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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  Major low gear shift problem due to new engine - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By shannum - June 25 - 5:44 am

  I absolutely despise driving this vehicle due to the lower shift gear hesitation when accelerating from a stopped position. Weve tried a few computer updates but it didnt help. Its a shame b/c the rest of the vehicle is great - very comfortable, smooth ride, great styling, etc. When I tow the issue is less noticeable b/c its forced to move thru the gears more quickly but then I only get 11.5 mpg. Whenever people tell me they are thinking about purchasing one, I hand them my keys for a test drive. I always get them back with a "No way." Im skeptical of any review that can overlook this major issue.

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  OUTSTANDING! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kevin Mobley - June 23 - 10:03 pm

  I have been extraordinarily pleased with it. I did have some concerns over Jeeps choice of transmissions for it, (it is a Mercedes transmission) but it has done just fine. My wife adores it too.

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  Cheaper and as capable as a Hummer - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By SSG Casper - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Rubicon as a wedding gift to ourselves in 2002. Great wedding gift. Its a rough ride and truck like, the way Jeeps are meant to be. Never expected to ride like a BMW. Having many of the upgrades from the factory saved from trying to upgrade myself and messing it up or finding someone to do it right. In the Army for 14yrs, and taught soldiers how to drive Hummers and larger vehicles. I can say the Rubicon is as capable as Hummer. And at a lot lower cost. But never been to a Jamboree though. Looking forward to one after coming back form Iraq.

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  renegade - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepergirl - June 22 - 10:00 am

  good car overall...very fun to drive

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  My 2004 Laredo - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cmb284 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Grand Cherokee a short time but I am very pleased. Despite the negatives that leading auto magazines and web sites tag on it, it is an awesome fun to drive vehicle. There are few better looking SUVs out there and none in this price range. Although I thought I wouldnt use it the trip computer has been indespensible. I only have the single disc w/cassete radio but with the upgrade speakers you get very good sound quality. If you can live with the fuel economy (I have not had over 18mpg) I would highly recomend this vehicle.

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  Love the truck, MPG lousy! - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark326 - June 22 - 1:10 am

  I love everything about this vehicle except the gas mileage. My last tank I used 89 octane and averaged 15 mpg city/hwy. Jeep owners are their own breed of people. Be prepared for some repairs, squeaks, and bad MPG. The functionality of this vehicle is amazing. You can truely go anywhere with it! I wouldnt recommend this vehicle for people that have long commutes to work due to the gas mileage. The I6 is a very responsive 6- cylinder engine. I have the 3 speed automatic transmission with mine and I think it could be a bit better. I had to have the torque converter replaced under waranty when I first purchased the vehicle. 3rd gear was vibrating like crazy! Great for short commutes, not long trips.

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  Winter Driving Must Have a Jeep - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By DAC - June 21 - 4:26 am

  We are just finishing clean up after the storm that closed I-78 and schools for days. This Rubicon Unlimited just paid for itself. It drove us safely through and over the ice covered snow on roads that were a nightmare. The 4 wheel high was enough...no need for low gear or the lockers. We were able to go to work, help neighbors, and keep going when the rest of the area was shut down. This jeep just proved why we need one. It provided safety and security in bad weather to equal the fun and enjoyment in good weather. Now when people ask why we need an SUV, we simply refer to the storm of 2007...enough said.

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  Love This Vehicle, But I Have So Many Issues - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jarett H. - June 21 - 3:24 am

  CHECK EVERYTHING! Run the A/C full blast while letting the vehicle idle and watch the temperature and oil pressure, as well as idle RPM. Check the AUX cooling fan to be sure it works, it doesnt come on until the engine reaches 218 degrees F. Check the valve cover, oil pan, and other gaskets and seals. Check for corrosion on any part inside of the engine compartment as this could very well be a sign of potentially serious damage that will lead to expensive repairs. I paid $2500 for my Jeep in 2014, it is now worth about $1300 if I tried to resell it and I have put nearly $1500 into it in repairs with another $1000 for parts and labour just on the engine alone. Not to mention the horrible condition of the suspension, brakes, missing hardware, and quite a few other issues. But I do love the car enough to actually not mind all too much putting money into it because when I am done with all these repairs it will be one hell of a vehicle and last another 200000 miles.

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  This Jeep rocks - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By singletrack - June 20 - 8:06 pm

  I bought the AWD Jeep grand Cherokee used in 2000 with 60K miles. I have more than 162,000 miles on it now and it has been incredibly reliable. It is a V8 with plenty of power. I has all of the bells and whistles and everything still works great. I have never experienced any mechanical problems, just the normal expendables such as brake pads, shocks, and tires. All normal stuff. It is the most reliable and road worthy machine I have owned. I drive it in the Rocky Mountains and on road trips and offroad - Moab and 4x4 mountain passes. GREAT SUV!

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  Montana Travler - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By MTSkywalker - June 19 - 6:36 pm

  This Jeep was so much better than my 1998 Cherokee Sport. Better driving, instrumentation, and fit and finish. Jeep doesnt push this car because it sells itself.