasyCare) wont cover them because "they are still working". NTSB, where are you???? Daimler-Chrysler, why are you allowing unsafe vehicles on the road??? Youve lost a loyal customer, and all my friends will hear about it.

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  My jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Tom - May 24 - 5:46 am

  Have never enjoyed a vehicle so much as this. Expected some lack of convenience, but it is such a fun vehicle that it makes up for any shortcomings.

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  Mostly Satisfied - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Jeep Gurl - May 22 - 12:00 pm

  I absolutely love my Jeep.Living in NE CT is great with this 4x4. I wont live without AWD again. Had issues, but that was with the dealership. Smile every time I see my vehicle. Its a little loud on the highway and not the smoothest ride, but its a JEEP, made for off roading, not luxury

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  Very Pleased! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Ringer - May 21 - 1:00 pm

  We have been very happy with our Patriot. The Manual 5 speed gets excellent gas mileage averaging 28mpg and even up to 30. It actually has sufficient power considering its size. Youre not going to break any land speed records, but it has enough power loaded down to get over both passes from western Colorado to Denver without being stuck behind the semis. The patriot is a great value for the money especially with all the options and the safety features. The only downfalls have been having to take it in to repair a the left turn signal that stopped canceling itself, as well as it being a little hesitant to engage in reverse while facing downhill. Cons are outweighed by the pros if it lasts.

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  NEVER AGAIN - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By cpallam - May 21 - 4:33 am

  This vehicle was first car that I purchased along with being my first JEEP ever and let me just say that NEVER again will I step foot onto a Jeep Dealership. It could be the fact that they transmission they put in the vehicle is not serviceable as in you cant even have fluid added( was told this by a lady in the service department at the dealership)or could it be that the awful squealling sound when you go in reverse and use your brakes is only fixable by going 40mph and slamming on your brakes, or that I only have one more turn on the rotars and its already warping again. Lets not mention the HORRIBLE blindspots that have contributed to SEVERAL close calls!

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  Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kbyrum - May 21 - 4:13 am

  I got my Jeep a little over a month ago and I am already having problems with it. About 2 weeks after I got the thing it started dinging saying the hatchback was open so I got out and tried closing it several times, but that didnt work and my entire drive home from Memphis, the car was dinging but the door was NOT open! Also, the car alarm would randomly go off and a couple of times I have simply sat at a stop light then not been able to go once the light turned green, which scared the crap out of me! I finally got it to go by restarting it. The wiring is horrible in this car and Im afraid to drive it now because it shuts off.I will definitely be paying a visit to the dealership.