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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  Still runs like a champ! - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By RedRagtopYJ - March 22 - 1:50 am

  I bought my Wrangler brand spankn new. I wanted it so bad, when the dealership called me to say my order was in, I made my girlfriend take me up there to look at it all wrapped up! The Jeep Wrangler/CJ is the only vehicle that makes me get excited like some silly kid. Ive done some off-roading, but nothing extreme. Ive NEVER been stuck off-road, nor in the snow. Its been a pleasure to drive daily for the past 13 years. Its not perfect, by any means, but something Ive cherished. Getting almost 170,000 miles on it now, the 4.0 inline 6 is tickidy, but keeps on going. From talking to others, this engine is good for 250,000 or better. And you thought only Hondas got that kinda life.

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  Excellent car!! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By amairs - March 22 - 1:50 am

  I love this car! I havent had it long, but it handled beautifully through the 16.5 inches of snow we got. I feel very safe having my 1 year old son in it. It is so comfortable, and the space is just perfect. It is a smaller SUV- not meant for hauling big loads, so the trunk isnt what youd find in a large SUV. I havent had any problems, and get very decent gas mileage.

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  My Last "premium" Jeep - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By marcusknyte@yahoo.com - March 21 - 9:09 pm

  Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel 2014: Ill start with Do Not Buy anything that costs 50k+ from Jeep. I dont think they know anything about supporting this level of cost of automobile. Their service is absolutely horrible. Not at the dealership lever but the corporation itself. I have had numerous problems with my DEF system since purchase. I am at 14900 miles now and still have issues. I have been to the shop 5 times now. It has all so far been related to the emissions system. ] When I call Chrysler I talk to some of the rudest people I know in customer service. They reflect the same level of satisfaction I have come to expect from my Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel 2014. As I type this I am waiting for parts to come in so I can take it in again. Just this morning I got a DEF message pop up. I called my case manager and could not get a hold of her. Every time I call the general team number it goes to voicemail. So I called Chrysler Corp and spoke to a rude person who said she cant help and would put me to my case manager. She did and I got voicemail. Its like they dont really care at all about their product or satisfaction of the customer. I am looking into a legal means to get my problem resolved. I hope there is a class action lawsuit against these guys to teach them better responsibility.

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  Great Find - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By algobull - March 21 - 8:29 am

  I got this wrangler with 68K Mi about 2 years ago. I know have over 90K and it feels like it could go on forever. It was only supposed to be a weekend car, but after I lost my job, its my everyday driver, and I love it. I live in Florida and people always look at me with envy when driving it down the road. I got an automatic because I blew 3 clutches in in 4 years on my previous jeep... I found out later its due to a minor and fixable repair in the master cylinder... I do miss the 5 speed though, better power and much better MPGs. Even young girls love it (not as much as my old mustang, but hey)... and Im glad its slow because fast cars are def not a good idea for me (i.e. 3 clutches)

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  Rubicon or nothing!!! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By webou812 - March 21 - 3:53 am

  Starting it up the first time,and driving off was awesome! Turned the first corner and hopped off road! Incredible!! on or ff road. Ive owned lots of 4x4s including other jeeps, and this years 2008 jeep Rubicon has them all beat, hands down! If you can afford the Rubicon, get it with some of the new whistles and bells, power windows/locks in a jeep too cool! The new hardtop is a must it provides security, much warmer in the cold months, and best of all it comes apart in 3 pieces! I highly recommend this Jeep Rubicon!! Love the wheels too. All in all its hands down the best jeep Ive ever seen, and the best 4x4 Ive ever had! Dont forget to wave, Its a jeep thing!!!

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  Guess I got lucky - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By David - March 21 - 2:20 am

  I have a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It has over 162K on it and still runs great. I have to replace the brake rotors too often but other than that its been very reliable. It failed to get me to my destination only twice. Once, with about 20K miles, the float in the gas tank failed, resulting in an inaccurate gas tank reading. Consequently I ran out of gas. Then at about 155K the ignition switch failed so it wouldnt start. Im going to keep it until it dies! I do some minor off roading, nothing too tough - more ruts and rocks than anything else. I have the V6, and it gets 17-19 MPG.

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  what a lemon - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Sean - March 20 - 10:36 pm

  i hate this car. it has died and lost all of it charm.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Kelly - March 20 - 6:03 am

  I bought this car after a Liberty because I was trying to save on gas. Saved there lost elsewhere. I am 510 and this car is NOT for tall people. The roof is not like other cars and when I pull up to stop lights (on the white line) I have to duck my head to see what color the light is. I do like how it whips around corners and handles great. However, after having this car for a week, I am in the process of returning it. I wish the roof was better and didnt have the extra material by the windshield. Jeep struck out with this one for tall people.

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  DONT DO IT !! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepisjunk - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Brake rotor problem at 16,000 miles. The transmission shifted real hard and makes a clunking noise when doing so. I took it to a 3rd party service center and had them do a transmission service on it (at 30,000 miles !!!!) and that seems to have helped. The ignition had to be replaced because the key would not turn anymore. The vehicle also had that problem with the fuel pump where it takes 3 tries to get it started. That was fixed during the warranty by a recall. My next door neighbor had the exact same problems and a couple others. I feel like I bought a jacked up 33,000 dodge aries k car.

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  Best SUV for the Money - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeeplover - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I have just bought my 5th Jeep and believe I will always own one. I love these cars, since I have always felt safe in them. I am a frequent renter of vehicles and of all, Jeep makes me feel like it has the highest rate of reliability and is the safest. I think that there is not likely a more comfortable nor safer SUV on the road.