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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  rollover - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By aliveandwell - August 18 - 8:33 am

  I have had problems with the Jeeps skidding on even slightly wet pavement; replacing the tires with the best all-weather Michelins did not help. The steering is very sensitive, which does not help. I did have a rollover with this car, and was able to walk away, but the Jeep was totaled.

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  Looks great has a lot of problems. - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By hindsboy - August 17 - 4:54 am

  The car has issues. The windows always fail. It always has recalls and my key will not come out of the ignition. When my air condition is on it makes a horrible noise. I went to turn the other day and there was a loud bang then it stopped turning (serious safety hazard) now it keeps happening. The transmission is also making weird noises. I wish i would have never got it. My other jeep was great. The car looks nice but it is terrible. if i could afford to make the thousand in repairs i would but now there is no use to for down in this downwards spiral Chrysler calls a car.

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  Not worth the price - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dazedgrl - August 14 - 11:03 am

  I fell in madly love with my green Jeep grand Cherokee 2 years ago. Ive taken amazing care of her hoping that this would be the vehicle to last me the next 10 years. At my last oil change it was noticed my battery was seriously corroded. Last week I started it up and ended up with a funny rattle. I let the Jeep warm up like usual but when I backed out of the driveway and pushed on the gas nothing happened. I was stuck in the road. Took it to the dealership and they say nothing is wrong. A week later it wouldnt start it was towed to the dealership. They said it was my battery but still having issues with it hesitating you push the gas. Ive been stranded twice in the last two weeks.

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  Add new features, dont take away features - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By peterb - August 12 - 4:23 pm

  Body style is up to date, seems to be less roll on turns than my last 04 model.

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  Horrible Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Bad Car - August 10 - 2:00 pm

  I have had my Jeep for 8 months and I have now gone through 3 transmissions and also ABS sensors. I bought this car hoping that it would get me through college and unfortunately it has done nothing but give me problems and make me never want to purchase a Jeep again! If I were you I would not buy a Jeep compass and especially one with a manual!

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  Before Fiat came to the rescue, Chrysler was dying - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jdwhite9 - August 10 - 9:36 am

  The premium radio and navigation system is out of date, of poor quality and no upgrades available. The sound system has almost no memory, you need to "plug in" a hard drive with your downloads or carry the CDs with you. Worst of all, the drivers seat has some component that will periodically "thump" you at your kidney level on the door side of the seat. I dont know if it is the lumbar support springing out, or something else. Since it only happens periodically, the dealer wont try to fix my new car with this little "gift" from Chrysler. Just like they dont consider the "Premium Navigation" system not knowing that I-49 is open north of Shreveport as being any concern. Service sucks.

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  Needs to be redesigned - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Beauregard56 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine in July. I have 7000 miles. Poor Gas mileage, Front drivers seat is uncomfortable, U Connect does not work good,Satellite radio fades in and out when you go under trees limbs. Overall I wish I had not bought the vehicle, I definitely would not recommend anyone else buying one. I am planning on getting rid of mine as soon as possible. You cannot even go 35 miles per hour with the windows open because of the rear Thumping noise from the rear window. The standard wheels might as well be steel black rims, at least they would look good manufacturers stop trying to fool the American public and stop trying to be so cheap

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  Scared to death Loosing Power while DRIVING!! - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Diana Seeh - August 5 - 11:56 pm

  Brand New 75th Anniversary Grand Cherokee Loosing Power while driving on highway I70 East bound. I was going 75mph to 40mph in seconds. I only owned it for 2 days. Lost Power while driving it 4 times!!! I am scared to death of the vehicle. Bought it from Grand Junction Jeep. They will not do anything to make it right with me. Love the Cherokee but NOT this one. I am Driving my coffin......... Diana in Colorado

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  You mean rotors are suposed to be round? - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bsMD - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Had this Jeep since new, now with 28,000mi. Front rotors replaced at 7,000mi and again at 25,000mi. Called Chrysler and they refunded me my money for the 2nd brake job. Turns out they WILL REPLACE THE CALIPERS ON ALL CARS WITH THIS ROTOR ISSUE! Call them and they will authorize for your car to have new calipers, pads and rotors installed FREE! Just hold onto the receipt you have from the brake job.

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  way to go jeep - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By sammy s 426 - July 23 - 4:40 pm

  In just the first two years Ive owned this wonderful Jeep Ive had to replace two wheel bearings, both front air sensors the radio and the gas tank started separating from the body of the truck. All I do is drive it to and from work approximately 15 road miles each way. To me I wouldnt recommend this vehicle to anyone but some one who likes to work on cars.