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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  To drive until it dies - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gkmichael - August 27 - 1:36 pm

  Have read some of the reviews in disbelief. I bought my Jeep 3 years ago at $4k with 190k miles,. Am a commuter for school and work. I put about 1,000 miles on the truck every week and since purchase, I have added 107k miles on the car but the thing wont die. Apart from regular maintenance, I have only worked on A/C blender doors yet everything else works as it should. At one point I parked the car for a small Honda to save on gas. After 3 months i started getting issues with the Honda and went back to my Jeep. Am not getting rid of it unless the motor dies.

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  The Jeep is a nice SUV - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mr. Noble - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had my problems with the Jeep. The two big item I had to get fixed was my A/C system when I first got it from the dealer(?) and my sound system. The radio cost like $400 plus to replace the warrenty paid for that stuff. Oh yeah the breaks wear down like every 14 months, other than that nothing big.

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  Still rugged and fun. - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matt - August 24 - 10:16 am

  These vehicles are fun to drive and fun offroad. The downside is the fuel economy with the gas prices as high as they are. The engine is superb, with the straight I6, it has plenty of pickup and go.

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  Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By brdhntr - August 20 - 4:23 pm

  This is a highly capable off road vehicle that takes command of the situation. The ride and handling characteristics are what one should expect of a true off road vehicle. This vehicle is highly impractical for anything other than fun. But fun is what I bought it for!

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  very solid - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By disciple - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this Jeep (2WD GC Laredo) since it was new. Had a few issues - replaced fuel pump seal twice (once under warranty), replaced oxygen sensor. Fun to drive. Has 84k miles now, still solid. Has almost always had a "double-clutch" feel up-shifting from 2nd to 3rd under load, but never gotten worse. I am very pleased with my Jeep.

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  Great car - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kevin - August 18 - 11:36 pm

  I love this thing. Will own it til it dies. The only thing I dislike is the gas mileage. But I enjoy the vehicle thoroughly.

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  Liberty is a winner - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By savvy4 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  We traded our 2001 Toyota RAV4 for a 2002 Liberty Limited 4wd and couldnt be more pleased with doing so. The RAV was a quality vehicle, but too much like a car. The Liberty is very truck- like (it rides a bit firm) & solid and has a nice torquey motor. Besides feeling so solid, its also fun to drive. The pricing is very reasonable, the quality is very good overall, the styling is awesome, the towing capacity is class-leading, and its off-road capabilities are hard to beat. This is your do-all small SUV that gives the most bang for your buck. Were glad we snagged one.

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  Pretty Good, So Far - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jefjensen - August 16 - 10:30 am

  I chose the Grand Cherokee over rival suvs for value and perceived "heavier duty". For the last three years, its been a good performer. Id like better gas mileage (getting about 17-18 MPG in mixed driving with six cylinder). No major repairs. Dislikes: $200 cost to drain/refill differentials; significant rust on all lower window sill trim. Ive noticed the sill trim rust on virtually every Grand Cherokee Ive looked at with the same body style as mine. Replacement Dunlop Radial Rover tires much, much better than oem Goodyear Wrangler ST for traction and handling, although I think I may have lost some fractional MPG. Manual 4x4 lever takes considerable effort to move, although its not a major flaw.

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  The best fun for the most economical price - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Collins - August 15 - 11:40 am

  The best fun for the most economical price in a small compact SUV on the market today! Try this 6 cylinder with 4WD.Take it everywhere - mountains with ice and snow and watch this baby perform. Yes the Cherokee is nice too but check the handling and quick natured torque of this puppy of a Jeep and you will just see that maybe it isnt just a puppy after all. All weather conditions, try it! Its amazing fun, need to do a quick turnaround - go for the 360~ on a dime. Tight parking no problem, fits right in with NO effort, None! A must try first vehicle before you make any other compact SUV purchase!

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  Reliable 4WD Un Reliable Brakes - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BeachJeep - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Great 4WD ability in the snow/ice and when I surf fish the beaches of North Carolina.I have helped several of the "so called SUVs" get un stuck. Most of the small street SUVs just cant handle the harsher off road conditions. The main flaw of the vehicle is its brakes. I had to turn or replace the front rotors 4 times in 40,000 miles only onced covered under warranty at the 11,000 mile mark.I suggest this vehicle for any one that needs a good 4 wheel drive.I would rate my vehicle as dependable. Only one mechanical failure beside the common brake problem which was quickly taken care of under warranty. (Trans sensor)