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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  I got my Jeep back! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By ownedseveral - November 8 - 9:56 am

  I have owned several Jeeps. A 94 Cherokee and 97 TJ Wrangler. After a brief and dull experience with a Chrysler Town and Country minivan, I got my Jeep back. Yes, everything about the Jeep is, well, Jeepish. I have the hard top model so wind noise is not that much of a big deal and I like the fact that I can take the front panels off on a nice day. They are light and easy. On a rainy day I have seen the top leak once and after reseating it not more leaks. I have the manual 6 speed so power is not that much of an issue. Get the power and door lock option if you have a child. My wife hates that we did not get this option.

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  First Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Paul - November 6 - 11:26 pm

  Overall I am very happy with this vehicle. Its a great drive. The Liberty catches up with traffic with no problem. I get the whole spare tire thing, but I would rather have a lift gate than the swinging door (especially in the rain). And I have to open the garage door to get large items in and out (e.g. golf clubs). Gas mileage ranges from a low of 14MPG around town to 20MPG on highway trips - pretty disappointing. I noticed the brake pedal is set a little higher than the accelerator which means a lot of leg lifts around town. But the 4-wheel disk brakes bring the car to a stop easily. You get a very good sense of control until you approach 70MPH. So dont. This car will stay in the family.

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  I like my liberty just fine - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By flyboy - November 6 - 3:13 pm

  I have had my jeep liberty for 16 months and have 25k miles. Have had none of the window issues others have reported. Only reasonably comfortable, but it is a jeep after all. Surprisingly good off road, have been on "4X4 only" trails in real "muck and mud". Very maneuverable. Recently complied with recalls, one of which was to reprogram body module computer. This reboot dramatically improved first to second auto trans shift smoothness and fuel mileage. Mileage went from city 15mpg to 18 mpg (I get 24 to 25 mpg Hwy and 21 combined). It is fun to drive. My wife even enjoys driving it, which was a real surprise. She actually asks me to leave it at home for her. Overall satisfied and a Jeep it is!

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  Great inexpensive truck - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By cherokee - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I always liked Jeeps and I think Cherokee is the best of the breed. It looks like a Jeep and drives like a Jeep and the pickup of I-6 is awesome. Very basic truck but does everything you need and you can buy it very cheap. If you are into outdoors and sports and dont want to spend a lot of $$ this is the best thing.

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  Dans view of the Jeep GC - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dan Constantinide - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Generally, this is a good, reliable automobile. Over 96000 miles with no reliability problems. The transmission shift points are questionable. One odd experience that cost me 800 dollars involved a front drive shaft that all of a sudden developed a leaky joint because it was too short. This happened after replacing the front diff yoke and the corresponding seal (the latter several times). Of course, nobody owned up to any wrong doing or design issues.

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  Beware of A/C - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dante - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I love, well...loved, my Jeep. I was everything I had hoped it would be. Mileage isnt great, but the fun factor more than compensates for such pour economy. Nonetheless, I have only had it a little more than 3 months, and it has already been to the shop 5 times for A/C issues. In fact, now I have bubbling interior paint and moldy carpet thanks to moisture from the A/C getting dribbled inside. And I know two other folks with the same issues.

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  Marred by atiquated technology - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By VectorW8t - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Probablly the best domestic mid sized SUV on the market. Unfortunetly Jeep conintues to utilize antiquated motor designs poor quality single caliper brakes that are too small for the truck. Even the transmission "bangs" into reverse or drive every time its engaged. Fit and finish is fine and the interior is much more comfortable than most imported SUVs. The stereo system is supurb. But Id much rather have the ability to brake and change gears than the added creature comforts Jeep adds. Replaced the front brake rotors at only 7k miles.

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  1997 - a Good Year - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Susan - November 3 - 9:06 pm

  I bought my 1997 Jeep Cherokee new in 1997. It has a straight six engine, manual transmission - no frills. What a workhorse - It has well over 200,000 miles and all it has ever needed were oil changes, tires and windshield wipers. It doesnt get any better than this. When the engine goes I may get it rebuilt since the straight six is easy to rebuild.

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  Excellent 4x4 - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Natedawg - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my cherokee! The 4 wheel drive system on the jeeps are some of the best around. One day I was being follwed fastly by a guy in an Explorer on a sandy dirt road, my cherokee ran smoothly through the sand, yet he was wiping out in the sand. Sometimes I can not tell if Im riding offroad or on the pavement. Lots of fun!

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  glad its a lease - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 01jeep - October 26 - 10:00 am

  this car has 41000 miles an the brakes have been rebuilt 5 times it is on average every 7000 miles it eats the rotors up you get pulsating in brake pedal first then the steering wheel vibrates real bad,everyone i talk to has the same problem, my 94 had 93000 miles an one brake job