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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  If they still made these, I would BUY 1 - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By cringle - October 1 - 1:53 pm

  It is with great sadness that I have finally, after over a decade and some 185k miles, come to realize that my Country has finally reached the point of economic infeasibility. Bought gently used in 98 (only 28k mi in 3 yrs, car was spotless throughout, thank you 1st owner). Car was very reliable over the first 10 years of ownership. It is only now that it is beginning to fall apart. Engine, Tranny still original and still doing just fine, which is huge. Id say the cooling system was the only component that was less reliable than youd want. Everything else exceeded expectations.

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  My Jeep - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By T M Smith - October 1 - 2:00 am

  i love my jeep. thats it. i have always wanted one, and i finally talked my husband into getting one. in order to love a jeep, you have to be a jeep person. you have to love it for the pluses and minuses. its a fun vehicle that lives up to the jeep name. i have a 4 cylinder, gutless wonder that it is, but put it in 4 low and there is no place you cant go. i have standard tires, and havent modified any part of the jeep, and i am happy with it. Its red. thats the other thing, if you get a jeep, buy a bold color so people can see you coming. i also have a soft top, tan, because why else would you buy a jeep if not to bring the top down.

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  bobs title - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bobby23 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  its a great ride!

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  Fix them brakes!!! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ems1507 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Jeep Cherokee, and Im generally happy with the car. However I too have had to do brake work at 20,000 miles, and it is starting to feel like it is going to need it again at 33,000. I will look at the new Ford Explorer next year, my confidence in Jeep is starting to shake.

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  3 years later - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By luvjeepsrt - September 28 - 6:53 pm

  Purchased new early 08 with every option. My 3 year check in-54k miles. 7 brake jobs, odd considering it was 90% highway driving....27 incidents of check engine light coming on-2 pcms replaced, 2 exhaust manifold gaskets, various cracked pieces of plastic broken while at the dealer while being repaired that will cost a fortune to replace (dealer of course denies). Never driven it rough, never had an accident. Dealer experiences hit and miss, most see unable to address SRT issues and how to fix properly.

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  Nice, but Liked my CJ5 Better - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Maui Jeep - September 26 - 10:46 am

  This is a Hawaii Jeep so the top is off a lot. Sunrider top is easy and quick. Still surprised by the poor gas mileage but its improved to about 16 city and 22 highway with 5,000 miles on the odometer. I wanted the shorter model but the unlimited rides better. Back seat entry is best left to the kids. Cant see the wheel flairs so be careful around close quarters. Steering wheel diameter seems larger than what it needs to be. Maybe its my memory, but my 78 CJ5 was more of a kick to drive. Other 4WD Ive owned: Toyota 4-Runner, Tundra PU, Chev Blazer and half ton PU.

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  Great replacement vehicle - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By manolo - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep as a replacement for a totaled 97 Mitsu Montero LS. I bought it with 98k miles and have gone up to 154k. In that time Ive replaced oil seals, brakes,and cooling system (myself). Even though Ive invested about $2000 in recondition costs, Ive no regrets. This Jeep has proven itself many times better than the Mitsu Montero. It is sure footed on ice and snow, takes the desert heat, and sits steady in strong headwinds.I close my eyes when I fill up the tank and dont even bother thinking about MPGs. Its a real 4X4 and thats all that matters.I know it will take me anywhere I want to go.

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  my jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By roshario2001 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  i love my jeep. i have never owned a vehicle that is more fun to drive or more reliable. easy to maintain and upgrades are unlimited if you have the budget for them. a huge support group is available on the web for all jeep related issues.

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  15 Months later - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Zeferam_Cockran - September 25 - 12:56 pm

  After 15 months of driving as follows are some tips for potential buyer, I recommend a short term rental to try out (daily rental) and take close attention to the following, depending on your height and driving position this little truck may not be suitable for tall drivers ( 510"+ ), limited visibility due to A pillars, if you drive in a location where there are lots of pedestrians beware for posts completely block your side visibility, not sure if the patriot has the same issues but I have had several close calls, this also applies for rear view visibility and lane changes, this asides Compass is a good buy for the buck but would recommend the Patriot for any real Jeep enthusiast.

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  Great, but leaky - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Starseed - September 25 - 3:10 am

  Ive had my Wrangler for about 2.5 years now and I have to say I love it. The only real complaint I have is about the tops. I have both soft and hard tops and they are put together very badly. Ive brought it into the shop for top at least 8 times now. 5 of those are for water leaks. They have not real way of stopping them, just a short term "oh the weather stripping is crushed" blah blah blah. I will never buy a new model year again.