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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  Fit and Finish - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Christopher - October 8 - 10:10 am

  They are not breaking any stereotypes about American cars with this Jeep. I really wanted to buy American and it seemed at first that Jeep gave you so many more options for the money compared to other brands. But the number of items big and small to break down in the first months of ownership is remarkable. From the ignition to the door on the thing that holds you sun glasses, almost nothing is too sacred for a trip of two to the shop. At the shop these problems are so common I hardly get a surprised look. I read in their propaganda that they are taking a hard look at improving the fit and finish. That would be a good start. We do drive ours off-road, and it is a lot of fun.

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  Commanders Awesome Drive - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Kathy - October 8 - 6:06 am

  I first saw the Commander on the road. Ive had all makes of Jeeps prior. When I test drove it, it took 2 minutes and it had my name on the title. I was shocked at what a different drive it was compared to the Laredo. Its as fun as my Wrangler was with the full comfort of a luxury car.

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  Dont buy it - because youll love it - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Hawk - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep and if I hadnt had so many major repairs at 54,000 miles, I wouldnt be trading it for a Toyota 4Runner. Note: Manifold, Differential, Seat Belt, and Drive Shaft replacement!!! No favors at the dealer with the warranty or the trade value for a new one.

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  What an SUV should be.... A Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By FastHippyFan - October 8 - 2:00 am

  From city streets to mountain trails we have had no problems with our 99 Grand Cherokee Laredo. Our family has enjoyed the extra elbow room as well as the reliablility.

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  Would I buy another Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tricky - October 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the second jeep I have leased over the lasy 5 years,would I lease another? No On both my 97 and 99 I have had to replace tires with less then 25000 miles on them.Both have had problems electrically and transmission problems. Both had batteries replaced after two years under warranty. 99 had fuel pump problems,a/c does not get cold enought in the FL sun.

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  Jeep Class - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bruce D - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I use to go through about one vehicle a year until I bought a used 1996 Grand Cherokee. I was so impressed with it, that within a year I bought my present 2000 model. The Jeep is perfect for my use. For a SUV, I consider its 23-24 mpg on the highway a decent performance. Although not a hot rod, it has all the power needed for 99% of the time. Other than the having the drivers power window unit replaced once, it has given me trouble free operation.

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  It hit a solid double - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Skipnatl - October 8 - 2:00 am

  My second new Jeep, Ive been a little peeved about the little quirks. The air/heat fan is too noisy and there are rattles in the dash. I love the performance of the vehicle, and the gas mileage hasnt been horrible. Its very comfortable for me and three friends to ride around. If it werent for the noises, I would say this is by far the best value for the money. Now, Im not so sure.

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  Dream Car! - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepster - October 7 - 1:53 pm

  I recently purchased a 2010 2-door Sahara with the manual transmission. It is a blast to drive! Everything about the Wrangler has been impressive so far. . . I cant wait until it gets warm enough to take the top off!

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  OIIIIO thrills - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By OIIIIO driver - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I have a 93 indestructible Cherokee. I just bought this 97 Cherokee, with 245K miles on it. Paid $1500 for him. My 93 is a standard this 97 is an automatic. IF you can find one get one. I easily expect to get 300 K out of this Jeep. I have 2 new cars a 4runner and a Pontiac, but would rather drive my 97 Jeep any day than these due to the fact "he" is solid as a rock. If the powers that be ever read these blogs , they would re invent these Jeeps, and would have a new following, I love mine and dread the day (if ever) I get rid of it.

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  Love My Limited - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sergio - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2011 Grand Cherokee Limited a few weeks ago. The dealer experience was great! They did not have the color i wanted but had it transferred from another dealer that day. I have to say i had never thought of a Jeep before but when i saw the new design and then test drove it. I was sold! It is much bigger than previous models, but i love the ride, the handling and the look of the overall cabin. I have always driven luxury cars and have to say that it compares in quality and comfort to those of BMW, Lexus and Audis.