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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  GOOD CAR - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MARIA - May 23 - 3:00 pm

  The design of this car is ok; I have a blue one and I donÂ’t like the black side panels. It is a wonderful ride, handles very well and takes curves great. I had the 2003 -- this one has more power and is fun to drive. The interior design baffles me, nothing matches and the gear changer looks like it belongs in a BMW or something. IÂ’m upset that the 2003 radio told you the names of the songs on the radio and the 2005 doesnt.

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  Champion - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By lhale - May 23 - 2:25 pm

  i bought my Jeep in July 2011 with 170k on the dash. The only thing Ive done to this car is give it 4 oil changes. Ive taken this car from Charleston SC to Winston Salem NC several times and also to and from Brooklyn NY from Charleston with no problems. I bought the car with low oil pressure but this has not slowed this beast down. Im a heavy driver and this jeep hangs in there with me. One of the bet buys of my life.

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  Long Distance Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By James - May 22 - 10:40 pm

  I have owned my Grand Cherokee since new. We now have over 250K miles on it. At 150 I had the rear differential rebuilt. Overall it has been a very good vehicle for us since we live in the Lake Tahoe Area. Our previous Cherokee finally gave out at 330K and this seems to be about the same in terms of aging.

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  Power Window Regulator - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By I did love my JEEP - May 20 - 6:23 pm

  From reading most of the reviews, everyone really likes this vehicle and so do I. There is one thing you need to know (and you can check it out on Google) The power window regulators have some parts made of plastic. This week was the third time my back windows broke (dropped down) First time it was under warranty. Second time dealer charged me $200 and I hope the third time will not be more than last time. Just thought you might want to check this out. I would trade it on a new one, but I understand they all have the same problem. Guess you could look at it this way. Seems only one breaks each year, Oh I forgot to tell you. The brake has nothing to do with use, they just drop down.Back to Shop

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  Love it, but looking for more - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Roger M. - May 14 - 8:06 am

  My 2006 Commander is the best riding and most comfortable Jeep Ive ever owned. With the incentives in place at the time I bought it, it was a real value too. The next time Ill be looking for: 1) A V-8 ... the V-6 is a bit underpowered; 2) Lets give the 3rd row seat some leg room; and 3) How about just a couple more inches of storage capacity when the 3rd row seat is opened? Would it help to hang the spare tire off the back, a la the Liberty?

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  Great Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By dio_19_80 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great to drive and does every thing that we could ask for.

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  No leg room in back - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Yingo - May 12 - 11:43 pm

  Adults will find their knees pressed against the back of the front seat, even shorties like me (53"). The front seat does not move back very far and my 6 brother felt cramped in it and his head brushed the headliner. The back seats are VERY difficult for an adult to get out of due to the very small door opening. Not the right car for anyone with any type of leg or knee restriction or injury.

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  Solved the Brake Problem - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JHL - May 12 - 6:00 pm

  After having this vehicle to the dealer for warped rotors at least 3 times and to other mechanics twice thereafter, I bought a custom set of drilled and slotted rotors at 60k miles, now I have 130k miles on it and have not had a problem. Daimler Chrysler was "no" help at all and refused to acknowledge that they have a problem with these rotors. I traded a 1995 GMC Jimmy which was total junk for this and it has turned out to be better junk thats more comfortable. Ive owned this vehicle since new, I do not intend to ever buy another car by Daimler Chrysler.

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  reliable - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Perian Dunmire - May 12 - 4:46 pm

  I bought it from a private owner. It has approximately 130,000 miles. Drives well. It does not have very good mpg. As it is a v8. I have put brakes on it and new a. C. I feel it is a reliable vehicle, but with the unsure gas prices, it is scary.

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  Love it, but.initial build quality is ? - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By HistoryWithJeeps - May 11 - 7:30 pm

  I thought the Patriot was well-equipped for the price so I purchased one last week. I was very happy with my purchase for the first 24 hours, but I would soon discover the lift gate does not lock. Patriot lift gates only lock electronically (no keyhole).The dealership discovers the factory installed the wrong wiring and the dealer doesnt have the part. That requires a second trip. Of course, Chrysler/Jeep doesnt reimburse you for the fuel you burn or your time you spend fixing their factory mistake. They gave me a loaner car for 24 hrs (which is cool) but you have to refill the tank upon return (not cool). Seriously, Jeep(or the dealer) needs to step up more if you find a defect on day one.