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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  OVERLAND IS THE BEST - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GOLFER - March 1 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE 6TH RED JEEP I HAVE HAD IN THE PAST 12 YEARS AND IT IS BY FAR THE BEST. THEY ARE ALL WONDERFUL BUT THE "OVERLAND" IS ABSOLUTELY A CLASSIC. I LOVE THE SUN ROOF, THE 10 CD EXCHANGER, AND THE COMFORT. I AM IN HEAVEN WHEN I DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT IS SO EASY TO DRIVE, EVEN ON SNOWY ROADS. I HAVE NO FEAR WHEN I AM DRIVING MY OVERLAND.

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  Great smaller SUV - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By mountain man - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Jeep for over 3 months now, already put over 10,000 miles and absolutely no problems. Everyone comments how great it looks, and it performs awesome off-road. Already taken it out in off the trails in the desert washes outside of Joshua Tree, and up several mountains around the desert. Worked well in all terrains offroad, and drives like a sportscar on the road with very tight handling and suspension.

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  I bought this used with 110000 miles on it in 2010 - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Kim Gilliland - February 26 - 11:37 am

  I just traded this in with 165000 miles on it. Aside from normal wear and tear the only problems I had with this car was the a/c never worked and my mechanic didnt want to mess with it, the electric windows in the backseat both quit working. It also made a banging noise while driving past 50mph sometimes but it wouldnt make the noise when my mechanic was in the car and I never broke down because of it. I am upset that Jeep quit making these because everyone that I know who have/had them love em and I would definitely buy another one. I upgraded to a brand new Cherokee and well see how this goes.

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  Cherokee Rules - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Soozee59 - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Jeep Cherokee and this 2004 model is roomy and fun to drive - The cargo area seems larger than the previous model I had (1993)and that was an 8 cyl. This 2004 model is a 6cyl - full of power, control and smooth driving. As for the mileage - I have been getting approximately 15.6 miles per gallon - and that is with the air conditioning is on and driving on the average of 318 miles per tank Overall 0 I must say that this is the car to have - it is a beautiful work of pride and dedication that the auto manufacturer has built. Thank you Jeep

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  Very Impressed - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Vindoe - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough how impressed I am with my new Grand Cherokee....absolutely excellent.

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  love my jeep ! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By grandmaster - February 26 - 10:00 am

  We have had no problems with our jeep and it is fun to drive.It drives well and handles like a dream.I like the interior best of all.It is just a good looking reliable and fun ride.

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  Best Vehicle i ever owned - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Marc - February 25 - 10:53 pm

  My dad gave me a jeep as my first car with 210,000 miles on it. it was in awesome shape, garaged all the time and was good on gas, got about 25 miles to the gallon. the straight six was not short on power and still ran great at 215000 miles. Only new parts on it are; oil pump, U-joints tie rod ends and ball joints, everything else is stock. Jeeps best vehicle ever i think they really designed this very well.

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  Happy after 17 months w/automatic transmission Lattitude - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By johnred - February 24 - 4:33 am

  Lattitude w/attitude. Have 22,000 on the odometer. Biggest gripes are small. Interior: Bigger door pockets as in my 02 Liberty would be great Exterior: A swing gate hatch instead of the overhead one. Again, as in the Liberty. I miss having a separate rear widow that opens. Hood has prop rather than struts to hold it up. Guess these result in lower cost. Many, more pluses...Great pep in the four cyl and the constant variable trans is great but noticeable in sound. Very happpy w/the MPG of approx 27 in mixed driving. My 02 Liberty six only 17!. This Jeep moves when I ask it! Passing power with ease. Four speaker sound is fine for the non-audiophile.

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  Gr Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeffersonmin - February 23 - 10:00 am

  A note to everyone with brake problems: There is a rotor fix now. It is a caliper/pad assembly that changes something so the rotors wont warp anymore. No other problems.

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  fun - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By reg - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Like a four wheel drive Miata