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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  Fun Vehicle - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Maggie - December 29 - 11:50 am

  I love my Jeep. Has provided style and comfort while driving with few problems. It is versatile and is a great traveling vehicle or running errands.

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  I love my Jeep! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Alex - December 29 - 1:43 am

  Ive owned Jeeps for the last 16 years, and this is my first new Jeep. I love it, it does everything Ive asked of it so far. Ive towed a trailer, and had fille the large amount of storage space numerous times without any problems.

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  super car - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By tjm - December 23 - 10:00 pm

  This is my 3rd Cherokee and loved them all. Ive had this for 9 years and it runs fantastic. Nothing but oil, tires and brakes in all these years. Off road it totally kicks. It is nimble, quick, engineered very well for its purpose. It is just a very lively and capable JEEP. I expect it to last many more years.

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  2002 JGC - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JD - December 23 - 9:16 am

  My 2002 Grand Cherokee was a great buy. Ive only had a handful of minor issues with it...nothing that one wouldnt expect from driving 25-40 miles per day in city traffic. But with an average of 18-23mpg or so, its not unreasonable at all. Its a bit squirrelly on the freeway, but it has amazing control in town. Driving in Houston, Austin and Dallas has been a breeze, even when hauling 5 folks or a full load of "stuff". Ill be drivin the wheels off mine. Unless of course I get a newer one. (ThatÂ’s why Im back to Edmunds). Someone looking for a fair sized SUV with good city driving characteristics wont be disappointed.

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  Jeep Gr Cherokee - Great! - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CBK - December 23 - 2:00 am

  My Jeep has exceeded any and all of my expectations. Its a great vehicle. With 150,000 miles and still going strong I cant say enough good things.

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  Very nice vehicle for Snowy locations - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By judge09 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had quite a few jeeps before but this was my first grand cherokee. Like some others I have had brake issues. But I would not consider it a problem. The V8 engine is really nice and the 4x4 system is awsome. It performs better in the snow than my girlfriends 03 Lexus RX300. Besides looks thats about the only way the jeep beats out the lexus but for an american full size SUV you cant beat it. The seats are the most comfortable I have ridden in period. Take a test drive and see for yourself.

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  2000 jeep laredo - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By daytona - December 23 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car. The only problem in 3 years was a problem with the cruise control that was fixed while they changed my oil.

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  I like this thing! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By bmwone - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Ours is an early build and were happy with everything but the mileage. Even thats not terrible for a 4WD SUV. We are both 58" or shorter, with an 8 year old boy. It works well for us. My wife likes the height of the vehicle and the corresponding ease of seeing out.

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  Great Ride! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By craig - December 21 - 9:26 pm

  Ive had my Cherokee for almost 2 years and have not had a problem with it. I bought mine used with 34K and now have almost 70K and it runs like a charm. Within a year I had to put new tires and shocks. Aside from that, I have not had any issues. Its fast, handles rather well, gets prety good gas milage and isj ust a workhorse.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Kelly Hyde - December 19 - 6:13 pm

  I bought this vehicle the first month it came out and I have no regrets. The gas mileage is not exceptional and there have been several minor problems with the windshield seal but other than that, this vehicle has been a pleasure. My only regret is not having the option at the time to purchase a vehicle with the flexfuel option.