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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  toyota who? - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By j.d. - September 19 - 3:46 am

  Great gas mileage. Fun to drive. Economical payment and gas for $2.99. Whats not to love?

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  First Time Jeep Owner and Loving It! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ashley S. - September 18 - 11:43 pm

  This is my first SUV and my first Jeep and I must say I am truly pleased so far. Ive had it almost 3 weeks now and it is exactly what I was looking for. It drives smooth, has good pickup, and has some really great features. I got one with 16k mileage with the Xpackage for an awesome deal! I saw on some of the other models that people left reviews for that they had a problem with water leaking, I drove mine in torrential downpour last night with no problem. I looked at many different kinds of SUVs before choosing this one and I am fully satisfied with my choice. Comfortable, roomy, fun to drive, and an overall great SUV.

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  Another Bad Transmission - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By kwijibur - September 17 - 9:55 am

  I bought this new in 2007 3 weeks before they offered the lifetime powertrain warranty. Now, at 56k miles, it needs a new transmission. This is after the control arm and tie rod failures that were covered (thankfully) under the 3/36 warranty. I understand that its out of warranty now. But, a new transmission on a 3 y/o car with only 56k miles? Really? Chrysler customer service have also been real jerks. I called them for payment assistance at the recommendation of the dealer and theyve promised me a response by the end of the day for five days straight.

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  Love my jeep - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By gorman - September 17 - 5:26 am

  This is my second Jeep it is all I expected. The first is a 2007 unlimited 4 door. I enjoy the feel of the 2010 wranglers power and stance on the road, ease of driving and the ease of parking and maneuvering around obstacles (even in the city) the soft top easily folds down over all happy with my Jeep, Jeep

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  Nice toy but not much else - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By umco20 - September 16 - 9:13 pm

  Rides awful. Poor MPG. Poor build quality. Water pump failed, A/C failed, poor interior. Awful transmission, laud and rough. No room inside. However, it is great at open air off roading and cool to have. Not recommended as a daily driver.

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  I speak the Truth - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SYFY - September 16 - 9:13 pm

  I like the size and the power of the truck. I do like the body style of this year truck also.

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  The Best SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sue Miller - September 16 - 4:06 am

  This is my second Grand Cherokee and, as much as I loved the first one, this is far superior in power, road handling, interior quiet, gas mileage, and size. I drove a wide variety of SUVs before I got in the new Grand Cherokee. After five minutes in the car, I was totally sold. It has the best four wheel drive system on the market and is always reliable.

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  Limited 4,7 - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Roger - September 15 - 7:53 am

  Fantastic vehicle with a comfortable and quiet ride. This Jeep also handles great and so far Ive been getting 15 mpg in town and 21 mpg on the highway

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  almost but not quite - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By cephas73 - September 15 - 7:20 am

  Smooth ride, good styling, plenty of room. Poor fit and finish. Sensor that controlled brakes broke and caused brakes to fail when applying them when going over any type of bump. Water leaks into vehicle from the rear brake light. Turn signal does not turn off after turning. It is too bad that these things have happened because the vehicle is a great idea it just was poorly built. It has 7000 miles.

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  A Real SUV... - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By LJK4 - September 14 - 4:23 pm

  This is my first Jeep and I wouldnt hesitate to purchase another one. The 4.0L is a torque monster that pulls better than any other compact SUV Ive ever driven. The Command-Trac 4wd system works flawlessly and allows this Jeep to go almost anywhere. Snow isnt a problem, just point where you want to go and hit the gas. Im 64" and drive in a very upright position and Ive got enough headroom so that Im not ducking while I drive. As far as brakes go I personally havent had any problems with them at all. There are a couple of real minor flaws inside. The transfer case lever does vibrate as does the exhaust system but these are minor flaws. Overall the Cherokee is a real SUV not a cute-ute.