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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  keep jeepin - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By justin - October 17 - 2:53 pm

  i drive this hard had little problems only air compressor locked up,but for over the many years had not had to lay a finger on it

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  Its A Jeep Thing... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Willie - October 14 - 10:43 pm

  I LOVE THIS JEEP! I have been looking for a great truck most of the summer. When I saw what great deals they had on Grand Cherokees I was sold. I have the options I want. I have the color I want, Light Khaki. It has pretty good fuel economy (mid 15 mpg) in mostly city driving. Its the perfect size. Its not as big as a Dodge Durango or as bad on gas. I love the look of the interior and the contrasting colors. I love the standard safety features like Traction Control, with the 4x4 system, ABS and other creature comforts like average miles per gallon, miles till empty, miles till service and compass/temperature. I love the fabric of this cloth better then the normal cloth.

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  Shouldve got the ford fixed - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By cjthomas - October 14 - 9:06 pm

  I got this truck from my sister after I crashed my ford escape because she wanted to get a new car, it had about 207,000 and was in pretty good shape but about 2,000 miles later the engine started making noises and I wasnt sure waht it was so I took it to my friend who was good with cars and he told me that it was a knock which means that the engine is basically on its way out and its gonna cost me $$$ to get the engine replaced and I already scraped the escape and handed over the title so Im pretty much screwed, wouldve cost way less to repair my escape.

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  Love It - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Nish - October 14 - 3:00 pm

  This is a great SUV, from towing to daily commutes. Easy to drive, easy to park. Transmission is great as it keeps in lower gears for more spirited driving. Downside is that I have to have the front brake rotors turned annually as they warp and cause brake pulsation.

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  Wife displeased - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RFBookman - October 13 - 11:53 am

  Bought new in 1996, was initially pleased. Had to have radio replaced under warranty but was fairly problem free until the rear end needed replacing. Mechanic said that gearing was misaligned from the factory and it was only a matter of time until it went out. Had other small intermittent problems. Then the computer unit went out. It took Jeep dealer about 3 months to find the problem. We would take it in and they would give it back saying they could not find any problem. It would have same problem and we would take it in only to start the cycle again. Wife who drives vehicle says we will never buy another Jeep. Plan on replacing it soon with import.

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  Great Value for the Real Thing - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By arbitrader - October 13 - 2:00 am

  We were looking to replace my car with a wagon type vehicle that would handle the unimproved work sites that I occasionally visit. After testing the Ford Escape (too expensive, no 2 speed transfer case, not as nice interior) and the Honda CRV (too car-like)we took a test ride in the Liberty Sport and were immediately impressed. Fantastic styling, fit, finish, quietness and ride quality. I have owned a few SUVs and this does not ride like a truck but still maintains its poise on rough roads. Even though it appears tall it remains flat in the turns. We only have 1,100 miles so we are looking forward to logging some more miles under different conditions.

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  It was fun and real but not real fun - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By prodigy1 - October 10 - 1:25 am

  Bought a 2001 jeep cherokee classic 4x4 with 15k miles on it and was pleased with it but in a middle of the road way. It was very reliable and durable but it was a jeep. Every one had one at the time and you couldnt pick kit out in a parking lot. It was loud and rough riding (I know it wasnt made for comfort) but in an kidney bursting way. Dont get me wrong it was a great car that never gave me trouble and was fare offroad but being a car guy I could never really like it enough to the point I loved to drive it or wanted to keep it. When we sold it the family didnt even blink, when we sold the hummer h3 my son cried and kissed it on the fender and said we will miss you lol.

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  Hey! Its a Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jet - October 9 - 9:03 pm

  Ill be honest. You gotta want a jeep to own a jeep. This is the funnest vehicle youll ever own. Its at home off road or at the mall. The newer jeeps ride a lot better that the older ones due to coil-over shocks in the front. Accessories galore! This is the one vehicle that you can truly personalize. My advice for jeep buying: Buy the full doors, the 6- cyl., oversized tires, and both hard and soft tops. These are all the "should-a-gots" that plague jeep buyers remorse. Mine averages 13/16 mpg on pavement and about 20mpg off- road! Jeeps are fun! Oh yeah- and insurance is CHEAP!

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  Long Term CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepster - October 9 - 5:16 pm

  Bought new back in April 2005. Have had the normal problems that all CRD owners have had, including 3 EGR replacements. It is a great vehicle for every day use and for some off- road fun as well. I have 500 miles left on my extended 100k warranty, so Im hoping all will stay well. Most recent problem was my 4wd/2wd sensor going bad - said I was in 4wd, but wasnt. I have learned not to get upset with the dealer when there are issues, but rather DC. I think they put this vehicle out, but werent ready to support it with stocked parts. I will hit 100k by this weekend, and even with all the CRD issues, I would still buy another, but hoping they put a diesel in the Wrangler Unlimited!

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  Laredo-My Reliable Friend - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By VJohns - October 9 - 5:03 am

  I was told that the first year of owning a Jeep can be a real pain in the "you know what," and I believe it! Brakes, alignment, a new computer and an annoying noise associate with the pinion angle when traveling at 60mph all plagued the vehicle (and me) during the first year. After that, basic maintenance and that is all. A new battery was needed at year 6; in the last year the power door locks have given up working and the transmission is beginning to slip. I think it was developing the transmission problem years ago, but while under warranty I was told that it was "normal play" - even though it made a wonderful "kerchunk" sound when put in reverse :^> Headlights getting "milky"/dim.