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:

• 

  Pushing 230,000 Miles - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By eprince - March 16 - 10:41 am

  I bought this car from my grandmother with 160,000 miles. Ive since done more than a few minor repairs (radiator, alternator, idler pulleys, etc.), but nothing I couldnt either do myself or a family friend couldnt do for cheap. The belt tensioner pulley is messed up, causing strain on the alternator, so I have had to replace it a few times, but it is under lifetime warranty with free replacements and I do the work myself. Now, it has 231,800 miles and counting, original block and transmission running stronger than ever. If you can live with doing relatively minor repairs, doing proper maintenance, and dont drive like a bat out of hell, this is one of the best vehicles made.

• 

  Jeep is a rock, exept for the brakes - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By iguana - March 14 - 10:00 am

  its been a great experience with my jeep ive only had it a few months and i cant beleave how many miles ive put on it. I just cant seem to stop driving it. Im still getting used to the fact that its a jeep and can handle things i know i try to baby it to much. as far as bad things the brakes. but i knew that going into this adventour.

• 

  1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee review - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Billy Johnson - March 14 - 10:00 am

  grand cherokee has been reliable for the most part.the only major repair ive done is to replace the fuel pump & regulator assembly.I pull a boat with it frequently and the 4 liter engine is a little week for towing, but the performance of the 4 liter has been very good to excellent.The four wheel drive performs great.Ive been very pleased with this vehicle, in fact, my wife and I agree that its the best vehicle weve ever had.We love this vehicle!

• 

  Fun Fun - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jpichicago - March 14 - 10:00 am

  We bought the car a few days before an 800 mile trip and didnt have a chance to break in the car before leaving. It performed like a champ. I arrived feeling rested and without body aches! Aside from routine maintenance and a recall to tighten up the suspension system (Jeep was very accomodating while dealing with the recall issue), the car has been great. Wed buy another!

• 

  Used Jeep review - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Allen - March 14 - 1:10 am

  I just purchased my 08 Jeep. I had a 98 Accord with near 200000 miles and with a family started needed something bigger and newer. I found my 08 Jeep marked down to a very affordable price and made the choice over many others cars and SUVs were were looking at. My Jeep is about as basic as they come, but I was not looking for top of the line nor could I afford it. The only thing I can saw 100% I wish I had was better fuel economy, but I knew what I was getting when I got an SUV. I think the cruise control should be back on the steering wheel, or wheel mounted radio controls should be on all models. I wish I had the roof rack. I probably wouldnt use it, but it adds to the look.

• 

  grand cherokee - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sfair2211 - March 11 - 7:00 pm

  this is my third jeep and i have loved everything about them except the windshield. it is so hard to keep it from staying greasy which is a hazard in rainy weather. the other thing (that passengers complain about) is the rocking from side to side it does on rough pavement.

• 

  Good Reliable All-Purpose vehicle - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Arthur D - March 11 - 10:46 am

  Had vehicle over 7 years. Hauls everything from hay to infants. Have driven through swamps, & snow covered roads other vehicles couldnt. Plenty of room to haul tools, supplies, and kids gear. Rear seat does not have a lot of legroom for adults so not recommended for long trips with 4 adults, but fine with kids. Get 20 MPG. Low maintenance bills. No major problems. A little noisy/bumpy on the highway compared to new vehicles, but it really drives well in the bad weather. This Jeep has driven: dates in college, buddies, friends going fishing, dogs, tools, clients, building materials, canoes, the bride and groom, babies, toddlers, and gear in all types of weather. A good all-purpose vehicle.

• 

  Good Value SUV--Needs Bigger Fuel Tank! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By deercroft - March 11 - 5:16 am

  Overall I am quite happy with my purchase. The Patriot with Freedom Drive II rides well and, despite comments about noise from the CVT I have no problems in that area. With seat height adjusted up, you also get good visibility (contrary to other views). Not as good as my old Jeep Cherokee overall but more comfortable/functional (except for driving range-see bigger fuel tank below), easier rear passenger access and nice fold flat seat system on passenger side. Hope someone designs aftermarket fuel tank fix. Even 10 l (2.5 US gal) more would be a huge improvement! I bought the vehicle knowing fuel tank would be a problem--still great value!

• 

  Classy executive car - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By carlos - March 7 - 3:53 pm

  This car has met all my expectations. As an executive it is roomy, comfortable, and elegant. Gas mileage could be better, but all the other things compensate for it. I would not change. I tried the other jeep models and this is just it for me.

• 

  Time To Say Goodbye - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By GoPhillies - March 7 - 1:06 pm

  The first car I ever bought. I didnt imagine it would last me 11 years. It was a great Jeep. Im trading it in this spring for a "civilians" car. Its been unbelievably reliable. For 10 yrs. I only had to replace the alternator. It has 140,000 mi. Things went south this summer. Major oil leak, brakes locked up, new radiator, new starter, new clutch cylinder, coolant leaks, etc. Very safe, not real comfortable or easy to use when trying to put childern and toddlers in back car seats. Great ride in the spring and fall with top down. I still love the plugs in floor to let water out when getting caught in rain. Bad mpg, but its a jeep. My dog loves it too. Good bye old friend. Youll be missed.