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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  compass - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Amy - October 14 - 12:40 am

  This is a good SUV. The only real problems I have encountered are the huge blind spots on the sides between side windows and windshield. Also, whenever I open the doors after it has snowed, all of the snow plops into the front seats. Also, the automatic locks drive me crazy.

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  Jeeps are my life - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By sdv - October 13 - 10:40 pm

  I have owned 5 Jeeps. 83 cj7, 88 Wrangler, 2-91 Cherokees, and this 01 Cherokee. They all had the inline six cyl. motors. Good rugged vehicles. I plowed with the cj and wrangler and they held up good. The Cherokees are good cars but they all seem to have issues around the 100000 mile mark. I have learned from the past to just bite the bullet and put radiators in them at the 100 grand mark. They are not that good on gas (maybe 21 to 23 on a trip)but I still keep buying them..LOL They are good in the snow climate up here in the northeast. This 2001 Cherokee has had synthetic oil changes since new so we will so how long I can run this without getting the usual compression blow by.

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  the car is great but - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ettore Detorres - October 13 - 8:32 pm

  the only complaint would be the start stop engine technology. I prefer the motor not stop at every traffic light. so I have to push a defeat button every time I go out in the car. I can see where start/stop tech. will cause the battery to drain down especially at night with the headlights on and the air running etc. In florida especially with the temps high in the summer this is going to lead to problems. I think that this feature is on most new cars, my sister was complaining about it on her new Jaguar also. I think it is a bad idea unless you have an electric car. I am going to find out if this feature can be permanently defeated.

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  Love my Liberty! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Brianne - October 13 - 12:06 pm

  My Liberty is a definite upgrade from my 00 Neon that was totalled. I bought the Liberty based on exhaustive research and an excellent deal from being a recent college graduate (1% below invoice plus rebates). Got mine fully equipped with Sirius satellite radio, sunscreen tinted glass, power sunroof, and all-terrain tires. The V6 gives it awesome power. I dont really intend on going off-road, I just wanted a secure vehicle for New England winters, and I definitely have it!

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  Junk!!!!!!!! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mattt0305 - October 13 - 1:33 am

  Worst car Ive ever owned! Dies at low speeds, rough idle, dealer cant seem to fix the problem. No codes in the computer? This seems to be problem with the 4.7 V8, read the other reviews or any Jeep forum. Now the check engine light is on and its transmission related. I had a 96 G.C. never a problem, now I own the Anti-Chrysler. Such a shame, its beautiful Car.

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  Excellent vehicle after more than 3 year - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Stu Cozza - October 12 - 10:36 am

  I traded a 2002 Overland for this 2005 Limited; my wife traded her 2001 Laredo for a 2005 GC Limited as well. Got a great deal and been happy with both of them (hers was a demo and is more fully loaded than mine). Granted, there have been a few minor glitches, but the dealer has been fantastic in getting things fixed correctly the first time. Mostly small stuff (ignition switch, steering angle sensor, various TSBs) and never anything that would leave us stranded.

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  1997 Wrangler Sport - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Paul - October 12 - 7:23 am

  I find it amazing, Ive had it in water up to the air intake twice; in other words, almost everything was under water, including the alternator. This was in 1989 and it caused no problems. The shocks were still good last summer when I installed adjustable ones. I find the way I drive, the stiffer the better. I also added quick release sway bar joints, a high end winch, bumper and mount, remote starter and soft top. Then I saw the RUBICON and gave up before I bought lockers. I will find a RUBICON soon I hope with the features I want. I have ABS, it has saved me from crashing at least 6 times, pulling an overloaded trailer on two occasions. I will never drive anything but a Wrangler. Zero complaints

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  Love / Hate Relationship - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Bill F - October 12 - 4:00 am

  I bought this Jeep used w/ 40K miles on it for my kids. 5 years later it has 70K miles. I have spent a fortune replacing parts on this. Both front and rear differentials, ball joints, radiator, water pump,and more. Check engine light is on again. Probably another $250 part needed. It is a solid feeling truck that is fun to drive. The seats need more support. I keep hoping the last repair will be it, and that it is good to go for many more miles and years. Ive got too much invested in it now to unload it. Maybe the prior owner abused it and I am paying the price. My luck has been nothing like those of the other reviewers.

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  Jeep Wrangler - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dave - October 11 - 3:46 pm

  I Have always wanted a Jeep Wrangler. The fun to drive factor is a 10. What other vehicle can you have covertible and off road vehicle for the summer. Then have fun with everthing winter has to offer. The clubs and events all year long to see all the after market toys for your Jeep offer everything to make it everthing you want it to be.

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  A Fun vehicle - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By deltadawn - October 11 - 1:26 pm

  2008 JK is very much improved, from previous models .It rides much better than YJ and TJs. The only bad thing is you cant reach the back seat.It could use a little more power, but nothing is perfect. I have an X and its the most affordable SUV on the planet. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, which isnt bad either. No other vehicle can you personalize like a jeep wrangler.