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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  Jeeps suck! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By M.Ziolo TL - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I should have been careful and bought a Japanse Suv. The MPG sucks and so does the ride. The engine is very weak and build quality is poor.

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  NEVER AGAIN - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Man - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my first and LAST Diamler/Chrysler product! The tires went bald at 25000 under normal driving conditions, with regular rotating. The brakes had to be done at 27000. Soon after both window motors in the front doors had to be replaced at my expense. Then the automatic headlight switch went bad causing my battery to be drained, had to purchase new $150 switch and battery. Most recently the back left door automatic locking mechanism is not working. Im a military Officer and proud American but will never again buy a Domestic vehicle, my $11,000 97 Nisan Sentra has never had a problem and it has power everything! Dont say I didnt warn you!

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  IT is the best in the snow, and beach - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Alex Schroeder - October 3 - 2:00 am

  i like it over all it DOESNT ride as hard as the infiniti fx45 and the bmw. It is the most wonderful car of the years!!!!!! It doesnt cost as much as the bmw and infiniti fx45 and fx35.!!

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  Transmission / Leaks / 60K Buying a Patriot Read this... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By lipjunkiee - October 2 - 8:06 am

  I own a 2008 Jeep Patriot Limited 4x4. I bought it two years ago with only 5K miles. One month after I bought the car the back light dome and flash light filled up with water. They stripped my interior out and gave me new interior and had to weld the problem. Two months ago 200 miles after my warranty expired the leak came back - but worse! I took it in for a diagnostic. They told me a stick had plugged my drainage tube for my sunroof. WOW! I never use my sunroof. THEN after I get my transmission serviced - fluid changed etc 500.00 dollars later... and two months later my TRANSMISSION goes out.... Its going to cost me $ 5,150.00 dollars to replace it. CVT TRANSMISSIONS ARE NOT RELIABLE!

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  Happy With Purchase - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By The Rock - September 30 - 11:46 pm

  We purchased our 02 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo two years ago with 22K on the clock. Have had no major problems with vehicle, only thing that did happen was the drivers side window came off the track and had to be replaced. We bought the extended warranty to 80K so we were covered. Will be trading it in on a used Suburban - not because we are unhappy with the Jeep, we just need more room. We will miss it!

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  I LOVE MY JEEP!! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By chuchi - September 30 - 3:46 pm

  I love my Jeep! Traded in my Ford f250 diesel. Do not regret it! Gas mileage sucks, but oh well! I knew that before I bought the Jeep. Ive traveled from flat Florida to the smokie mountains in western nc, towing a 13 ft travel trailer, yeah it struggle a little going up the mountains, but not too bad. I have the dual top options and so far no leaks on neither top.:) I have mygig. Awesome! The radio is great. Its a fun Jeep! Glad I did!

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  Best vehicle I ever owned - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By ace - September 30 - 5:40 am

  Was one of two vehicles left on our lot before we closed the business and I was useing it myself during the winter months. Found it was a one owner vehicle and I decided to buy it as my personal vehicle. Loved how it handled poor weather conditions and felt very safe. Loved the style, power, and handling. Great vehicle for the price. Leaks oil from rear main, typical of the 4.0 Liter engine.140,000 miles and runs great! Hope to have this one for life!

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  Spoiled brats wont like. - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brian - September 30 - 2:06 am

  Read some of the reviews on this forum, and from what I understand most of them dont understand what they got themselves into. Please dont consider buying a jeep unless you understand your purchase. You arent buying a luxury car, you are buying one of the finest off roading, highly versatile vehicles on the road today. People that complain about water leaks probably dont understand how to correctly install their top. All and all this is an awesome vehicle to own.

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  A car you have to own... for two years - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By CEOofTNFYA - September 29 - 2:13 pm

  This iconic vehicle is the most fun you can have driving under 20mph. The design will never get old and the amount of bad weather confidence you gain by getting behind the wheel of this beast is unmatched. The deeper the snow the more I wanted to go out. I think it drives better in the deep stuff than on a clear road. That is also the problem. It is incredibly loud at highway speed, the hood will lift up and slam down in the wind, and it needs constant input to keep in a straight line. This is the least practical vehicle on the road but one you simply have to own at some point in your life. Left me stranded at 2500 miles due to faulty fuel gauge, took 11 days to fix. No confidence in brand

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Swiggie - September 29 - 9:40 am

  I have 3 cars right now, a 1999 BMW 325is, a 2000 Ford Taurus and a 1999 Jeep. Out of the three cars I have to say the Jeep is more reliable then any of them. I am the 3rd owner on the Jeep and 2nd on the Ford. They both had about the same mileage on them at time of purchase. I will recommend this Jeep to anyone who wants the 4x4 capability with luxury like a Cadillac.