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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  Getting Better - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By joe b - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the tenth Jeep I have owned and they continue to get better each year. I currently have about 45,000 miles on this vehicle, mostly trouble free. We live in Florida but drive it to the mountains of Colorado for a month each summer to run the Jeep trails. This Wrangler is loaded with options but is still a compentent vehicle in the high country.

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  They Finally Did It! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By appeal2 - March 12 - 10:26 pm

  Just got my Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.7 Hemi (not under glass). This is as close to the perfect SUV as it gets. For starters, the exterior styling is pretty much non-descript and totally inoffensive. The inside is very comfortable. Seats are firm but not too firm. Lots of interior room. Has Bluetooth so your cellphone automatically kicks in and becomes handsfree in the car. The GPS and Sirius work like a charm. Nice oversize console box that can actually hold something useful besides three receipts and a paper clip. The Hemi is a beautiful thing. It is smooth, has a nice purr to it and gets your butt from 0-60 in 6.9 seconds. The ride is better than any SUV I have been, and thats saying a lot

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  It reeks with testosterone! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chest Rockwell - March 12 - 2:03 pm

  I was looking for a vehicle that fits me a little better than a Toyota Corolla. I found the 2007 Jeep Wrangler. Im very happy with the purchase. Dont know what everybody was talking about when they said this thing was noisy. Its no louder than my Honda CR-V. The ride is not uncomfortable either. Not sure what vehicle those people were talking about under the Jeep reviews. This thing is awesome! Yeah, its a gas hog. But, if youre looking for a economical car why would you be looking at a Jeep? Gas prices cannot come into the equation when purchasing a Jeep Wrangler.

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  Happy Camper - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dotsara - March 10 - 12:50 am

  For 15 years, I rode and drove an 85 Tercel; my Jeep is quite the step up. I wont go bragging about my fuel mileage (its a 2-ton, V6), but I will go on about how comfortable and useful (Ive moved myself and several friends) it is. She runs like a champ, although there have been two major mechanical problems (cracked exhaust manifold, wonky fuel pump). I love the look of my truck as well, its got that boxy, truck feel; its not all sedanish like the later model years. Love it!

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  All Jeep, Practical Transportation - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By job2133 - March 8 - 9:50 pm

  We bought this vehicle as a second car and my wifes daily driver for work. Since we live in the Northeast, we wanted to get a 4 X 4. We looked at the Honda CR-V, Saturn VUE, and the RAV 4 but no one could touch the price of the Jeep Patriot and the lifetime power train warranty. I am very pleased with the Trail Rated Version and as a second vehicle to a Chevrolet Suburban, it fits the bill perfectly for low cost, 4 wheel drive, fuel efficiency and the historic look of Jeep. Yes this vehicle is a little noisy and does not drive like our Suburban, but what do you expect? It is practical transportation that gives you many standard safety features, low cost and rugged looks.

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  Jeep grand cherokee limited 5.2 - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DNorem - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this Jeep for 3 1/2yrs and had no problems. I have it serviced regularly and change oil religiously. Ive had other Jeeps and definately recommend the 5.2L engine. It seems smoother, has more get up and go and pulls a trailer much better.

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  Very Powerfu,l Yet Well Refined - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By philip77 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I looked at a lot of SUVS and this by far the Grand Cherokee was the most soild nicest rideing vehical I drove. I have the 4.7 High Output V8 this moter is so powerful and the five speed Transmission shifts so smoothly that the engine hardly reves. If you are in the market for an SUV drive the Jeep Grand Cherokee first because you will compare it to everything else you drive and I think you will come back to the Jeep.

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  Jeep special edition - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By colpaj - March 8 - 2:00 am

  With the execption of gas milage I am very pleased with the Jeep. It has all the requirments that I wanted. The 4WD for towing my boat, the ease of towing behind my motorhome and nice appearence.

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  At 2 bucks a gallon, maybe a mistake!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Leap - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought a Liberty to replace my aged Cherokee. Gas mileage seems much worse, used to go a full week on the Cherokee, now 4 days on the Liberty between fill-ups. Really wanted a 5 speed but cant get one.

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  I Love My Jeep - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Louise Lane - March 2 - 11:20 pm

  Purchased in 96 or 97 and have loved every minute of ownership of this SUV. Replaced gas tank, viscous coupler, rotors, radiator, fuel pump, didnt mind any of it. Wanted to upgrade and had nothing but Jeep in mind however, did not like the 05 body style. Doors slanted and made entry and exit to difficult on head and neck. I would still be driving this Jeep if not for problem with starting but then choking out and dying which left me stranded every summer (never in the winter) leave it sit for hour or so and it would start right up and drive away. Several repair attempts and they could not find the problem. Time to move on. Still say the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo "the best I ever owned!"