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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  my first jeep - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Allen Jensrud - October 23 - 6:46 pm

  I bought this 95 Jeep wrangler in nov, 2008 because since I was very Young I always said I would own a Jeep. I think the first words out of my moms mouth were "since you where three years old you wonted one" the Jeep I have is the bare bones model s. With the straight 4,2. 5l. No a/c. The only thing I dont like in this Jeep is it is very slow take off. But still get 20 mpg highway with it. ( no hot rodding like my celica!) this vehicle will take you any where. Its a very light Jeep. You will feel the wind move the Jeep in high wind conditions. Other then that all I can tell you is buy one for a second car. It also almost replaced my atv! It will fit almost any where!

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  Fun with the Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By flhoustontx - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving the vehicle for about three weeks and have loved it. I love the way it handles and turns. Its a bit rough as far as the ride but what the heck its fun to drive and I knew I wasnt buying a Caddie.

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  electrical issues - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dansss - October 20 - 9:00 pm

  This jeep is great when it comes to driving in the snow. Its not bad around town, it looks great in dark grey. I have had some issues with the electrical system though. The pass. side taillight keeps going out and none of the windows go up or down. I feel they could have done a better job on the electrical system.

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  Very Fun To Drive - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By atg3000gt - October 18 - 1:03 am

  I purchased my 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport w/ 6 speed manual 10/10/2013. The Jeep is very comfortable and shifting is quite easy. There is very little road noise for the Sunrider top even at highway speeds. My only complaint is that most of the Sunrider top components should be metal whenever possible. I broke my bow lock on day one.

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  GRAND CHEROKEE LARADO REVIEW - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CLINK - October 15 - 2:00 am

  IF YOUR LOOKING FOR SIZE AND AFFORDABILITY THEN THIS IS A GOOD CHOICE. 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS A GOOD FEATURE FOR TODAYS ENVIORMENT, IT HANDLES WELL FOR A SUV, BUT WATCH YOUR TURNS AT HIGH SPEEDS.

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  After Commander now Cherokee - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tim - October 13 - 9:06 pm

  Jeep is an excellent value for the money, compared to similar offerings from European manufacturers. It is true that the Cherokee has less space than other off-road capable SUVs, but it has a sportier design. My former Commander offered more space, but added about 500 lbs. Fuel economy is GOOD, compared to SUVs with similar powered and performance. Seats are firm and comfortable.

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  2005 Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nick - October 13 - 2:40 am

  Fast and fun to drive, plenty of power, pulls a 3000 lb. boat like nothing. Gas mileage stinks even with the mds engine. i hope they come up with a retrofit for alternative fuels when they become more available. Negatives, unless you like paying for fuel dont buy the 5.7 v8. Entering the vehicle is cramped for someone tall; the angle of the windshield post is too steep and you constantly hit your head.

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  Creaks but runs forever - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By firstwagon - October 11 - 9:03 pm

  Bought it 7 years ago for 7 grand. Since then the only non maintenance repair was a starter motor. Its towed our travel trailer all over BC and never let us down. It leaks oil and creaks and groans but it never quits and has real character.

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  We love it - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dsully - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned our 01 Limited for almost two years now. Had warranty work done for the brake rotors and the driver side heated seat. Dealer service was excellent. Ive owned 4x4s for many years and this one is top notch. We have the Up-Country package, which is handy for the off-road stuff that this rig is suberb at! The AWD in snow has a different feel that takes some getting used to, but it gets you where you want to go. Our Jeep is very solid and fun to drive as well as having some nice luxury touches. You can spend much less for an SUV, but then again, what the heck do you work so hard for?

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  Loved it...until it kept stalling on me! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By shay - October 8 - 10:30 pm

  I bought this car and loved it for several months, until the engine started to give me problems. It stalled 3 times - the dealer "fixed" it, but I stalled 2 more times, this time in the middle of traffic. The dealership had my car for two weeks and found nothing wrong with it. Now I have to get another car, even though Ive had this for only 10 months. Im very disappointed - I loved this car, but it is extremely unreliable, and the service i DID NOT receive from the dealership was terrible. All 3 local dealerships are terrible - I will most likely never get another Jeep. The Carfax report I paid for said nothing was wrong with that - I blame that on the dealership i bought it from!