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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  Sad to see it go - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jen castorri - November 23 - 8:26 am

  Got my 98 Jeep in 2005 after my first daughter was born. another kid and a lot of miles later, 223,700 to be exact, my Jeep still rocks. Living in Georgia does cause it to want to over heat here lately, but what do you expect! I have driven this Jeep from Georgia, to central Florida and straight up to Virginia all in one trip. Made it from Pennsylvania down to Georgia all in one day with no problems at all. The only reason we are considering getting rid of it is due to a maybe expanding family and the higher mileage. Dont want to risk being stranded with kids all by myself! It has never happened but why try? I love my Jeep. Jeep needs to make a van!

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  1st Time Jeep Owner - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By MGB - November 21 - 9:36 am

  I was looking at several other cars with better gas mileage but after I took the Commander for a test drive I was sold! What a smooth ride for such a big vehicle and the look is nothing but impressive. The ground clearance has come in handy several times and the 4.7L engine provides all the power and acceleration that I need. I am HOOKED!

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  The Best Ive Ever Owned! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Papi - November 21 - 8:10 am

  I purchased this Jeep 3 years ago when it had about 70,000 miles. Before this Jeep I owned a 95 model. Today Ive more than doubled the mileage (157,000) and Ive tuned it up once, turned the rotors, replaced a radiator hose, and spent a minimal amount on the front end. (Ive four wheeled a little and got air a few times... probably my fault.) Just routine maintenance. I expect to have this car until it drops. I would recommend this car to anyone... just make sure its been maintained well. I use synthetic oil and Lucas additive.

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  Fun in the Sun - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Vlad - November 21 - 2:36 am

  Bought a Jeep 2 years ago in Philly where lived. I love to put my soft top down in the summer months, love to drive in the snow - its so much fun. Recently i have moved to Miami, and now i can have my soft top down all year round because its always nice weather here. Recently I drove my Jeep with the top down on the sand on the beach; it was so much fun. If you live near the beach, try it you will not be disappointed.

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  Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By linda landis - November 19 - 11:53 am

  Fun to drive, with all the features of a SUV as far as space with the fun of an off road vehicle. Great towing capacity, 5000lbs. I love it.

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  FUN FUN FUN - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brents Jeep - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I love it. The most fun I have had with a vehicle. At some point everyone should own one. It looks great, drives great and will go anywhere you want it too. Not to mention it is great for parallel parking.

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  New sport - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Doobie - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Only two weeks of heavy driving so far, but it all I expected....FUN. Pleanty of low end and mid range torque. Accelerates decently. Getting 17 mpg with mixed, but mostly city driving with the A/C on. Would not be my choice for a family car; but, since my wife has the minivan, the family part is covered. This is for fun and commuting. I cant imagine anything more versatile. Just buy it.

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  Happy with JEEP - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RSG - November 19 - 3:36 am

  Former Nissan Altima owner for many years. I decided to finally get an SUV and couldnt resist the look and feel of the Jeep Grand Cherokee (4.7 v8). Jeep has a great smooth ride with excellent handling. I havent taken if off road as of yet but can tell you it handles well both in highway (65 plus mph) and city driving. Interior is very nice compared to others. Some suggestions - larger glove box & change the center console to something a little more user friendly. I was disappointed within the first week I had to replace a faulty chip (car wouldnt drive) but that can happen with any car. I did have to replace the front brakes at 35k but I hear that is standard with Jeep.

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  Grand Cherokee SRT - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 06BLKSRT - November 18 - 9:20 pm

  So far the truck is great, has a couple of issues with build quality though. The interior design and layout is great, materials could be better. The door panels and dash for example. Performance is amazing. Gas mileage is what I expected, not much worse than my 5.7 Hemi was. Having some trouble with the exhaust, the pipes are crooked, had it replaced, looked good for 2 days and then crooked again. WHO KNOWS ? Worth the wait, and definitely worth the money.

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  Jeep - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By ESB - November 18 - 3:30 am

  Love this baby! Cant seem to want to trade it in. I have put 170,000 on it. Very minor problems such as water pump,starter, and oxygen sensor. Other than that, oil, gas and tires. It gets the gas mileage that it should get for a 4.0 engine. People who complain need a smaller car not a SUV! This baby is fast too.