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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  Thinking Mans MB - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By maxie1 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Have roughly 1,500 miles on a Laredo with the 26X package, Trailer Tow Group, Panoramic sunroof, and Off Road Adventure 1 package. Fit and finish seems about as good as previous MBs and BMWs. The driving experience is great with quiet ride and responsive handling for an SUV. Interior materials are (finally) what they should be. Sight-lines seem more limited and the UConnect system is ok, but takes some getting used to. Adaptive transmission needs a better learning algorithm. Very pleased so far and looking forward to driving in the mountains this ski season. Paid $38K for those interested.

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  Jeep the only way to Drive - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Shadowwolf - January 29 - 1:10 am

  Well except for the dealership I bought the jeep from it has been a wonderful experience and I am not starting the slow process of building it up for really radical off-roading fun. This thing is truly the sports car of SUVs. I can take corners almost as well as a lot of the modern muscle cars and with a rolling start (30mph-40mph) I can keep up with some of the big boys until I hit 95 or so then I back off :) PLEASE REMEMBER This is a SUV and as such it has a HIGHER Center of gravity

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  Its a Jeep Thing - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Scott3249 - January 26 - 9:43 pm

  Got this Wrangler in July of 2001 after my 98 Wrangler got total. Was surprise at the improvements to the top. Great SUV, not gonna win any MPG awards, but hey its a Jeep. Ive put close to 90k miles on it and just replaced the radiator, was my fault for not flushing it out. Has been been a great jeep.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By flickanita - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We have been very pleased with our Jeep. There has been only 1 problem. The vehicle would jump when accelerating up a small hill while in CC.We wish there was better gas mileage.I am concerned with the Seat Belt Buckles opening in a crash or roll- over. I have written Chrysler and the dealer. We do not back out of the drive-way without buckling up. Because of rear wheel drive and the tendency for SUVs to roll, I dont feel as safe as I did in a our min-van. We are happy with the 7 yr. 100,000 mile warranty. P.S. I always carry a drink cup filled with ice and it is exactly across from the buckle so you can see why I am concerned.

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  Great Overall - Mileage Could Improve - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By pcmr57 - January 23 - 5:33 am

  Purchased in September 2008 with 50000 miles(80000 km). Towing is rated for 5000lb which is impressive for its class. I pulled about 3000 lbs with no issues with no trailer brakes. The 60/40 Full Time 4x4 mode is truly excellent in deep snow. It has good traction with Rear Drive Mode with snow tires as well. Ive only put 12000 miles on it and the only things gone wrong are air bag control module and broken fan belt. Got a module on Ebay for $75.00. One recent tank I averaged 14 mpg(US) (17 imp) with mostly hwy miles. Best hwy mileage ever was 17 mpg(US) (21 imp) hwy on a full tank highway drive. Worst mileage was 10 mpg(US) (12imp) with all city driving in winter months.

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  Pretty good so far - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rob - January 22 - 11:06 pm

  This is my first Jeep. It is fun to drive - plenty of power. Love the warm seats. We took it to the beach in Pismo and it performed great in the sand. The backup alert/warning system is handy except when I have the swing out bike rack on the back which causes the warning sound as soon as you go in reverse. The drivers seat automatically moves forward and backwards when you turn the car on and off. The passenger area shrinks when the seat moves backward. One time, a passenger in the back got her foot stuck when the seat moved backwards. My one peeve is the rear-view mirror is too low such that it blocks out much of the right side of the windshield.

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  02 Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Tim - January 21 - 8:50 pm

  I have 112,000 mils on this manual tranny & have enjoyed all but two when the timing belt broke & the belt tensioner broke. I suggest replacing the original tires as the Wranglers are awful. Mileage averages 23 mpg, much better than the 6 cyl. I will buy another one, perhaps a diesel.

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  1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cdh - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I have very little in the way of repairs. Ive had a few of the plastic pieces fall off over the years. Absolutly nothing major.

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  Good performance and looks. Cheap used. - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gblanch - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this 8 cyl. Jeep at three years old, 29k miles, for just over half its original price (paid $18k), after deciding that $40k was too much for new. Original buyers depreciaion loss was my gain. I couldnt be more pleased, even if Id bought it new. My wife loves the looks and power around town with our children. It handles great in snow and ice, is comfortable on long drives, and has performed admirably in light off-road use (fishing, hunting, camping). We had to replace a transmission sensor to fix hard shifting ($150), as well as replace the stereo (covered under the extended warranty). Starting to get a little brake pulsing at 50k miles.

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  2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cdh - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The only problems I have has are the brakes. I have had 3 brake jobs (warped rotors)