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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  My 1999 Grand Cherokee. - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Migue1 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I encountered several electrical problems with my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The drivers/passengers windows got stuck several times and I had to visit the dealership on numerous occasions to have this problem corrected. Also had a problem with the front brakes (disk) getting bent even though the car had less than 20,000 miles and was driven carefully. The AC (evaporator) also went bad and had to be replaced . A lot of my friends have had similar experiences with their Grand Cherokees as well. Car also had several recalls (three) during the last three years, and due to the above mentioned problems I will not purchase/lease a Grand Cherokee again..

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  Wheres the A/C? - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GBSPI - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Jeep Grand Cherokee. The first was really great and relatively trouble free. This one has been in the shop 7 times for the air conditioner. At first, it did not work at all. After 7 tries, it works, sort of. I live in a hot area and you have to run it on high all of the time. The dealer originally said the air from the vents should be at 38 degrees. They have now changed their minds and say that 44 to 50 is acceptable. The dealer says this is as good as it gets now. If you live in a hot place, dont buy a 2002 JGC. Otherwise it is a fine car.

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  Happy W/Grand Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By scoad - April 18 - 8:46 am

  Have over 75K miles and only thing other than normal maintenance needed was a fuel filter at 51K and radiator hose at 68K. Gets far better mileage than the EPA rating and is roomy and comfortable. Could handle better, but it is an SUV. Have heard others complain, but it gets better fuel economy and has been just as reliable as my previous SUV (Toyota 4Runner). Would buy another one in a second. Maybe people have problems due to way they maintain their vehicles.

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  ndiw - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Oumar - April 16 - 10:00 am

  didnt like it until I start driving it. Its very stable and powerful. Driving it gives me a lot of confidence, it feels like the strongest flexible car to drive

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  Car wont start multiple times - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SRubin1957 - April 15 - 4:13 am

  I purchased a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee from CarMax in Dec, 2009. It has been to the dealership 3 separate times due to failure to start. First time they could not duplicate; second time they replaced a wireless control module; third time they replaced an ignition module. It needs to be towed tomorrow. It wont start again. No more Jeeps. I am terribly disappointed.

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  Fun Toy - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By mark3840 - April 15 - 1:03 am

  Bought this Jeep (2 door) just to have a toy. Got the Mountain Pkg. Love the looks and seats. Didnt go with the 2011 model because I hated the seat covers and the "softer" interior look. This is an outdoor vehicle. Why did they need to make it "softer to the touch?" It really needs more power. It amazes me how quite the interior is with the soft top. Its not a quite vehicle but it does well for a convertible with a soft top. Seems like the stereo should be better. I didnt get the subwoofer - but I honestly didnt feel it was much better anyway. I wouldnt recommend any Wrangler as a primary vehicle - especially if you drive a lot. But I would buy another one because I love it.

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  The Greatest American Car Ever Built!!!! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By FM - April 13 - 10:56 pm

  The car has never been to the dealer just now 01/02/09 the motor over heated so its getting a complete engine rebuild the cylinder heads and walls do not have a single scratch and no sludge in the crank case was offered $5000 for the car will never sell priceless!

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  5.7L Hemi 4x4 Limited W/ NAV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jason Walker - April 12 - 4:53 pm

  Amazing “sleeper” SUV. The Hemi V8 throws me back into the seat like I was driving my S2000, but with room for the road. It blazes up to speed and is great passing confidence on long steep grades. Great interior and electronics (e.g., integrated Bluetooth phone, 6-disk CD in an amazing stereo, Serious satellite radio, Nav system) and so many gadgets. Great undercover muscle car.

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  Jeep lover - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By m - April 11 - 9:36 pm

  My first Jeep, love the look, the interior was comfortable, gas mileage average. Tight steering, needs a little more hp in certain situations. Never had more compliments on a car before, in particular the color, salsa red, hot! Drawbacks, 2 big ones, the engine blew at 40,000 miles, never off road with it, oil changed every 3000. Good thing for the warranty, the bill was almost $9000. But the craziest thing about this car, is the battery, I have had 10 or more batteries since I bought it. Every time I take it in for service, they say its normal! Batteries last 12 to 18 months, thats a new one on me. Overall, Im buying a new Jeep, with the skyslider roof!

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  Reliable - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By drbphoto - April 11 - 7:40 am

  I have the93 Wrangler S. Many friends scoffed at me when I sold a Toyota truck and bought the Jeep. Its been EXTREMELY reliable and has held up to abuse that would destroy almost anything else out there, So far Ive put 100k miles on it with 3 non-user induced repairs; starter fuel pump and oil pressure switch. Extremely fun to drive on the short haul but abusive on a long drive. Spartan interior with almost no creature comforts, Leg room could be more. Over all its the best car I have ever owned and will keep it in one form or another for a very long time