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! - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Marcus - August 20 - 7:26 pm

  Recently traded in my 98 Cherokee for an 06 Wrangler Sport. In short, I LOVE IT! The sense of freedom you get with the top down, and even with just the rear and side windows off. Havent even taken it off-roading yet but look forward to doing so. The ride quality is a little rough but still better than I thought it would be. If youve driven Jeeps, you wont mind it though. The wind noise with a soft top is more tolerable than youd expect. If youre looking for a cheap convertible, a 4WD off- roading machine, and just a fun vehicle to drive, look no further than a Jeep Wrangler.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By kristellb - August 19 - 10:53 pm

  I just got mine about a week ago, I absolutely love it! It is so much fun to drive. Its different look makes it unique... (I like that you dont see too many of them). Also I find it a very affordable vehicle.

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  Tired of this jeep - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 1996 Jeep Grand Cher - August 18 - 10:56 pm

  I love this jeep but I am tired of having one thing after another go wrong. Ive had the transmission rebuilt, the motor in the rear door replaced, the rear window on the drivers side cant be rolled down because it doesnt like to go back up. Ive got an oil leak and am constantly putting oil into it. The AC leaks and has been recharged twice since Ive owned it. I recently had the fuel pump and distributor cap replaced along with the drive shaft. And its going back to the shop tomorrow to figure out what the loud "click click click" noise is that causes lots of staring, possibly the CV joint, who knows how much itll cost this time. I think its time for a trade in.

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  Nice looking/Poor Quality - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dsluga - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Clearly the worse craftsmanship I have seen in a vehicle. It spent more time in the shop than any automobile I have heard of. Brakes are awful - I am on my FIFTH set of routers at 36000. The car looks great and the engine seems strong - but just about everything else has issues.

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  MY FIRST WRANGLER - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By sgttony - August 17 - 3:02 am

  I needed a 2nd vehicle that could get me off road for fishing. Something dependable and good on gas. I have a luxury SUV (gas guzzler), and I really did not want to take that fishing! I chose my 2004 TJ with 28,000 miles with brand new 31" tires, chrome 15" wheels, Soft top manual 5 speed. I can get to 75 MPH on the highway, but past 76 it starts to get a little rough! I am in 80-90 degree weather with no AC, but I take off the upper soft top doors, the side windows, and role the back windw and I get a cool breeze! AC not needed! For more power and better fuel mileage I am adding a cold air intake and replacing the exhaust system! This has become my daily driver and I love this thing!

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  Best Jeep Grand Cherokee Yet - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Peter - August 13 - 3:03 pm

  This is our 3rd Jeep Grand Cherokee. We owned a 1993 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (V8 w/QuadraDrive) and 2001 GC Laredo (6 cylinder). This time we got the Hemi with QuadraDrive II. We loved the 93 Wagoneer. Hated the 6 cylinder Laredo. We love the 2005 GC with Hemi. It rides like our 2001 Audi Allroad. The ride and handling is like a European sports sedan. The acceleration is awesome. The QuadraDrive II did exceptionally during the last New England snow storm. It tracked perfectly without any slippage. The traction and stability control truly enhances the QuadraDrive system--this Jeep can go anywhere. The Bluetooth link to the cell phone is a very nice feature. The navigation system works flawlessly.

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  AGAIN - Brakes - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JackO - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Less than 30K miles and two brake jobs later I went up to the dealer and they admitted that there is a TSB out to rplace brakes, but they do it only in extreme situations (hm, a lawsuit maybe?) and that did not apply in my case. They said it would be justified if I had two brake jobs in less than 10K (sic!) and really uncomfortable braking exeprience or trouble. I gave up. My car was paid off, so I quickly decided to get another one. Cant really be spending $500 on brakes ever year I owe it.

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  16 years of jeeping and 5 jeeps later - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By rubicontj - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving jeeps for 16 years, I used to drive and race motorcycles. A Jeep with its roof and doors off is the closest thing to the sense of freedom I had. In the winter I look forward to hellish snow storms. Its simply a blast to drive! Overall, you have to love jeeps or youll hate the ride, interior space, roof hastle (hard and soft)lack of fuel economy and other little quirks!! Im getting ready for my 2004 jeep, rubicon or sahara? still debating, waiting to see whats new for 2004.ps. Ill probably continue driving jeeps as long as ...

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  GREAT CAR FEW PROBLEMS - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By JBNYC - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my liberty after doing a lot of research. I already knew about the gas milage but I was willing to compromise. It had everything I wanted at the right price. I have had just one problem. Since I have had the car its staled on me 3 times while parking.

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  Nice. Could use some improvements - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tucsonwildcat - August 12 - 10:10 am

  Overall we are happy with our new Jeep, which is the first Jeep we have owned. The drivers seat is uncomfortable ... seems to be off balance. I am only 5 10" but my head almost hits the ceiling when driving. Back seat leg room is tight. The quality of workmanship seems to be high, although we have had warranty service on the Jeep already for a faulty airbag light (had to do with the seatbelt assembly). Gas mileage is poor ... avg is 15 but that is what we expected when we bought it (we have a 6 cylinder).