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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  Best choice ive ever made - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lovemuhjeep - August 20 - 10:23 pm

  I bought my Jeep about two years ago, I had always wanted a Jeep, and had my pick of what I wanted. It was a great choice, I had a few problems right off the bat, I blame it on the dealership not the car! After I fixed those problems (normal problems that come with buying a 10 year old car) I got to enjoy my Jeep like it should be. I take care of it and it takes care of me. I feel extremely safe in my Jeep and have a lot of fun driving it! With the limited, I feel comfortable inside and love how I look while Im driving it! I couldnt ask for a better car!

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  "Is not for you"! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By rmazzio - August 20 - 3:03 am

  This is my third wrangler and my fourth jeep vehicle and ive had no problems with any of them..If you get hung up about getting dirt,dog hair,lots of water,beach sand, or dirty kids than this vehicle is not for you.The ride is rough -deal with it!You can count on one hand the things you can do with other vehicles as opposed to a jeep wrangler-stop crying and go buy a honda.

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  great ride - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By nick m - August 20 - 2:04 am

  Super dependable fun

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  Great Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By hsowle - August 19 - 9:23 pm

  Amazing Jeep. I have had it for 2 years and have had no mechanical problems, with the exception of a faulty check engine light. I take it off roading and it handles like a dream in snow and rain. There is limited head room, but the front seats are exceptionally comfy (especially with the seat heaters). Not great gas mileage, but you dont buy an SUV expecting great mileage. I would highly recommend this Jeep to anyone who wants a reliable workhorse of a vehicle. By far the most reliable and versatile vehicle that Jeep has ever come out with. I wish theyd bring them back!

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  first new car - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By kristy - August 19 - 3:33 am

  Went from Avalanche to Patriot, nice, comfortable, caught my eye once I realized I wanted some toys over size. It is easy to drive, awesome stereo, way better than expected. A little road noisy accelerating, but once to speed, quiets down to normal. Turning radius is pretty good, havent tried everything yet. Very happy with my choice, as I was shopping for a Liberty. Definitely worth considering for new family, not intended for real tall people however, there is sufficient head room

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  One Month Old - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dclawyer1 - August 17 - 1:06 pm

  I bought a 2011 Grand Cherokee one month ago. I have the V8 - Overland Edition, Black, w/ Saddlle/Black interior. So far no problems. The V8 has lots fo power and tourque. Interior in comfortable, no issues. Having traded in my Lexus ES 350 for this vehicle, I miss a few minor things. The NAV doesnt automatically change from day to night lighting and it takes three steps on the menu to change it. A bit of a pain and at night its definately too bright. Also, the keyless unlock often taken a few seconds to unblock. My Lexus unlocked any door instantly. On the Jeep it onlu unlocked the driver door and I usually havew to hold my hand their for 3 seconds or so before it unlock

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  2001 Jeep grand cherokee 4.7 - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By djhjeep - August 16 - 11:09 am

  Ive had my jeep from 2005 and got it with 150k on it I now have 256k jeep is still running great but did not get there easily. I had the computer go a couple of years ago and did nt know what was wrong until I brought to the dealer and the dealer told me it would be a couple of grand to fix for a new computer eventually I found a shop to put a used one in and the vehicle was fixed. Other than that the engine and tranny is still running strong but I have a small knock and I had another mechanic tell that the head need to be replaced. Simple fix at advance auto $30 bottle to seal that actually worked great. The Jeep is like a tank through bad weather of the NE no stopping it

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  Love this truck - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By fishman8 - August 15 - 1:00 pm

  I think this is a well build suv it is solid. I have not had a bit of trouble since i got it in sept.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Enegma1 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle for its style and functionality. I am a Photographer and Videographer. I needed a vehicle where I can carry my equipment without tearing up the interior of my vehicle. This vehicle has never been to dealership for any major repair other factory recalls. Easy to work on myself. I do my own oil changes,change belts, hoses,brakes,shocks,and tuneups. It has been very reliable and joy to drive. I can go pretty much wherever a 4 wheel drive vehicle can go. I travel to great Northwest up to Canada and back. I would never buy anything else but another Jeep.There is no equal

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  my jeep liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Joseph Jerome - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I recently got my new jeep and i love it. had a honda for 10 years and decided to go with an american made vehicle. I feel so far it lives up to my honda!