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 2008 JGC IS GREAT! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RON - July 5 - 9:53 am

  I bought my JGC in Aug of 08 and have now had it 6 mos and put 14,000+ on it. The ONLY problem I have had is to replace the RF window regulator. When I picked it up it had no problems for warranty repair and none since til the regulator. Drives great and gets up 26 mpg on the hwy and 18 to 22 in town. The roof, due to the sunroof, is too low, but otherwise I love it. The only other problem: the reset for the trip computer is on the steering wheel and is too easy to accidentally hit getting in or out and you inadvertantly reset it without knowing it! Put the reset on the dash. So far, it has no rattles or odd noises. This is my 3rd Jeep and by far the best. Good acceleration.

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  2000 Cherokee Classic in Chile - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Costabal Sebastian - July 1 - 9:03 am

  With my family we like to be able to leave the weekends, to be in contact with the nature, our Cherokee has occurred excellent experiences and we have been able to arrive with the practically to any place, it is comfortable, perhaps the consumption is high, but he has a very reliable and powerful motor. And we feel very sure in the one it is a solid vehicle.

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  Now, its Jeep or nothing! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Red - June 28 - 12:50 pm

  I bought my 2007 Wrangler 2 dr and love it but, there are some problems. I have had to have a roof leaf repaired 3 times, and now I am experiencing "Death Wobble" I sure hope that it can be fixed. If there is one thing I want to stress, DCX, please look after us Jeepers.

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  Lovemylaredo - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By luvmyjeep - June 27 - 1:33 pm

  I am very happy with my Jeep. I have owned very nice high end sports cars and was afraid I would not enjoy driving a Jeep but I love it. Its comfortable on the road, easy to drive and park. I love it .

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  Daily use turned to rarely used - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jtpc0003 - June 24 - 5:36 pm

  Good quality product, but fuel economy was very low. Averaged 13-14mpg the first year and a half. Then got a K&N cold air intake installed and now average 15-16mpg. (which isnt too awful for this category of high performance mid-suv) Nice Jeep, but simply drinks too much fuel for the days we live in.

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  Jeep - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Shaun Smith - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Great Vehicle. I love it

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  Erics Review of the 1998 Grand Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Erok - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Good overall, nice SUV 4x4, love Jeep!

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  x - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By freek - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Do Own my car since August 02, the 2,5 L Diesel version, and Although it is often reffered to as a soccermoms car It amazes me everytime on as well off road GREAT car !!

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  95 - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Tony Montana - June 21 - 10:00 am

  140,000 miles and only a few problems. An engine mount broke. Easy to find parts and fun to soop up. 3 inch lift kit runs about $300. The back seats can be removed or folded down for additional room. Does good in mud and on snow.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ancientric - June 21 - 10:00 am

  I have the I-6 4X4 with an automatic transmition. It has been a comfortable road car. On several cross country trips it has averaged 21 MPG. Around the city it has averaged 17 MPG. It has proven to be extremely reliable. The car is very comfortable and has very good handling. The four wheel drive is a major plus in our midwest winters.