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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  Better than a Ford! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rick shauvin - January 19 - 11:20 pm

  Have had the rig about a month. Traded in a Ford F150 Crew Cab which I hated from the day I drove it home. Jeep is fantastic in almost every aspect except fuel economy around town. Plenty of power and handles like a dream in the snow and ice. Great seat heaters. Great sound system. Turns on a dime. Got the inferno red which generates lots of compliments. Worth the $200 extra. Very quiet ride. Puny cargo space.

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  Fool Andy - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Andy - January 19 - 11:06 pm

  I bought this car because I like the look and feel. Ignoring warning from consumer review about quality problem, I bought the car. I had my Jeep 11 months. Bring the car to the shop 15 times to fix transmission problem and some engine light. The car is still under warranty but the problem was never fixed. Chrysler almost seems to not care. Fed up with it, I traded in the car with a 30% loss.

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  Cherokee the 1 - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By bigdeacon - January 19 - 2:16 am

  This is a very reliable vehicle. Only complaint I have is a noisy exhaust because of vibration from hardened rubber rings in between pipes. It doesnt ride like a Caddy but if you really need to get there it will take you there though sunshine pouring in the moonroof or plowing though a foot of snow! No breakdown or problems yet as of 85,000 miles.

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  2 years and running - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gunny - January 18 - 4:43 am

  Two years in and still a hoot --had minor problem with hardtop leak in torrential rain in second year --soft top never leaks -Hard top on OCT to APR, Been off road several times -very capable and bulletproof. Interior is so far so good and sound system is very good. Really good on road comfort given 4X4\ suspension -average about 18mpg --have seen 21 on highway and 14ish in total city driving (automatic). 3.8 has only OK power on road--- weirdly much better off road (been off road at altitude in the Rockies). Run full synthetic oil -no leaks. Vehicle has never been back to dealer so far. Better than the 91-99-06 Jeeps I am familiar with Still a jeep thing!!!

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  Long lasting V-6 - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By saccnga - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 40k on it and now have 158k. It has been a reliable vehicle with good safety features for a car made in 93 (air bag, brakes). The interior has held up very well and it still handles like a new one. It is noisy inside especially during gear shifting at lower speeds. Overall it is a tough vehicle.

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  Its a Jeep thing... - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Doghawk - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Although Ive only owned this Jeep for two months, its undoubtedly the most fun auto Ive ever driven. Its a macho convertible, chick magnet, stress reliever, and all-around fun time! with the 4-cyl, I dont have as much power, but I get 19mpg. Parking is a sinch with its narrow body and short wheel base. I havent off-roaded yet, but its performance around town and on the freeway make me enjoy driving.

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  after 180,000 mi - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By stott - January 17 - 10:00 am

  still runs well...i do change oil 2500- 3000miles...i get about 15-1/2miles gal..i will buy another...5.2V8

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  Bought it New and still fun to drive - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike Redmond - January 17 - 10:00 am

  We bought this, our second Grand Cherokee, in January 1998. Had 2 diffenential problems that the dealer took care of, vibration and grinding. Currently at 89,000 miles with no problems.

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  2001 Jeep Wrangler Sahara - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Martijp - January 17 - 10:00 am

  We love this vehicle. I had been in older jeeps, and thought Id never own one. But this Jeep rides and drives so much better. Its much more refined than its predecessors. Were only selling it because we want more room.

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  Jeep Quality - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By audiofetish - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Hey all, ive had my jeep since 2000 its a beauty. they have turning capabilities that of no other! she handles better in the mountain turns than my jetta! JEEP OWNERS ROCK!!