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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  Love It! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ggranelli - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had 1994 & 1997 Explorers and 2000 Grand Cherokee. They were all reliable but I love this one the best of all. I will most likely buy it at the end of the lease.

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  Great Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Whmroar - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I test drove many vehicles before deciding on this jeep, and I love it so far. Drove it 325 miles first off to take it home. It has a little more wind resistance then I am use to, but Ill get use to that, and the gas mileage isnt quite as good as my car, but except for those 2 things, I cant say enough good things about my Grand Cherokee

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  Its a Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By M Birckenstaedt - October 26 - 6:16 pm

  Having owned and off-roaded a Wrangler previously, when looking for some more practicality we chose the Liberty. It is quieter, more comfortable, etc. than the Wrangler, of course; but it is also a REAL off-roader unlike the other wannabes from Ford, Hyundai, Honda, et al. Fuel consumption is reasonable at 20.5-21.5 mpg with V6 and the 6 speed manual (who else has such an option anywhere?). Build quality is very good, structurally much tighter than what I have experienced with Explorers, Trailblazers even Discoverys. Finally, for all the discussion on gas guzzling and pollution, the 3.7l is an ULEV certified engine.

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  Jeep Country - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By its.a.jeep.thing - October 26 - 6:03 am

  Its a Jeep things, either you love it or you hate it. Where Im from, the mountains are everything. My 2002 Wrangler X took me everywhere through the mountains. Going along with 10 - 20 other Jeeps through the mountains & the mud made my weekend full of excitement. The short wheel base making it easier to get over hills & through mud. Although taking it through woods & mud & sand & water has tore some things up on my Wrangler, everything was simpley fixed by me! [& "me" being a girl!] Some people may choose not to use their Wrangler as an everyday vehicle, but it was my "everyday vehicle". Sure, gas mileage wasnt the best, but having my Wrangler was worth every penny.

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  My Jeep - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Capt. Bill - October 26 - 2:40 am

  I bought this Jeep used in Aug 04. It was a leased vehicle. Everything has been working perfectly, and given the 8 cylinder engine Im impressed with the mileage. The only problem that still exists with this style Jeep is the power window track mechanism. Just like in my old 85 Jeep it broke around 50,000 miles. You think theyd have this problem fixed by now.

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  Its a Jeep Thing! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gabriel Welch - October 25 - 11:18 pm

  I purchased my 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 183,000 miles from a private seller because I needed something with 4WD that would carry me through the harsh New England winters. The Jeep was it! It was a great value and the Jeep never let me down! It was stylish and comfortable too. It was probably the most reliable vehicle Ive ever had the pleasure of owning. The only issue I had during ownership was an evaporative leak and if you know cars, then you know an evaporative leak is nothing, especially for a vehicle with high mileage. I sold the Jeep with 197,000 miles and it had no signs of stopping anytime soon. I sold it to someone locally and I still see him driving it around town from time to time. The Grand Cherokee in unstoppable!

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  Rock solid - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kaotik_inc - October 24 - 11:40 pm

  Ive recently purchased a v8 grand Cherokee limited that was brought to Canada over a year ago from California... The truck sat for over a year without any starting.... Boosted it, & it ran & drove on a dead battery & year old gas! Truck has been a daily driver since then, & goes trail-ridin every 2 or 3 days... Never been stuck... Never broke. Thats a tough truck, in my book! Im convinced... Its definitely a Jeep thing... Im hooked on these things now.

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  Go Anywhere - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By go offroad - October 24 - 4:26 am

  To have a car that can take our family (husband, wife and 2 kids) around town comfortably, but then be able to go off-road and conquer the hills of Kentucky and Tennessee in Jeep Jamborees makes me one of the happiest consumers on the road. There is no better SUV for the price that will give you that type of adrenalized off-roading capabilities and still be civilized enough for day to day. If I had a dollar for every Wrangler owner that was amazed at the rock climbing, water crossing, mud playing, and hill climbing pass I made, I could have my Liberty payed for! I just wish it got better mileage. Maybe the Diesel is in my future.

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  great vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By brise31503 - October 24 - 1:03 am

  This is my first Jeep. I was a little hesitant to but one but I have always been a Dodge fan so I figured Jeep has been around for a while and got my compass I am very very satisfied more so than any other vehicle I have owned and I have owned about 15 so the compass has by far exceeded my expectations on long trips and just for fun even with the family and my mother who only likes Cadillac she loves my compass and is thinking of buying one I will be a repeat Jeep customer. No problems with my Jeep have over 65,000 miles on it on and off road very versatile...... Jeep has done it and I am proud to say I am happy with my vehicle

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  great car! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cheryl graham - October 21 - 10:00 am

  i have enjoyed the car immensely! great for hauling kids & stuff. no major problems. my only issue has been service related. some sort of dealership rearrangement took place and all jeeps were moved from performance to dwanye lane. i have not been particularly impressed with either dwayne lane or town & country service centers. since performance still has jeep proficient service people - i take all non warranty issues to them. all of their service people have been incredibly gracious. their hours are much better, they provide pickup & dropoff driver service & facilitate rentals cars if needed. the only thing that they no longer do is car washing!