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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  Its a blast to drive! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Multiple Jeep owner - March 27 - 8:23 am

  Its fast, fun to drive, handles great for an SUV and a joy to look at. The interior is just as nice as most luxury cars.

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  So far I love it. - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Darren - March 25 - 3:16 pm

  We bought the FDII 4x4. We wanted a 4x4 that was good on fuel. The Toyota FJ was the only other that looked like it could handle off road but it was way too expensive.

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  Built to Outlast !! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By GreatToBeAJeep - March 25 - 3:13 pm

  I have had a Jeep Since 1994.I Bought my 1998 Cherokee in 2002 used. I have had some work done but all was wear and tear.I plan to bury this Jeep until the wheels fall off or it cost to much to fix(replace).Thats how much I FEEL about my Jeep.P.S. Look around for these Jeeps. Its hard to find them like this !

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  Liberty 2005 Great Driving - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Mona Furst - March 25 - 12:23 pm

  Very stable handling; drives as if youre in complete control of your driving. Has great lights for night driving - can see full vision with great side mirrors. We thought the Jeep dealer did a great job at explaining all about our new purchase. I think the exterior looks of this model is going to be a great seller for the baby boomers out there! Thank you.

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  Very Good!!! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By carlos - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Nice Ride, Good Power

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  Very Good!!! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Carlos - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Nice Ride, Good Power

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee- Hi Country - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jack McG - March 25 - 2:00 am

  The Grand Cherokee has been a wonderful vehicle. It has had zero manufacturing flaws, despite being a totally loaded vehicle. The 4WD is unstoppable. We have the Hi Country package which has an inch more ground clearance. This is not a fake SUV its the real thing. A nice plus is Jeep paint. I have never see a post Chrysler purchase Jeep with rust damage (except wher there is serious body damage).

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  Solid - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Lawny - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I did not expect the quality to be as good as it was but as the dealer told me . . . Benz eng. is starting to show in Jeep and Chrysler.

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  2014 Grand Cherokee LTD - Giving it a Shot - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nyawker - March 23 - 10:46 am

  I read some of the complaints but a few friends have the truck for a while with no issues at all. Firstly, you can not beat the deals Jeep is giving on these trucks. The value for the money is unreal. I love the U Connect interface. It is by far easier to use than BMW I-Drive, Audi MMI, or Lexus. Have an Audi and had the others. The features are terrific, intuitive, and easy to use. Heated seats front, rear, and steering wheel. I got the 20" wheels and the ride is firm and comfortable. The steering is precise. The transmission is the same 8sp electronic that BMW uses. It has 3 drive modes. No electronic, HVAC, or transmission issues at all..

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  Limited 5.9 Still a BEAST - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By princeofpeace - March 23 - 8:16 am

  We bought this as a step up in a second car. It quickly became our favorite. From 0-100 it takes just 16 seconds! Stops from 100 m.p.h. in a amazing 126ft. This is a 1/4 mile high 14s Jeep! Bone stock,179K miles still idles at 600rpm smooth as glass. Stomping on the gas lurches you forward without any tire spin just flat out acceleration. Gets 15m.p.g. overall a stout 18@ 65mph for any length. The interior is laid out perfect! Cruise and radio/CD control on the steering wheel.Climate control that really works! Slick leather seats in dove Grey.Leather and wood everywhere! Faster than 5.0s n Vettes in the 1990s! Still shocks kids at red light jumps. Only in a Jeep!