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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  5.7L Grand Cherokee exhaust problem. - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sidvest - February 21 - 8:23 pm

  Unacceptable exhaust resonation/vibration from Hemi engine. Chrysler has no fix. Random electrical problems & no fix.

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  Fun, reliable and jugs down gas - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By El Chamuquin - February 17 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep is definetly a fun filled vehicle. It says "I have no boundaries and nothing to tie me down". If you want a fun car to drive this is it. But keep in mind that this is a brute that will go through some gas quick. With all the technology today you think they could make it a little more gas efficient. Have no doubts, this vehicle isnt made for paved roads, but for the outback. Its only true use isnt in a concrete jungle but four wheeling out in the countryside. As a fun vehicle it has no match, as a city vehicle it could use some modifications.

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  Grand Cherokee Believer - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By J.Pasquarello - February 17 - 4:16 am

  I purchased my first SUV in May of 2003. It was a 2000 Grand Cherokee with 24,700 miles. I had read the reviews about all the brake issues with the GCs and expressed my concern to the dealership. They did not deny that brakes were an inherent problem for that model year and preceding years. He did say however that Chrysler had a fix for them with beefed up components etc. They agreed to redo all the brakes on the car if I were to purchase it. I did and I have had no problems at all with the brakes. The ride is not as smooth as I would like but it is a JEEP. I have been very happy with it!

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  Great Small SUV - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Naten53 - February 16 - 5:06 am

  I purchased mine 18 months ago. For a compact suv it performs exactly as expected. The best feature by far is the size compared to the fuel economy. Only complaints are because it is a small suv you do not have the storage capacity of large suvs however it is great for someone that does not need the large suv everyday. I have had it through two Pittsburgh winters and 4wd on farm roads and it has never had trouble (driving with caution in bad conditions of course).

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  310000 mile jeep - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By lonnie - February 9 - 7:10 am

  I read about jeep owners loving their jeep with 150,000 miles. My jeep has 310,000 miles and doing remarkably well. I have used it like a log truck and pulled logs at one time. Patton said the jeep and the browning BAR automatic rifle won WWII. I also have a Grand Cher Laredo. It cant hold a light to the wrangler with the sports package as far as performance and reliability.

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  My 2nd Jeep - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By kiwi - February 9 - 12:10 am

  Got 225,000 miles on my 1992 Jeep and needed a replacement - this was as close as I got - its already done 97,000 miles - I like this basic Jeep, its a no-nonsense SUV. The wife and I find the seats realy comfy, and now we have cupholders and remote heated mirrors. Also like the factory tow package and 2" receiver. We use this Jeep in the snow, in the city, and in the desert and high-Sierras back- country

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  Wish we didnt buy a defective Jeep... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John - February 5 - 12:30 pm

  No matter the make or model of any car, there will always be cars with many problems and some who never have any! Luck of the draw. Well, we didnt luck out. Weve had nothing but problems. Everything is under warranty, and there was a recall (no big deal), but its already been back to the dealer for the following: replaced the torque converter, roof leaks, fuel sensors died, had to replace entire gas tank, had to replace the starter, shakes at certain speeds, and even stalls out at times. Transmission is HORRIBLE. Seems like a lot of problems to have within the first year. We were excited to buy the Jeep (both of us being previous Jeep owners), and wish we bought one that wasnt defective!

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  Its a Jeep what do you Expect - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By JEEP! OH YEAH! - February 5 - 9:50 am

  I love my Jeep. Easy to work on; all you really need is a basic socket set. My first motor had 269,000 miles and probably would have gone longer had I paid attention to the plastic clamp at the top of the throttle body (broke and was taking in lot of dirt). Had the motor, transmission, & transfer case out, in and running a weekend. ThereÂ’s a lot to be said for simplicity - I love it. What other car can you power wash the inside, it you want luxury, soft rideÂ…go buy a car

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  the best SUV on the market - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mangray - February 5 - 2:00 am

  its luxurious, fast, good looking what else can you expect from a SUV. It goes 0-30 mph in 2.3 seconds that is comparible to a high performance sports car. I know that is enough for me!!!

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  bad to good - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By nattasha - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2001 jeep cherokee sport, last year made,poor quality... could tell it was one of the last. Had a 1998 and the quality was much better. The liberty has a much more sound build. Things seem to fit better together. The comfort of the seats are also better. Gas, ulk I really thought it would be a little more efficient than it is. I really like it.