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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  Rubicon Unlimited Owner - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jefferson1964 - July 29 - 2:56 am

  So far so good with the Unlimited Rubicon. The ride is nice with the longer wheel base. This has also allowed me to put items in the back I would not have been able to in a standard Wrangler. The extra insulation in the Unlimited has really improved the interior cabin road noise. Minor wind/road noise from the soft top is all and still allows easy conversations.

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  First SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By geep - July 28 - 11:10 pm

  Used to performance sedans. The 4x4 is a seductive temptress. Relaxed, calm as I drive it. Interior comfort is good, finish is good. The vehicle is well built, and what I want.

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  Decent for the money. - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kentman - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Reliability has been an issue. Transmission failed at 43K ($2200). Fuel pump failed ($600). Many leaks (trans., axles, oil, etc.). Exhaust header broke ($400). Many check engine lights for sensors (four for pressure sensor and one for oxygen sensor). At 165K miles, it is still driving strong and looks good. I am shooting for 250K miles. If you can stomach repairs, it is a decent vehicle for the money. Build quality is good, and styling is the best. At 165K, it still looks and runs as well as it did when I got it at 34K for $19.5K. If it runs to 250K without any further large component failures, I will buy another one.

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  Not even a 4X4 er. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Gerald Heath - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Having purchased my Jeep in Feb I have not been able to drive it as much as I would have liked to. Great styling, solid ride, sound system good with upgraded speakers. Interior could be a little nicer but okay for my needs. In-town gas mileage about 19. Have not taken it on the road yet. Moon roof helps to cool vehicle but has some road noise. Vent position is good on hot sunny days to help keep interior bareable. (AZ) All in all with cash rebates and 0% financing I couldnt go wrong. Nice vehicle.

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  Hate the seat belt sound - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jack Tawil - July 28 - 1:10 am

  Got the car in September of 06, i love it has great power on the 4.7 eat a boat load of gas if your doing a lot of city driving. the tire light went on for no reason, hate it when the dash board looks like a Christmas tree. the dealer ship blamed it on the weather. the seat belt alarm could stress you out big time make you want to brake something its very very annoying. and it wont stop until you buckle up. but for highway driving after like 2 min it shuts up. over all the jeep is a monster and a lot of fun to drive. get a pair of shades and cruise its a lot of fun

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  Diesel - - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By danreyer@gmail.com - July 25 - 12:52 am

  LOVE THE DIESEL. If you have ever driven a modern diesel you know what I am talking about. I purchased a 2016 Limited EcoDiesel in August and love it. Note that only the diesel comes with a factory 5yr 100,000 mile power train warranty. Gas models are less. Also not the engine does not shut down at traffic lights... Just know that maintenance costs are more ( i knew this going into the deal). Drove to the beach and got just over 32 mpgs.

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  Paint - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ashley - July 24 - 9:23 am

  I bought this Jeep Grand Cherokee brand new. It had only 6 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. I now have had it 16 days and went to wash it for the first time and the paint starting peeling off the front bumper. I called Jeep services and they said I need to bring it in to see if it was covered under my warranty. When I bought the car it said the paint was cover for 3 years unlimited. I am just so upset! I mean how can the paint already be peeling when I havent even made a payment.

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  Only in a Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brian Smith - July 23 - 12:20 am

  This is the first Jeep I have ever owned, and I cant believe I have never had one before now. The slogan, "only in a Jeep" is so true. I have been places in my factory Jeep that I would have never dreamed to take a vehicle. I love this thing. No issues with this at all.

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  Great car so far - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By ST - July 22 - 11:06 am

  I bought my Jeep used from a lady In TN. It had 12K miles on it. Now it has about 27K and I still like my Jeep. I wish it got better milage. I get about 17-19 around town. I also wish the seats did not stain like they do. Other than this, the Liberty has been a great vehicle. I really like the push button rear window opener. Thats a nice feature when your hands are full of groceries.

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  The Original SUV...Scrap The Liberty!!! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By NateW - July 22 - 10:00 am

  In just over two years of ownership and over 100k miles, one word sums it up, RELIABLE. Engine has always averaged 19.1 mpg according to the trip computer. Not bad for a big 6 cyl. and a vehicle with the aerodynamics of a brick, but hey, its all part of the charm!! Other than oil changes, 1 set of tires, 1 brake job, and replacing the transfer case at 171,000 miles this thing starts and goes every day without fail. Its Simple Design makes for a very dependable AND easy to maintain vehicle even for the novice mechanic.