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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  REDEFINES SPORT IN SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By WTD - August 2 - 1:33 pm

  With over 4 years and nearly 60,000 miles I have to say this has been the best SUV ever ! Ive been in all driving conditions ( 10in. of snow, down pours, gravel, dirt,uphill, towing and uneven pavement ) with zero problems. JEEP handled everything with ease. Equipped with 3.7L engine and 4WD has plenty of power for road use. Gas mileage was much better at over 22 hwy and 18 city than the Honda Pilot I got rid of.

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  05 Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By caz_mn - August 2 - 11:46 am

  Excellent vehicle. I like the size, maneuverability over other slightly larger SUVs (Envoy, Explorer) and I think the engine is a good match for the vehicle. In the Jeep forum the 4-speed auto tranny is beat up some, but I think it does a good job. It shifts quickly, and is fairly smart. You can confuse it, but that seems to be true for most autos Ive driven lately. The interior is well put together and looks very high end. The seats are on the very firm side, but I like that.

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  Still Love it - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By overtime - August 2 - 4:06 am

  This is the only vehicle I have ever purchased that I like as well today as the day I took it home. It is a great all around vehicle for towing, going off-road, taking on vacation, etc. It has done everything I have ever asked it to do and I have never had to do anything other than regular maintenance. With the 4.7 V-8 I average 18+MPG on mixed driving and have gotten 22+MPG on the highway. However towing 2500lbs drops it down into the 13MPG range. I will probably purchase another one however, the Commander is also in my line of sight.

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  Bring it back! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jarmbru - August 1 - 7:06 am

  Bought this with 50K after riding through very rough terrain in a friends Cherokee that had 250K. Im now at 140K. I meet people all the time who tell me they are the best vehicle ever, and who have very high mileage. I use it on very, very bad "roads" in the hills of backwoods East Tennessee and also to commute and to haul electronic equipment. This Jeep does it all. Its true its not a pretty soccer moms car, so what, thats not what I want. Oh please bring it back! By the way, people around here love them and keep them forever.

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  Nothing like it. - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By gangof5 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  What can you say about a Jeep! Its flat out the most fun vehicle to drive on or off the road. Top down, windows open, on a hot summer day is the only way to go. I love my Jeep, its a very cool orange (amber fire according to the dealer). I cant wait to go on a Jeep Jamboree up the Rubicon Trail in California.

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  I absolutely love my Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Caldo - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned it for 25,000 and have NOT have any problems. The body is tight, and the suspesion allows it to drive over anything. I took if offroad on Pismo Beach a few times. Other 4x4s were either getting stuck or drivers had to get out and lower the tire pressure to move. Not the Jeep.

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  2007 Jeep Unlimited X Wrangler - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By David - July 29 - 10:53 pm

  I use to own a 2000 Jeep Sport Wrangler and traded it in on the new 4 door Love it! Going to take it out and get it dirty tomorrow!

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  Bring it back!!! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Chris - July 29 - 6:26 pm

  Bought it with 55K, put a clutch in it shortly after due to previous owner. Now has over 130K. Mechanically more reliable than anything on the road, but the body is rusting pretty bad. Only weak points are the saggy rear leaf springs, all you owners know what Im talking about! Relatively cheap aftermarket fix though :) Getting hard to get factory parts for due to Chrysler going haywire.

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  Love my Jeep - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Carolinamama - July 28 - 5:56 am

  I love my Grand Cherokee. I owned a 2002 before this and I am a loyal Jeep customer. I love the way it drives and rides. It is very comfortable for long trips on the highway and short ones in town. I love the way it looks on the outside and inside. The only issues I have with it is that there is a little tire rubbing when I crank the wheel all the way right (doesnt happen when I turn left) and that the transmission seems to struggle for a couple of minutes on a cold morning. Also the gas mileage could be better but what do you expect for a large SUV. I get about 15 miles to the gallon in town and about 22 on the highway. Not too bad I guess

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  Excellent Vehicle - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chetster72 - July 27 - 4:46 pm

  This was the first Jeep I had ever purchased. I have been so impressed with the quality and reliability since then, that I have purchased 2 more and kept my original one. They are rugged, comfortable and very reliable. I chose the I6 4.0L motor, it has plenty of power and is one of the most durable ever built.