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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  Reliable SUV - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tortislc - January 12 - 1:06 pm

  I bought this vehicle with 140,000 miles and it runs really good! I had a couple of sensors go out, but the dealer replaced them. Other than that, it is awesome! It got me around in the Blizzard of 06 in Colorado! Excellent sound system, love the leather, just looks like new! I will buy another Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited when the time comes and give this one to my son!

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  AWESOME SUV! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By gumbogal - January 12 - 7:03 am

  We purchased a 2005 Jeep Liberty just two months ago after researching SUVs. Living in SoCal, with an active lifestyle, we wanted agility, durability, and room for our family of four. We just hated those gigantic SUVs that bully people on the highways and are used as status symbols. The Jeep Liberty was the perfect fit for us. It is agile and sturdy and loads of fun. We do not mind sitting in SoCal traffic in our happy blue Jeep. It is not a cookie cutter behemoth SUV. If you are looking to please yourself and your wallet as opposed to spending an extra $20,000-$40,000 more to impress your neighbors and co-workers,this is the SUV to purchase.Easy on gas, despite the article. I am in LOVE!

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  Its a Jeep - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CuervoOro - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I dont know what to say about this truck but its a Jeep. They didnt just invent a series of vehicles, they inspired the industry. I bought mine with only 56000 miles just a month ago, and its been nothing but great since then.

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  The Beast - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeeper 2003 - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I Love My Jeep. It gets all the looks on the road. The styling is like no other and this vehicle is the king when it comes to the off-road. On road the ride is not to bad, you have to remember it is a jeep though not a cadi. Taking the doors off and letting the top down make driving a pleasure instead of a hassle.

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  Simply Great - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By david tufano - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Think this truck is awesome, sad to see it go.

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  Grand Cherokee - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mikeland - January 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my sixth Grand Cherokee. Excellent ride and looks. The 4.0 is the best 6 cylinder ever made.

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  My problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Shauna - January 11 - 6:16 am

  I have had my jeep for awhile. About a year after I purchased my jeep I started having problems with it. It does stall when driving on the highway and other roads. The dash lights all go off and the meters (speedometer etc) all shut off. My radio shuts off and heat or air. They said it maybe a problem with the wiring. Also my air/heat doesnt shut off. It actually goes on high if its in the off button. I had my starter fixed a few weeks ago, cracked trani hose fixed also. There is a crack in my power steering hose that needs fixed. I only have 88,000 miles, there should not be this many problems. I have also had problems with the automatic windows not rolling up or down. That was fixed.

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  120,000 Miles, No Problems! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeep lover - January 11 - 2:56 am

  I bought this Jeep new, and after 120,000 miles, I have done nothing other than the ordinary tuneups and brakes. Have the big V8 and still get 19-20 highway. Use it everywhere and mild offroad. Seems bullet-proof!

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  Great Car! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cliff R. - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had two jeeps and both of them were great...the first one was a brand new Jeep Grand Wagoneer...it lasted until 2001 when it stopped at 150,000 miles...then I feel in love with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee...its now at 60,000....

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  Best vehicle around - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ptv99jgc - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Jeep for a few years now. In the beginning it had a couple simple problems that were quickly fixd under warranty. Mechanics of vehicle seem are designed with the do-it- yourselfer in mind. I perform all maintenance myself and my Jeep has never let me down. Routine maintenance is the key. I am presently approaching 70K and it runs as good or better than new. Jeep is perfect if you need one vehicle to get you to the office every day, go camping and bring all your stuff with you. You can also tow your favorite toys with you. I could go on forever, but I will summarize, Best do it all vehicle you can get.