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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  Jeep GC Love/Hate - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SM - March 18 - 12:10 pm

  The abilities of this car lived up to my expectations. Unfortunately, during the 50k miles I owned it I experienced pretty much all of the problems other people have reported. The transmission was repaired once (wouldnt shift from 2nd to 1st after coming to a stop), warped front brake rotors twice, the hatch lock motor replaced, a window regulator replaced and the drivers seat frame broke on the left side where it bolts to the floor. I bought an extended service policy that took care of the most expensive repairs. The steering wheel doesnt look or feel centered with the seat and you replace the entire door panel if you want a factory replacement for a worn arm rest pad ($400 part).

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  WOW - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By singltrk - March 18 - 7:50 am

  I purchased a 2005 Limited with the 5.7 Hemi. Love it! I have a 22 ft 5500 lb. boat that it pulls with ease. This is the sixth Jeep I have owned, the last being a 1999 Grand Cherokee Limited. The new design is much improved. The better handling is noticeable as is the comfort of the interior design. The Hemi is awesome! If you need the extra power for towing or whatever, it is worth paying extra for. The gas mileage I have been getting is 16 around town, 18 plus on the highway. Not bad for that big engine.

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  Finally a fuel miser Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By jepstr67 - March 17 - 7:36 pm

  I have logged 21000 miles on this Jeep since March of 2008. Not a single problem. Power and performance are more than adequate for my driving style. My mileage is well within the stated numbers. Often a little better, 30 MPG highway is common for me. The cargo space is good. Lots of room for lumber, dogs, furniture and garage sale finds. This is NOT a Jeep designed for difficult trails and extended off road use. It is excellent for northern climates where snow and ice are common. The car is quiet and comfortable. It is possible to keep the cabin comfortable in temperatures from -20 to 100 degrees. There is some road noise but not excessive. Lets be reasonable, look at the price.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty Sport - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By lisa marsh - March 17 - 5:46 am

  This is a nice little suv that is affordable. Tthis is a bigger v6 so it is a little thirsty at the pump. I found that if you get gas before it is below 1/2 tank it does not hurt your wallet too bad. It is a nice little truck to drive though and it has nice pickup.

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  Jeep is dealing - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cherokee lover - March 17 - 3:00 am

  I was angry when they stopped making the Cherokee. I loved my 98. I thought that I could not afford a JGC and at $35K, I was right. But Jeep is hurting. You can get a $35K JGC for as little as $21K. I couldnt refuse. And this is the best made Jeep yet. Go to your dealer and "steal".

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  Catchy Title - 2018 Jeep Renegade
  By ED - March 16 - 7:36 pm

  Sucks in snow with front wheel drive. 6006 mile and stock tires suck.

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  a big fat brick - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JustEmtyEverPocket - March 16 - 2:00 am

  deffinatly the best 4x4 there is, have done immensly stupid stunts and have gone without a stratch or dent or any damage. But buying it, i didnt know the axels where Fd up so after the dealer wanting $2700 to fix, and not releasing the vehicle to me over a huge mess, i finaly got it down to my REAL mechanic and he fixed it for a mear $500 loosly rounded off. Also with 98,000 miles on it, it needed a new water pump. But new growing fears of the Tranny are making me nervious ill end up like the other 3 guys i know who had the problem, but the review i read on A4s arent good, nor any other AWD car, so any advice would be useful.

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  best jeep ever made - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By gimble - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many jeeps including, cj 5, cj7, scramblers and a wrangler. the rubicon is by far the best of all. coil springs improve the ride over the earlier models.I got the upgraded sound system, which is great. the ride on the street and off road is better then any jeep i have ever driven. The rubicon is worth ever penny.

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  Stuck with a Lemon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By LEMONED - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Would be fun to drive if I could get it to shift properly. Ive been driving standard shift vehicles for 36 years. Ive been getting a Loud "clink" when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and from 2nd to 3rd gears. The service tech at the dealership told me that Chrysler changed transmissions in the 2003 & 2004 Jeeps. That they can not be fixed becase they all do it. It certainly takes the enjoyment out of driving it.

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  Wow! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By hagbard64 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my 92 4-cyl YJ. Talk about an upgrade! This thing is sweet! Everything is improved. Much smoother and quieter ride compared to my old leaf-sprung YJ. The interior is quite comfortable. Definitely go for the dual top option and full doors; well worth it.