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:

• 

  There really is only one. - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kevin_r1 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  If there is a better SUV out there for the money, Id like to hear about it. Ive driven a lot of SUVs (ML, X5, Explorer, 4Runner) and none are better then the Grand Cherokee. Jeep could easily charge $10,000 more for this vehicle and it would still be worth it. Ive never had any mechanical problems and I drive harder than almost anyone I know. Three years later the paint looks as good as the day I bought it. Mind you, the vehicle has never been garaged.

• 

  Indoor Swimming Pool - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By JBenton - October 6 - 12:40 am

  Since the initial purchase of the car May 2007, we have returned the Commander to the dealership 6 times due to the same issue. Leaking into driver and passenger floorboards which has now advanced to leaking into the dashboard. The dealership has worked really hard to try to remedy the issue, but to no avail. It is now September 2008 and we had another swimming pool in the car from rain over the weekend. The car is back in the shop. Oh, did I mention it was in the shop for the exact same thing last week. Sad to say this has really detracted from our enjoying the car.

• 

  Great, Reliable SUV - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By DrumFamily - October 5 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Jeep in 2002 with 85k miles on it. Weve since run it past 120k, and it is still going strong. Weve had to replace the water pump and serpentine belt, but that was it. It really is a solid vehicle, with great construction and is truly reliable. Would recommend to potential buyers.

• 

  Nice Looking, but problems lay ahead - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Fantaciabear - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchsed this vehicle in Illinoi and I live on long Island, I drove it 1000 miles home and had problems as soon as I hit the highway,Vehicle was loosing coolant every 200 miles and the interior lights kept blowing a fuse so me and my partner were stuck driving a vehicle we were not famaliar with at night with no interior lights (was not fun).But the flash light I kept in the console came in handy.When I got to LongIsland I got the jeep to the nearest Chrysler Dealership only to find the jeep had a cracked cylinder head a 1800$ repair.keep in mind Ive only owned it for 4 days at this time.I did purchase a ext warranty,not off to a good start,I should of purchased another toyota 4 runner.

• 

  diffrential has to be replaced - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By a mom - October 5 - 10:00 am

  2 weeks old, and the teeth on differential gears are broken, less than 650 mi on car, no off road, just city driving, and no guarantee on when well get it back

• 

  My First Jeep - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By My First Jeep - October 5 - 1:23 am

  This is my first Jeep, and I have to say that beyond the shadow of a doubt my favorite vehicle so far. I feel tall in it and in power when driving. The Liberty has contrary to belief an extremely refined ride for a truck that is a true offroader. The materials feel great and the center console is easy on the eyes and very easy to use w/o having to stare at them while driving. fuel economy is great in my opinion, i dont own a Honda or Toyota I own a true to the bone truck therefore i pay for it. However, some of the features included in some of these new vehicles are not included in the Liberty, such as a tiptronic transmission with more than 4 speed, color lcd in dash found in audi,vw, cadi

• 

  Best mid-sized SUV - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By davo7 - October 5 - 12:49 am

  I have had my 11 Grand Cherokee Limited for about 8 months now, and I absolutely love it! This Selec-Terrain system is Amazing! I have never had a vehicle to drive any better in the snow. I live in the mountains of Kentucky and a 4x4 is mandatory! This vehicle is equally luxurious as my families new Lincoln Navigator. The ride is excellent and handling around the curves and twists is better than any SUV I have driven. I traded in a V8 Saab 97-X and the only thing that i miss is the extra power from GMs 327 engine. The Jeeps V6 is alright, but the high geared transmission makes it slow on take off, but give it a little time and it will fly!! Super Vehicle, highly recommended!

• 

  100% fun - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chuck Leo - October 4 - 7:16 pm

  My TJ is probably the most fun vehicle Ive ever owned with 4 wheels. With the 4.0L and 6 speed its got plenty of power and easy to handle. With all the after market parts available it was easy to make it a one of a kind "me" jeep. Its built tough enough to take me anywhere. The best part is really how the vehicle makes me feel when I drive it.

• 

  Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BuddyinStL - October 4 - 4:33 am

  The only problem that we have had with this car is the vacuum hose keeps falling off, disabling the heater and vent controls. It has been repaired by the dealer once, and by myself twice. Other than that, no problems. The car is comfortable, dependable, and fun to drive. It is especially capable on winter roads, and off-road driving. It tows well. I agree with the one reviewer who stated that the cup holders need to be deeper. An average coffee cup or water bottle will go flying when turning corners if your not holding it. Gas mileage could be better, considering it is a 6 cylinder. Overall, I am happy with this SUV, and would buy another Chrysler/Jeep product.

• 

  patriot cherokee - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By clay jeep - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed using my jeep for day to day driving as well as takeing trips.