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:

• 

  NewJeepOwner - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NewJeepOwner - July 12 - 1:30 pm

  Prior to this SUV, I had a Chrysler Sebring LXI. I really needed an SUV for my new baby (born in May). Ive been pretty satisfied with it until my air bag light started going on. I was about 100 miles before my 6000 mile service and today took it to the dealer at 6100 miles. They said no code was recorded and that the system would be reset. Guess what, not even 1/2 mile down the road and the light comes back on. Went back to the dealer (with my 5 month old baby) and they tell me no code again. Ive been researching all night and found that this has been happening since 1998. Cant Jeep fix this? Im worried about the future. I need reliability! Saw that 02 models are having window problems. Yikes!

• 

  Good car for the price - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Paul Hagan - July 12 - 8:26 am

  It is a Jeep. Rides like a Jeep. Good room inside. Seats 4 adults, squeeze 5.

• 

  BIODIESEL ready Sweet economy 4WD SUV - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By BiodieselDude - July 8 - 10:16 am

  They could have easily made the diesel get better mileage. The seats need more cushion - nice leather surface but they are hard as a rock on 8 hour trip. Feels like metal skeleton inside the seat is sticking in your thighs, maybe made for large heavy person? Windshield is almost straight up like a nice wind blocker reminds me of a Suzuki Samurai, worst jack system ever conceived - not very usable and takes forever to use, could use a particle filter for better mileage and lower emissions. Auto Only shifts gears at certain speeds, 4th at 50mph. Should be variable and able to hit 5th in city driving 40-45. Really nice to tow with, even pulling large trailers, like my 30, 600# camper.

• 

  Only in a Jeep - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeep1413 - July 8 - 10:00 am

  My 97 cherokee Sport has 119,000k and still running. Not as peppy around town as the older models. Great stock off- road capability. I have a few problems like a cracked exhaust manifold,and a vacuum leak. I only get 14 miles per gallon. I have plans to trade it in for a 1996.

• 

  I like it. - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By WireEd - July 6 - 6:16 am

  Driver seat moves to where I can get comfortable. Good engine power, reasonable economy for V8 SUV. Transmission shifts crisp, automatic 2 speed transfer case is very quiet and works properly. I had reviewed and considered Ford Explorer, Expedition, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, GMC Envoy and Chevy Trailblazer. There were 2 warranty problems from the get go: E-brake was not connected from the factory and there is tick noise in front axle dealer is having trouble finding. Other than that I like the vehicle. It fits our needs with style. Mine actually was not a Limited edition but it was the only style I could select to complete tis review. Mine was a Sport edition with the 4.7L engine.

• 

  Made for 2 Adults and 3 kids - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Vinmark - July 5 - 3:06 am

  Pros: Power, ride quality , driver position, handling and all the cool high tech features (cameras (yes there are 2!), auto climate, lights etc.) Cons: Rear seats seem to have been made only for kids...or really tiny adults. I am less than average build (58") and I would not want to sit in the rear seat for even a short duration. Stereo sound is not center balanced...wonder if a dealer could make that adjustment.

• 

  Jeep thoughts - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Hello - July 3 - 11:50 pm

  Power is adequate for city driving, however if you want to plan any hihgway driving, plan ahead if you want to merge or to pass as it takes a while. One problem so far, a rattle in the rear passenger side area. Turned out to be loose side airbag bracket and was fixed promptly by the dealer. The other day I was trying to back into my garage. Driveway was snow and ice covered and on small incline. What happened next the right rear wheel started spinning and I had to get some momentum to get the rear inside. Once the rear got inside and was on dry concrete, the front wheel started spinning and again would not move. Again had to get momentum to get in. Not the best AWD me thinks.

• 

  Not Bad At All! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By WAJ2306 - July 3 - 10:16 am

  WE bought it just to tow our camper! We added a tow bar to tow our camper and have made seven trips so far. Even with the 6cyl 3.7, it pulls and rides like a charm! Just recently we have had to have the drivers door seal replaced due to it protruding out a little far when you enter the drivers seat. The back seat leg room is tight for an adult, but is good for kids.

• 

  Jeep Guy - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeff Neidhardt - July 3 - 1:13 am

  Good car, wish they still kept making them after 2001. Good value, 4WD and space at a very affordable price. Why did they stop and replace with the smaller, uglier Liberty?

• 

  My Jeep - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By slhbanks - July 2 - 11:40 am

  I recently bought my Jeep at the beginning of 2006 and what can I say about it besides it is unstoppable! Theres nothing this Jeep hasnt seen and been through that Im sure that other SUVs couldnt have gone through. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned and I would buy another if I see another in the near future that I want.