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:

• 

  My 2004 Laredo - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cmb284 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Grand Cherokee a short time but I am very pleased. Despite the negatives that leading auto magazines and web sites tag on it, it is an awesome fun to drive vehicle. There are few better looking SUVs out there and none in this price range. Although I thought I wouldnt use it the trip computer has been indespensible. I only have the single disc w/cassete radio but with the upgrade speakers you get very good sound quality. If you can live with the fuel economy (I have not had over 18mpg) I would highly recomend this vehicle.

• 

  Love the truck, MPG lousy! - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark326 - June 22 - 1:10 am

  I love everything about this vehicle except the gas mileage. My last tank I used 89 octane and averaged 15 mpg city/hwy. Jeep owners are their own breed of people. Be prepared for some repairs, squeaks, and bad MPG. The functionality of this vehicle is amazing. You can truely go anywhere with it! I wouldnt recommend this vehicle for people that have long commutes to work due to the gas mileage. The I6 is a very responsive 6- cylinder engine. I have the 3 speed automatic transmission with mine and I think it could be a bit better. I had to have the torque converter replaced under waranty when I first purchased the vehicle. 3rd gear was vibrating like crazy! Great for short commutes, not long trips.

• 

  This Jeep rocks - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By singletrack - June 20 - 8:06 pm

  I bought the AWD Jeep grand Cherokee used in 2000 with 60K miles. I have more than 162,000 miles on it now and it has been incredibly reliable. It is a V8 with plenty of power. I has all of the bells and whistles and everything still works great. I have never experienced any mechanical problems, just the normal expendables such as brake pads, shocks, and tires. All normal stuff. It is the most reliable and road worthy machine I have owned. I drive it in the Rocky Mountains and on road trips and offroad - Moab and 4x4 mountain passes. GREAT SUV!

• 

  Montana Travler - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By MTSkywalker - June 19 - 6:36 pm

  This Jeep was so much better than my 1998 Cherokee Sport. Better driving, instrumentation, and fit and finish. Jeep doesnt push this car because it sells itself.

• 

  Its a Jeep... an ORV (Off-road vechicle) - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Captian - June 17 - 2:03 pm

  This handles extremely well on and off- road, though it does lean more as an Off-Road vehicle. I dont buy the "SUV" title it is given, I call it an ORV or Off-Road Vehicle. Cmon it is a jeep! If you never plan to take the doors off, tops off and get muddy inside and out, dont you dare think of getting one. If you never plan on letting your Jeep taste dirt, mud, and stone, get dings dents scratches all over it-dont buy one, or you will be disappointed. If you want a luxury SUV then buy one, but dont buy a Jeep, it is "comfortable" while you bounce around on potholes rocks and mud, but it wasnt designed to stay clean, detailed and comfy. It is rugged and mean. I mean its a Jeep a true ORV

• 

  Proof of Truth - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steven - June 15 - 10:33 pm

  Some car reviews stated Jeep Grand Cherokee rating much lower than Japanese SUV. I discovered the truth was reversed. My Jeep is running superb and troublefree. My friend who have Toyota had a lot of trouble and unreliable condition. Other persons at work had Nissan and GM SUV gave them horrible and could not run good on off or on roads. My Jeep is a winner without any questions. Hemi engine gives superb performance and very quiet. Highway gas mileage is very good but accepted city gas mileage. The steering system and brake system are superb.

• 

  great jeep - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gies - June 14 - 2:00 am

  28000 miles and only one problem. The heated seat on the driver side doesnt work and I have yet to take it to the dealer for repairs under the warranty. I have the selectmatic transmission that I have not seen on any other Jeep Grand Cherokees, but I am glad I do. It gives me the option of 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive. It appears others have had trouble with the Quadramatic Trans.

• 

  The Jeep Tradition lives on. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Don in CT. - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I have driven My Liberty for about 4 months and 5000 miles. I love it.No problems what so ever. For an SUV it has a nice ride especially on the Highway. Even on bumpy roads it is not bad. Plenty of room. It performs well. Excellent in snow and ice. Gas mileage is not great but that goes with the territory. The Jeep Tradition lives on.

• 

  Satified customer - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By satisfied driver - June 14 - 2:00 am

  My Liberty has been a terrific car. No problems in first 15,000 miles. I have it serviced every 4,000 miles, including tire rotation. My dealer is a five-star dealer and has been most interested in how the customer feels about service.

• 

  A Ray of Sun - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Mr Rod - June 13 - 7:30 am

  I have only had My Patriot for 2 days now, but I must say I love it. I traded in a 02 Maxima. I has excellent room for me and 3 other adults has plenty power and is great on gas. I love the Orange Burst Pearl color, very unique for a Jeep!! I feel larger than it really is, as I look over the long hood. The handling is also great this thing turns on a dime! It also has a forgiving ride that doesnt hurt my liver as i hit imperfections on the horrible roads in Louisiana! Jeep you created a lovely SUV for the masses!!