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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  Some Pros & Cons - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bill - March 9 - 1:03 pm

  This is my 7th Jeep I bought new to date. I liked the 4 door concept. I travel and the added cargo area works great. Gas mileage is not great, but better than many other SUVs. I enjoy driving it. Beware though, I was driving on a 5 lane Highway when the Death Wobble hit me. It almost resulted in a big crash. This came at 34,000 miles on the clock. Also rear disc brakes over heat on occasion. Both calipers & rotors needed replacement at 390000 miles.

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  Too many problems with the new Jeeps - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By alindsey12535 - March 9 - 12:06 am

  I liked my Jeep when I first bought it. They look great, but are not very practical. The interior scratches up very easily. I couldnt get my soft top to fit, so I scheduled 2 different appointments and left it with them all day. To keep my interior from being ruined, I had the hard top put back on. Now the roof leaks any time you take it through a car wash or it rains hard. There isnt any touch up paint for the hard top if its needed. It will scratch easily esp when taking it off the veh. In the heat, the sealant melts and drips a tar-like substance, which will stain the interior. My advice: Buy something a little more practical.

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  Wrangler Unlimited X - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By islander - March 8 - 8:23 am

  Its been a week now since we picked up our new Unlimited X. Got the hardtop, picked the white with black top. People are getting whiplash just checking it out going down the road. Its fun to drive, its quiet, didnt even realize I was doing 60 in a 45mph zone! The 7 speaker stereo system with Sirius Radio is unbelievable. This has to be the most fun vehicle Ive had in years & Im a gray spiky haired ol beach broad in my 50s! It was well worth the 3 month wait for a white one with a hardtop!

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  Couldnt be happier - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Leanne - March 7 - 4:43 am

  What drew me to this jeep was probably what draws a lot of women to a 4x4 SUV- I wanted to be able to drive over stuff and feel powerful so no one would mess with me on the road anymore. After years in 4 door sedans, it was time. The 2008 JGC has a sleek and classic body design and a standard interior design- nothing fancy, and thats the way I like it. I get about 21 mog, which is way less than when I drove a Honda, but I was well aware when buying this Jeep, fuel economy was not going to be that great, but I wanted something big and if I wanted fuel economy, I could have bought a Prius. Bottom line- I have fun everyday with my Jeep.

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  Reliable and affordable - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Leebie - March 7 - 1:16 am

  I bought this 2001 Cherokee Sport almost 4 years ago as a solution to the bad winters here in Michigan. I chose well. This is a wonderfully capable off road vehicle with good ground clearance. It plows through the snow, sometimes pushing the snow with the bumper when it gets deep. There is a lot of power with the 4.0 inline 6 which snaps your head back when you want to play at the lights. It handles well on tight curves and despite its classification as an SUV it doesnt have that vague steering I have noticed on other SUVs. The styling has been called boxy but I love it and consider it classic. It has never had a problem since I have owned it, just the routine maintenance so far.

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  Theres only one... - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Alexis/Jeep lover - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This truck is the only one of its kind.You cannot imagine how it is good in off-road situation,ITS AMAZING , I have beat Hummers for real... Ive tried it to a jeep jamboree...you cannot believe what the Rubi can do if you have never see it.The tires are great.I had put the Mopar light bar on it and the night doesnt exist anymore! Very Very great in winter,I tried it in winter because Im from Montreal. Great for hardcore camping and expedition.The only machine that can bring you anywhere,that is convertible and that it as cool as a Mustang Cabra.

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  Finally got my SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RSG - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I got the 2004 limited 4.7L 8 cyl The dealer has been great. I was alittle disappointed with the realiability of my vehicle during delivery the engine light came on and has to be taken back to dealer. They were great drove it and said all looked good. I then drove it for 3 days . As I was driving lost total power and suv wouldnt move. It felt like the transmission. This is new how can this be. I shut off engine re- started and headed to a local dealer to find out it was a bad transmission switch. I am hoping this is all or I will be very sad. I truly love my SUV.

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  Too Much Fun Not to Drive - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By NC Aussie - March 5 - 7:30 am

  I have owner a string of BMWs then a MINI and thought they were fun to drive, but the Jeep is a blast. It IS a Jeep tho, and do not expect sedan like ride or all the bells and whistles in the interior, but if you want a vehicle that goes anywhere, turns heads and is just more fun to drive than you thought you could have then a Jeep Wrangler maybe for you! It came with satellite radio and power windows/locks and I thought - ahh ok, but I have not put in a CD or listened to commercial radio since I drove it off the lot. The Jeep is similar to my Harley in what is available aftermarket; I already have off road bumpers and look to add wheels and tires, headers, exhaust, etc. in the future.

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  not disappointed, but not enthused - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NJ Jeeper - March 3 - 6:33 pm

  Definitely love the exterior much more than the last model. Safe feel when driving. Interior is nice and love the little features like reversible cargo holder in trunk. Stock base stereo/speakers are pretty adequate. Engine is underpowered though with the v6. This is a heavy truck so another 20 hp would be extremely helpful. Also hate the transmission programming. ItÂ’s always shifting too soon and is always one gear too high when going up a big hill or even a small one. Truck is still a great value. Full time AWD is a great feeling.

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  95 Jeep Country - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By pweimar - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Great fun vehicle for on or off road. Great pulling power for size