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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  After 4 1/2 years, we traded it in - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By violet7 - January 12 - 6:13 am

  I enjoyed my Jeep the 4 years we had it. But like another reviewer said, make sure you can afford to maintain the vehicle. I loved driving this car, I always felt safe in it. One problem it seemed with mine was that I always needed new tires. I think I had at least 4 flat tires the years we had it. Not including buying two new sets of tires. The speakers in the top of the dash blew after my husband turned the stereo up way too loud. Finally the radiator and fan blew, then the water pump twice, and the thermostat. (also had to get a new motor for the driver window) Gave up after that.

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  Good Car! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Laura Nobles - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had minimal problems with my Grand. I have had to replace the water pump which cost me $42. Ive had a few other MINOR repairs. That is excellent considering the car has 98K miles on it! Ive owned is for just under 3 years. This car is very fun to drive, especially in the hills. I live outside of Austin, TX; and it handles great in the hills. I highly recommend this car.

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  Best one of the bunch - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By calucyk2 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Jeep; 1999, 2002 and now a 2004. This is by far the best one of the bunch! It rides much better and the sound deadening improvements are huge! I cant wait to test its off road capabilities.

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  2nd Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Coloradojeep - January 7 - 1:10 pm

  This is my 2nd Jeep - I feel theyre very reliable, but it is a DOG in the mountains, no oomph up there at all - all the other SUVs pass me by. Wish it just had a little more "kick" to it! Other than that, its been reliable - I bought it at 21K and Im at 84K right now. Very dependable still.

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  2001 Bought new. Good luck so far. - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By shepherds2 - January 7 - 10:20 am

  Our second Jeep. This limited v8 model is a keeper even though there have been the usual Jeep failings 1) brake calipers (which after the third time Jeep replaced on a recall with some super slotted disks for free. No problems since then). 2) hood struts ($300 to replace so still broken. We never have occasion to go under the hood anyway). 3) seat heater. 4) heater box mechanism. All in all very few repairs for 147,000 and nine years use. We are very pleased with this vehicle

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  Jeep problems - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Big E - January 4 - 2:00 am

  see below

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  Love my little Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Daniel - January 3 - 1:03 am

  We bought this new back in June 08 (barebones model) due to needing a new car and money being kinda tight. Ours has no frills except the "pleather" seats. Mostly the wife drives it/took it from me.. LOL.. As she likes the view and having a slightly higher view of the road. Its our first "new" vehicle ever and the lifetime powertrain warranty sold us as did the chassis Jeep look. Ours has the 2.0 and CVT and although its a bit slow its just fine for commuting and all the errands we run. We get 27-30 mpg 50/50 driving. We could not be happier with our purchase to be quite honest. Its very comfortable and has all the room we need, the mp3 stereo is a Nice touch and so is the great mileage.

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  Big Improvement - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Luke - January 2 - 10:26 pm

  I have to say that Im overall impressed with the Gran. Cher. Laredo. Ive read alot of reviews on these Jeeps and some of them are way too critical. Although I also have a ticking noise when I start it, the ticking goes away after 5 min. or so. I think if the buyers would let the thing warm up in the mornin they would see the same results. I love the way it drives compared to every SUV Ive drove or even ridden in. Its so comfortable, my girlfriend and I drove 18 hours to Dallas and she slept 3/4 of the way. Plus it averaged 21mpg @ 75mph. I guess what Im trying to say is the Jeep has come a long way, and on that I think we can all agree.

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  Jeep Hemi - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HarryHemstreet - January 1 - 11:13 pm

  This is my first Jeep. Last car was a 2003 Explorer, Eddie Bauer with V8 and all options. My new Jeep has every available factory option. Paid $36,901 inclusive of $3,500 factory rebates. This is almost identical to the price I paid in 2003 for my Explorer. Overall, I am impressed. Looked at a bunch of SUVs in this range, and Jeep was by far the best deal. Love the power, but getting 16 mpg overall. Love the slick shifter - works very well in mountain driving. Car is pretty comfortable, but not up to MDX type standards. Better ride (not as harsh) than the Explorer. Overall I would recommend this car.

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  Jeepers Creepers! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Josh - January 1 - 7:43 pm

  I got my Jeep Grand Cherokee about two years ago from a friend. It has the 5.2 L with 245,000 miles and the motor runs like its brand new. the transmission has just started to leak but as long as you stay on top of the fluid it works fine. great in the snow. everything electrical seems to have broken, drivers window motor, radio, heated seats, speakers, rear wiper, check engine light is on. lots of the interior plastic things break, i.e. center console cover ripped clear off. early in its life it was driven into a parking garage pillar at around 30 mph and it did extensive damage which was fixed with a chain and tree. Overall a lot of little things break, but the essentials cant be killed