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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  My Last Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dparker - June 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my third, but last, Jeep. This one has been a disappointment from the beginning. In 56K miles, its had two power window motors, two automatic door lock actuators, a water pump and thermostat, and 2 brake jobs. Jeep admits problems with the brakes via a technical service bulletin, but are unwilling to assist owners in fixing the problem. My dealer says the complete brake fix will cost around $425. The water pump and thermostat, and one door lock actuator already set me back over $500. The window motors and one lock actuator were covered under warranty. The two brake repairs (re-surfacing the rotors) cost around $75 each.

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  simple and fun - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By ron - June 17 - 9:43 pm

  I purchased my Jeep used about a month ago and I would have to say that it has been fun to drive around; everywhere i go other people with jeeps are always waving at me. That being said there are a couple things that they could change. The shifter needs to be 3"-4" longer and i have the half doors with zip up windows and it stinks when you are on the tollway and have to pay a toll. they should have an option of upper sliding windows from the factory. You cant even find them in the aftermarket. The paint isnt that great, already starting to show some rust on the exposed bolts and door hinges; but thats to be expected.It also needs better speakers. All in all it is what it is; its a Jeep.

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  Still Not Sure - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By us6inks - June 17 - 3:36 pm

  We bought this car for my son in High School. Within the first week we had 2 windows go bad. Something snapped and they fell down. $450 to fix each one. I have brought it to the mechanic for other "squirrelly" moves as someone wrote earlier, I guess thats just a Jeep thing. I talked my husband into buying it as it was a good deal, it only had 62,000 miles on it for 7k. He will never let me live it down. The car clunks when you almost stop and start again. Had that checked, they could find nothing. The car vibrates and knocks when reversing. This will be our only Jeep. A/C is currently having problems, will be in the shop soon.

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  Cheap Jeep but Top Dollar - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cheryl T - June 16 - 11:03 pm

  I purchased a 2005 Jeep and I find that is built well except the paint. I rate it -1 as is is very poor. My vehicles are kept in the garage and the paint still chips off and looks terrible. They are using a cheap clear coat I guess.

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  Water Leaks But Otherwise a Good Vehicle - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bayrat - June 16 - 2:03 pm

  I love Jeeps, have owned them for years and find this one to be much "better" or more well rounded than previous models. The power of the V6 is barely adequate but with the stick it does OK. Not sure how one would do with less than the 4.11 gears in mine. Fit and finish is good, the paint is flawless. The seats are comfortable for my bad back, large enough to use my portable lumbar support. It rides better than previous models and handles well too, given it is built primarily for an off-road vehicle. Soccer moms, forget it, you would not find the rough ride is a good replacement for your Lincoln Navigator. The only problem I have had and continue to have is hardtop leaks.

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  Love my Jeep! - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By azmouse - June 15 - 3:23 am

  Wanted a Jeep forever, got it for a second vehicle & mid-life crisis car. Put a new engine in it right after purchase so as not to worry about previous care (had 67000 miles on it, weve added close to that), this baby has been good to us! Nothing like taking that top off in the spring and waving to other Jeeps. Have an 8" lift on it, very bouncy and loud (soft top, hard doors & windows) but heater cooks us in winter. Not very powerful (tough to get over 65 MPH on freeway) but not built for freeway driving anyway! I almost bought another for every day but theyre a bit small inside so one will have to do. I will always own at least one Jeep from now on!

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  Many happy miles... - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By jenny - June 14 - 8:10 am

  If you want to be cradled in comfort this is not the car for you! If you want to play in the mud, sand, or snow you cant beat the Wrangler! The 4 cylinder is a little sluggish on steep hills but it keeps on chugging. Replaced the exhaust manifold at 115k, but also had to do that on my 87 Cherokee; I think its a fairly common issue for Jeeps. Mine has 125k on it and runs like a champ with no issues. Long trips are annoying; the steering is sensitive and high winds really shake it (big square box on wheels). I love driving around with the top down and the doors off!

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  2013 Wrangler Sahara Unlimited - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepola1 - June 13 - 11:05 pm

  Ive had our Wrangler approximately a year and a half. For the record - Im a Jeep NUT. I still have the first Jeep I ever bought new: A 86 CJ-7 Laredo. The wife and I have always had jeeps in our 25 years of marriage. Mainly Cherokees and Grand Cherokees. Reliability was always decent, except for the disc brakes, which always suffered from warped rotors. The new Wrangler was our first venture into "regular" jeeps since my 86 purchase. In a nutshell - I LOVE it. Power and handling are spot-on. Its comfortable, hard top removal and install is a cinch, and its a blast to drive. Long term reliability remains to be seen of course (especially with the Pentestar) but for now I am sold.

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  Awesome Rig! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By JWyatt2 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  This rig is fun to drive with great torque and HP for its light weight. The body is classically styled. Its probably a better off roader than its big brother the Grand Cherokee. Compared to my Ford Explorer its a much better off roader with 10+ inches of ground clearance; much better acceleration; better engine and tranny.

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  The Only Way to Go! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Scooter - June 11 - 10:00 pm

  After months of searching and comparing, we finally purchased a 2009 Unlimited. This is our first Jeep and our first American car in a long time. We got the Unlimited X with all power options, satellite radio, tow package and dual tops. As you search for your next vehicle, remember, your comparison is not between other SUVs and the Jeep; it is whether or not you want a Jeep. If you want an SUV, then get an SUV. If you want a rig that will go anywhere without the top on, then this is the rig for you. If you want to take the doors off, then go ahead, why not, only Jeep owners can! The ride quality is better than expected and the Lifetime Powertrain warranty (original owner only) is great.