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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  Very Poor Defrost capability - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By SC - January 12 - 9:00 am

  Because I have 250,000 on my 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport I bought another Jeep. I am disappointed about the defrost capabilities of this. The dashboard defrost only goes to the middle of the windshield leaving both the ends of the windshield hard to get and keep clear. When the semis pass you on snowing roads, keeping the windshield clear is essential. I drive 45,000+ each year and in the sub-zero temps in December, I was on the interstate with semis passing, because of the inferior defrost system, it was impossible to see. I actually had to pull over and scrape ice off the windshield. I am not an expert but I think the dashboard should be recalled. I had someone else drive it and he agreed.

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  Little Jeep with an Attitude - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By mark breese - January 11 - 10:29 pm

  Bought this for daughter who will be on job sites in construction (the VW bug wasnt going to cut it). Best of all worlds for a young kid. Can and will climb the mountains. Can cross the river if needed (patriot and others fail). Trailhawk is only way to go. while she wont (hopefully) be doing the big off-road courses... hmmm i cant wait to do the off-road adventures. You must get with removeable top. Very in jeep mode. and the easter eggs are everywhere and deserved. This... is written by an Audi/Mercedes owner who is now seriously hunting real Jeeps.

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  Frustrated!!! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By jstacy0320 - January 11 - 9:35 pm

  I have had my Patriot for almost two years and am extremely aggravated. After having it for three months I started to experience trouble. I would be sitting at a stoplight waiting for it to change green and the car would start to sputter and act like it was going to die. Several times it did actually die. I took it to the dealership and was told that I had trash in the gas tank and it wasnt covered under warranty. Paid close to $300 for that and continue to have the same problem. I also have problems with the sunroof leaking. Ive had it in the shop three times for that problem and continue to have issues. Probably going to file Lemon law because of all the issues.

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  my new 2011 g c laredo - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By donald46 - January 11 - 4:51 am

  bought it last week. i am so amazed. this baby is SWEET! and the horses. juat a tap and a lil push and you are there! and its a 6 cyl. iam old school and i know what hp is. the features are just unbelievable. ive spent on n off 4 days now still reading and learning them. almost as iam going to the moon! the comfort and everything else gets an a+ i love it. Don from Colorado Springs CO

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  Okay but wouldnt buy it again - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By pbrowan - January 10 - 1:00 pm

  Windows stick. Required dealership repair. Glass on from windshield broke. Cause of break is not apparent/obvious. the cabin gives no protection from road noise, wind noises, etc Makes for a very noisy ride. Stereo system is mediocre (at best).

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  Good vehicle for non-HWY drivers - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DDS - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Purchased it off the lot new and loved the style and design. This was my first SUV and although I was happy with many things, I COULDNT STAND the alternater "whine" in the vehicle. Had some "odd" problems with it and got nervous as it approached 60K miles.

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  Another Great Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By scbynog - January 10 - 10:00 am

  It is an all in one package for any man with luxury and outdoors in mind. Lots of horsepower and torque. Quadra-Trac II is exceptional and extremely responsive. I am dying to take it offroad, though.

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  not good car - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By mike - January 9 - 8:33 pm

  This car always had some problem, I had to have a computer mod replaced twice the breaks went bad after 32k miles the front wheel bearing went bad the ball join, the control arm and the tie rods. This all went bad about a month after the car was out of warranty I would not buy another jeep product. I also have a wrangler that has had a bunch of problems.

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  Great! And the Top Comes Off LOL! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dallas - January 9 - 1:40 pm

  The ride is nothing what I expected from a Jeep!I have looked at every convertible that they make and just went by to LOOK at the Jeeps and after I drove it, I signed the papers the minute I stepped out of it! I absolutely LOVE my new Jeep! It is a beautiful piece of equipment and very easy to handle as well! My son is already calling dibs when he starts driving! So I am the coolest mom in town LOL! I have not yet taken it off road, but I definitely plan on driving it up and down the beach!

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  Great for a Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By tedmoseby - January 8 - 8:13 pm

  I bought my previously leased Limited and have put about 60,000k on it since 2003. Its a very reliable car, but even fully loaded its becoming a relic very quickly. I will probably run this thing to 300k just to see if I can(they say the I-6 is rated for 300k), but my wife just bought an 08 CR-V and she has about 50 more options on her vehicle than mine. Plus her v-4 engine feels more powerful than my I-6. I love the 4 wheel drive, it handles great in snow here in Colorado. The only problem is the back seat is not comfortable, and even fully loaded, there arent a whole lot of amenities on this car. For a Cherokee though its the best you can get, unless you want to pay 40k for a Grand.