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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  93 ZJ 318ci v8 - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ZJ80 - February 11 - 12:16 am

  Overall, Im in love with my JEEP. Bought it to satisfy my-next-car-is-a-4x4-v8-and-jeep. Been all over, in all terrain, and love it.

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  Great car - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Susan Prisco - February 10 - 6:18 pm

  Best I found in the price range!

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  Loving it still.... 5 years in - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By dbt1979 - February 5 - 7:24 am

  Bought a 2008 Jeep Patriot in August 2008. It was a daily rental return that just under 20,000 km on it. Almost 5 years later and Ive had next to no problems with this vehicle besides wear parts. I got the extended warranty to 5 years / 100,000 km and the only warranty work that I needed was the fuel evap cannister that was hanging off (I probably ran over something) and there was minor work needed to be back end (sway bars and such) that was causing crunching noises when I went over bumps. Less than $600 warranty work in 5 years. I replaced the front brakes at 60 K and the back brakes (drums and all) at 95 K. 4 new tires at 60 K and Ill 4 new ones at 110K

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  Mommy vehicle - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mommy - February 2 - 7:23 pm

  I love my jeep. It has been a great car. No problems until 120,000 miles. Had to replace Transmission at 130,000. Brakes now are replaced every other year. Radiator blew at 155,000 and just lost my steering pump. Would buy another. lost the A/C at 125,000 and still problematic.

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  lovin it - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By John - February 2 - 11:23 am

  I bought my Jeep used. It had 80,000 miles on it. Was worried it would have problems but it has never broke down and only needed maintenance I have yet to have an issue with it. The gas mileage is fair, with gas prices I think every vehicle but hybrids are in the same boat. Its dependable and its been a great Jeep. Weve talked about upgrading to a newer one but this one is so wonderful I hate to give it up just yet. We do a lot of driving and I now have 159,000 miles on it and wouldnt hesitate to use it on our next cross country outing!

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  ready for all thats coming! - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chris - February 1 - 4:43 pm

  93 Jeep Grnd.Chrkee. is the only vehicle I owned the longest! It has great steering, it carries anything u load on it =even my mother in law :( = Parts are easy to find and fairly priced, its ready for long road trips, off road, and inner city driving. The foldable seats help a lot when loading cargo, It has amazing wheel traction! I had 3 accidents and on all three I came out on top- MEANING: The jeep never flipped,minor body damage,all 4 wheels remained on the ground from beginning to end, and the vehicle keeps in control. Its a pretty solid vehicle I recommend it!

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  Nice Looks, Poor reliability - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By C Paltz - January 30 - 9:33 am

  I love the look and comfort of my 2002 Laredo but... I bought this Jeep used at 36,000 miles last September. Here it June with almost 57,000 miles and my air conditioning is broken for the 2nd time...not too nice in Florida in the summer. I have a power steering leak and the leather on my drivers seat is starting to crack and separate at the seams. Also, on the overhead console, the coolant low warning keeps beeping at the cars start up but the coolant level and quality is fine. I would really love another one that works great but I think Ill be trading mine in for another brand as soon as I get the air conditioner fixed this month.

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  My Tank - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By ScootertheMan - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Jeep new because I was tired off getting stuck in the snow. The Jeep is like a tank and rides like one also. I take it hunting and drive it over plowed muddy fields without any worry of getting stuck. I have 65,000 mi on it and have had no major problems.

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  Youll never know unless you own one. - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By lmnop - January 27 - 2:26 am

  I recently purchased my Jeep from my brother. Sure, I drove it once or twice, but didnt love it. Ive had it now for just about a month and am sure I will always own one. I enjoy it more than anything I have ever owned, from sports cars, performance sedans, big granny wagons to full size trucks and vans.

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  best bet in class - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Brian - January 25 - 10:20 am

  I drive my 97 Cherokee Country pretty hard. Never had any issues; gas mileage isnt great but I knew that when I decided to get an SUV. This thing accelerates great out of the gate, is comfortable on the highway and is unstoppable off-road. I challenge anyone to get this thing stuck.