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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  wrangler - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By gabarton - May 31 - 10:00 am

  fun, powerful engine, with top up it can be noisy at higher speeds. fun to take top down. short wheel base means for bouncy ride, but thats a jeep.

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  My jeep - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By toner - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2000 jeep grand cherokee larado and this summer I purchased a 23 foot hardside camper and my jeep tows it like it wasnt even there. I just love my jeep.

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  A Good All Around Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JFL Live - May 30 - 1:56 pm

  I bought my 2004 Grand Cherokee used from the local dealer with about 15k miles on it. Having read all the reviews stating different mechanical problems, I test drove at least a dozen Grand Cherokees before I settled on this one. Many of the Jeeps I test drove had a wandering front end, pulsating brakes or transmission noise. Some had too many miles with no warranty left. The one I picked had 2 years and 20k left on the warranty and NO symptoms of any mechanical problems. After 8,000 miles there are still no problems. If you can find a good one like I did, it makes a perfect every day car.

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  High mileage and still going strong - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By megs3 - May 29 - 3:08 pm

  I have 291,000 miles on my Jeep. Yes, I have had repairs beginning at 120,000 through 190,000. The cost of repairs exceeded the cost of my Jeep. However, I HAVE NO PAYMENTS on a newer car, and in analyzing this expense vs buying a new one, Im still ahead. Paid 12K and put in about 16k. For the repairs, replaced the CV boot about 3 times, replaced regulators in the front windows, and the transmission at about 240,000. And an infamous rattle in the rear end which finally turned out to be the rear door. Truthfully, most of the cost of repair went to inexperienced mechanics that thought they could fix anything, and knew nothing about jeeps. Its a great vehicle and well worth keeping.

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  northland driver - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mark s - May 28 - 10:50 am

  I am reasonably satisfied with my new jeep. I live on a gravel road that does not always get cleared in the winter and wanted a replacement for my Tahoe (awesome in the snow) yet not so big.

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  Fill save in snow or mud - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Adam P - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle for New England climat. If you have boat trailer to tow it culd be good choice for this. I had almost no problems with this vehicle until now when some parts called for replacement(radiator and starter)

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  Grand Cherokee rocks! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GladIdid - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Limited in 99, has been great vehicle ever since. Not one major problem to report.

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  Bullit Proof - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Mike - May 20 - 8:46 am

  Has well over 100K miles and still running strong. Brakes have a slight pulsating problem.

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  loyal jeep owner - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By tracy - May 19 - 2:06 am

  I got my jeep in march 2008, and it is FWD 2.0. I love it and it is good on gas. I have to get used to the autostick, and I really dont use it. But overall I am a jeep fanatic and I really like the fuel efficiency.

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  Really Crappy Wiring - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rabbit - May 18 - 8:36 am

  After 10 years, nearly every wire in the Jeep is cracking and beginning to fail. Intermittent failures in the window operators, instruments, radio. Cruise control, horn and airbag are all out of commission. Car has never been crashed or bumped and has had only light 4wd use, but body panels are coming loose, trim strips and bumpers are falling off. Transmission is noisy. Death wobble is getting steadily worse even after new tires, shocks, dampener and alignment. The Jeep is the newest of my three cars and the only one that I seriously want to get rid of. VERY Disappointed.