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 thing I got a warranty! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jon f. - January 20 - 7:16 pm

  I thought I was getting the perfect used car: less than 70,000 miles and a 3,000 mile powertrain warranty. Turns out Ive needed to use the warranty three times already - once to replace the PCM, another to replace a bad steering gear, and now to replace bearings in the front differential - all withing the first month! Im scared of what will come down the road. Its too bad - I love the truck and its very good at what it does. It looks great in silver, the leather interior is fantastic and it gets 22-23 mpg at 65mph. Off-road nothing can touch it for the money! If you want one, research the maintenance history and make sure the TSBs were done!

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  Loved my Jeep Patriot! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Todd - January 20 - 1:10 am

  Purchased brand new and drove it for 45,000 trouble free miles. I changed the oil every 3,000 and replaced a set of tires around 35,000 miles. I changed the spark plugs at 30,000 miles. Other than those standard maintenance items, the Jeeper was great. It is a great looking vehicle, got decent gas mileage (Avg 21 MPG), and was comfortable to drive. This is a great vehicle if you love the Jeep brand but dislike the normal gas mileage you get from a Jeep.

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  Terrible Product! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Angry owner!!!! - January 19 - 8:40 am

  Where should I start? First, let me say that this is one fast SUV, but I hate the hesitation is has when you hit the gas. Like its thinking, should I go or should I not. Then the rattling all over the place. This is a one year old car! This should not happen to any vehicle. The fuel economy is worse then probably an 1974 Caddy. The leather is beginning to show wear. Tranny had some shifting problems and this noise it makes around 40 mph. Seems the quality is just not there. Trading this joke in for a BMW X5. And as for speed and power, doesnt really feel that 420 ponys are pulling at times. I just dont get Jeep (mopar) Great idea, but its like they didnt follow through at end.

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  Be Careful - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Erica - January 16 - 7:16 pm

  I bought a 2005 Jeep Grand Cher Limited 4WD w/ the Hemi Upgrade in 05 brand new. In 06 I had to have a new transmission, transmission pump and onboard computer installed they told me it was the computer that caused the pump to malfunction which made the transmission go. I was told it would take two months by the dealership to get the part I called Chyrsler and they overnighted the part and lent me a 93 jeep as a loaner with a broken heater in the winter. In July of 08 my transmission went again the manager of the shop told me he didnt know why it happened. In November I didnt pass inspection because I had an electrical short in my ABS which cost $499 not under warranty. Be Careful

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  Everyday Driving - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steve Gentner - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Overall my experience with this vehicle is a favorable one especially for this being a Chrysler product, (for I was a dissatisfied Dodge owner in the early 1990s). The vehicle has a sporty look, is roomy and has a comfortable ride.

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  RIP - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By fek2 - January 15 - 10:48 pm

  I loved it. It was my first car and only had it for about one year but was amazing. I was driving on the highway when something hit the transmission case and cracked it. my insurance deemed it as total loss and towed it away. I will miss my jeep soo much. RIP baby. Unfortunately i will most likely not get a jeep as my second vehicle due to bad gas mileage

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  My 2007 Jeep Liberty - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By juliaann28 - January 15 - 9:57 am

  I have owned my Liberty for almost 2 years now. As far as reliability, its been a great SUV. I have had two of my window regulators replaced (no cost to me). And have noticed how easy the interior is to stain. Not my favorite vehicle Ive ever owned, but a decent one.

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  HARD TO BEAT A JEEP - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By matsr - January 11 - 7:04 pm

  A wrangler or Grand Cherokee is hard to beat. The 96-98 years for the ZJ was one of the best. Highly modifiable and good for off road and trailer/boat towing. Get you about the same place as a wrangler will go. Have had both; now we have as a second vehicle, our 3rd 96 Laredo with 4.0 liter six with 4x4.

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  We Have Been Very Pleased - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Houston Steve - January 11 - 10:00 am

  We have had no major repairs or problems with this vehicle and found it had plenty of storage and elbow room. The factory CD-Changer and speakers did quit working, which I learned is a common problem.

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  Off-Roader - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Rocky Mtn HMR RSCU - January 11 - 9:33 am

  The commander is an excellent vehicle. Right away I was able to test it on snowy roads and it performed well. I have taken it off-road on a trail that I would never have gone in any other vehicle that I have owned. The problems that I have are with hthe braking system and the engine fan. Certain quality issues are problematic as well, arm rests are bubbling and the chrome trim is letting loose. Vehicle performs well when pressed and is comfortable to drive, very comfortable and a fun vehicle to own.