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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  Worst Mechanical - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By William Beckerley - August 17 - 7:13 am

  Vehicle had problems for the time it was delivered. It suffered multiple leaks oil & grease. It is extemely hard on brakes and tires in city driving. Shocks leaked at 36,000mi. U joint went at 36,000mi. Transmission locked in 2nd at 37,000. Had to be replaced. The SUV had mild city driving in very mild climate. It is very expensive to maintain and very unreliable. I have owned many new vehicles and this has been the worst.

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  Everything I expected - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By urbanshag - August 16 - 1:36 pm

  We have a 2006 4cy Wrangler and the Patriot feels like a jet in comparison. With the manual transmission I can get the car moving right along. So far the gas mileage is around 27 with the miles being mostly freeway. I am going to put a trailer hitch on it and put it to work so I shall see what it can do then. I love the car. I began to look at them 2 weeks after hitting the dealership with the 2007 model. I finally found a deal (newspaper special on a 2008 for $14888) and I jumped on it. I have the very basic version they make and I seem to be missing nothing. Power this and that is always nice but for me not necessary.

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  2001 Jeep grand cherokee 4.7 - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By djhjeep - August 16 - 11:09 am

  Ive had my jeep from 2005 and got it with 150k on it I now have 256k jeep is still running great but did not get there easily. I had the computer go a couple of years ago and did nt know what was wrong until I brought to the dealer and the dealer told me it would be a couple of grand to fix for a new computer eventually I found a shop to put a used one in and the vehicle was fixed. Other than that the engine and tranny is still running strong but I have a small knock and I had another mechanic tell that the head need to be replaced. Simple fix at advance auto $30 bottle to seal that actually worked great. The Jeep is like a tank through bad weather of the NE no stopping it

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  Never Again - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CherokeeNoMore - August 15 - 1:53 pm

  I was so happy when I first purchased my Cherokee. Brand new off the lot, it was shortly after I started having problems. Tranny, rack & pinion, etc... The dealer, no matter which one I took it to was so bad I had to start taking it to a paid mechanic who himself states he sees too many of these in the shop. After I had my baby I had a terrible time with his car seat and the back. I was so disappointed as this is supposed to be a family car. NO! I dont even feel safe with him in the car now... its having back electrical problems causing interior lights to flash, no starts and weird smells. I am DONE WITH THIS THING! I have lost nearly double what this originally cost and wont get it back.

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  Love this truck - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By fishman8 - August 15 - 1:00 pm

  I think this is a well build suv it is solid. I have not had a bit of trouble since i got it in sept.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Enegma1 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle for its style and functionality. I am a Photographer and Videographer. I needed a vehicle where I can carry my equipment without tearing up the interior of my vehicle. This vehicle has never been to dealership for any major repair other factory recalls. Easy to work on myself. I do my own oil changes,change belts, hoses,brakes,shocks,and tuneups. It has been very reliable and joy to drive. I can go pretty much wherever a 4 wheel drive vehicle can go. I travel to great Northwest up to Canada and back. I would never buy anything else but another Jeep.There is no equal

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  1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By apg - August 15 - 2:00 am

  We have owned this vehicle just over 1 year. It has only had a few minor problems which were quite inexpensive to repair. Handles very well in the snow and ice. Wish fuel economy was better but still is quite good in comparison to other similar sized SUV. Would buy another one when the time comes.

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  my jeep liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Joseph Jerome - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I recently got my new jeep and i love it. had a honda for 10 years and decided to go with an american made vehicle. I feel so far it lives up to my honda!

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  Gas Mileage Stinks - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By John1953 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I find the transmission shifting from 1st to 2nd very hard. Then when coming to a stop it doesnt down shift back to 1st until about 4 seconds after I stop. The dealer claims its just learning my driving style & when it learns it ... this will stop??? I have owned V-8s that get better gas mileage. I find 14mpg in the city as being unacceptable from such a small 3.7L engine.

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  Great service - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Hond122 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Jeep. Had oil pressure problem on the second day, returned to dealer who replaced sending unit. Two days later same problem, dealer replaced oil pump which didnt correct problem. They got me a rental and went to Chrysler for a solution. Got back to me 2 days later and said the car would be replaced. They took a lemon and made lemonade out of it. Great dealer, great response from Chrysler. With service like this in an unfortunate circumstance they proved again you cant beat a Jeep. Gegnas Chrysler-Jeep in Philadelphia is Great!