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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  Too bad its extinct! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Maddog - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I dont understand the decision to put this vehicle out to pasture. For the price and versatility, this has, by far, been the best vehicle Ive owned. At 6 1/2 years old with 102,000 miles, mine is still going strong. All Ive had to do is keep up with the basic maintenance. The worst mechanical problem Ive had is the water pump went bad at around 100,000 miles. The model that took its place will never match up to this awesome vehicle. Ill drive this til the wheels and engine fall off and then Ill replace them and keep on going. This will probably end up being the vehicle my kids inherit when they get their drivers licenses. I agree with the other review - BRING IT BACK!

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  98 Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By DTF - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought one used because I needed a bigger car..my credit sucked so I got robbed on financing but the car has proven to be extremely reliable except for completely new sets of brakes ..twice...As an on call EMT/FF I do a lot of emergency driving so that might explain the brakes..rattling noise on acceleration..researched and talked to mechanic no loss of power has to do with lifters..dealer was fair but only if you came prepared and knew your prices and ranges...Would NOT buy vehicle from this dealer again

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  I Get it Now! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gmacgreg - July 30 - 8:46 am

  Jeep owners have long enjoyed a special relationship with their vehicles. Unless and until you own one its hard to imagine getting excited over a car, especially if you dont consider yourself a "car person." At the urging of my wife, I decided to give an SUV a try. I couldnt be any happier; JEEP has definitely got it going. The comfort level is excellent on short or long drives. The rigid ride takes some getting use to, but only adds to the overall experience. Navigation is a bit clunky, but well worth it. I was amazed at the performance of the 4WD and put it to the test with back to back 24" snow falls; childs play. 21 MPG hwy, not bad. Reliable, zero problems. JEEP. I Get it Now!

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  Jeep Cherokee - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By jaydub - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Very good performance. Interior comfort is questionable with a tall driver. The jeep is also very sensitive to what type of fuel is used. Off road performance is average at best when compared to other domestic 4x4s. Off road performance is poor when compared to import suvs.

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  Not your moms SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep 4 Life - July 25 - 5:20 am

  Ive had my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee for 5 months now. It replaced my 95 Jeep with 185,000 miles and still running strong. This is my third Jeep; my only complaint is the interior plastic is not a good as it should be on a $31,000 SUV. Ride comfort is a little bumpy but acceptable. If you dont intend to take drive off road you may want to look at a Toyota or Honda instead. Off road nothing is better than a Jeep 4x4. With good set of A/T tires, Grand Cherokees can follow a Wrangler Rubicon almost anywhere except extreme rock crawling. You will probably be the limiting factor in where you attempt to take it. Window regulator broke -- dealer repaired so it cost $0.

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  Wrangler Sport - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By 4x4wrangler - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had a tremendous amount of fun with my Wrangler. Its fun to drive and has had almost no mechanical problems in over 100K. Not the best for long road trips or noisy freeways, but for weekend fun or trips to the beach it is unbeatable.

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  Mixed Bag - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JIM - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Great truck. Tranny issues have soured me a bit. Gas milage has been ok. 4.0 litre engine under performs. If you can, get the eight.

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  Tough and Fun - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Sherri - July 23 - 8:50 am

  I have taken this on really bad roads from sea level to over 8,000 feet in the same day. Been crawling over rocks. Used every off road feature and always came through. Wish it had better mpg, but this baby is tough, yet plenty fast with good braking. Had to ditch the Goodyears that came with it...had Discount Tire boost me up one size and I put on Yokohamas for an instant and huge improvement in handling, ride quality and quietness. JEEP needs to discontinue the Goodyears..I had to replace 3 of them within months. Thankfully, Discount Tire treated my prior two purchases as if I was coming in to buy only 2 more...not the 4 Yokos I was buying. So JEEP...great vehicle, but needs better tires.

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  Mine rusts too - before 4K miles - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jarhead - July 21 - 6:16 am

  Really, really like the Jeep idea - the wife hates it, however. This is my 3rd (I think). The 4dr is surprisingly comfortable (vs. earlier Jeeps). Similar to other posts, I have had annoying RUST on various (hopefully) insignificant parts of the Jeep. I feel just like I bought a 1970 something CJ. Worse - the dealers want to "take photos" for evaluation at HQ. Wimps. I also had the clutch replaced earlier this year (4K miles). Yikes. The only thing that is worse is that Im honestly thinking of selling my silver 07 (with 5K miles) and buying a black 08. Why? So the rust does not show as fast! Ill probably always have a Jeep - no matter how poorly they are made! Sick, isnt it?

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  Best Ive ever owned - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By JDB - July 19 - 10:00 am

  A day is not complete without a ride in my Jeep. This Wrangler was well worth the 25 year wait (took me that long to get over the "practical" sydrome). I have fun every moment Im driving or just riding. Its noisy. So what. Its rough. So what. Its fun. Thats what!!!