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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  04 Laredo 4x4 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By beekmanta1 - February 9 - 1:36 pm

  Update from review, Jeep now has 180k miles, we are replacing worn out shocks cost $700. Look forward to a better ride now. Still no issues with this Jeep if you are willing to take care of it. Small stuff that is annoying though. The wire harness issue on all these is a pain, if you are able to look at the broken wire in your door jam and can fix go ahead and fix it like I did save you money. Another part had to replace was the cooling fan, stock cooling fan went dead was a $200 repair and replace cost. All in all the quality and reliability is there on the 4.0 inline 6. Take care of it, and it will take care of you.

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  Two Monthly Payments (Car and Gas) - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Shep89 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This 98 Cherokee with 56K miles on it, can still lay scratch off the line and has a ton of power, but I pay for it by spending at least $125 a month in gas (14 mpg). The storage holder broke and the glove box has very little room. People who ride in the backseat complain "how an SUV could have so little leg room". My O2 sensor and power window had to be replaced at 55K. I also had a 93 Wrangler and that 4.0 went forever. The Moss Green color always looks dirty, but has great eye appeal for that short time after its washed, waxed, and dried. I added Jeep Gambler 5-hole alloy wheels (15X8) and bigger tires and it looks great.

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  Best all-around - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jody the Jeep Dude - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Jeep, and by far, the most fun. A 4x4 convertible with plenty of clearance, power and a full roll cage. Where else can you get all of this. My Sahara definitely is the best of all worlds. It covers all bases. I average 25000 miles a year, and this vehicle makes driving to work less dreadful. The hardtop in the winter is a definite plus. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who has a class, but loves to get dirty.

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  unhappy customer - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By rdegaris - February 4 - 1:22 am

  I love everything about the JEEP except the steering damper which is a flaw that JEEP recognizes but will do nothing about it. I am on my 2nd out of pocket expense even when I purchases the care plus extended warranty. Called JEEP and they could only say sorry for your problem. I think it is crazy for them not to send behind a product.

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  windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By terbear - February 3 - 7:03 pm

  I love my Liberty except for the frustration with the dealerships/manufacturer regarding the defective windows. To fix, you must buy a whole new window and regulator/gear combo. This is very expensive. I have replaced one, two are broken and wont stay up/ its raining and cold here and I have small children, and the fourth is chattering and will fail any day. I dont see why I have to pay when they admit they have a defective design which is why the whole window must be replaced. This is way to costly a repair for the consumer to bear. With whats happening with Toyota, youd think theyd want to keep their customers happy.

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  Goin Strong - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Goin Strong - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Jeep product. I bought this Jeep Charokee in 2000 with 95K miles. My wife thought I was crazy. It now has over 125K miles and still performing great.

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  Why did Jeep stop making these? - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By scatpack71 - February 2 - 9:43 am

  I bought my Jeep from the original owner in June of 2006, and Ive been very happy since day 1. I bought it with 75k, and since then ive put 23K on it since. Ive had to replace the orginal brakes on it (id suggest the ceramic brake pads), tires, and shocks, but thats been it. I also put a 2" lift kit on it, because stock 4x4 vehicles tower over it. Now its about the height of a stock 4-runner. The best thing is that its never stranded me, its been the best car Ive owned and Ive owned and sold a lot cars.

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  Love my Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By medic 812 - January 30 - 3:03 pm

  I bought my black Cherokee Sport 4x4 off the showroom floor. It had a whole 9 miles on it. It currently has almost 130k on it. It has only been in the shop once, for a loose torque converter. It has always gotten 19 MPG with good gas. The engine set up makes preventative maintenance easy. Even the transmission pan has a drain plug. The I-6 is essentially a tractor motor. You cant kill a tractor and you cant kill a Jeep. Maybe they should have provided a PTO, that wouldve been handy. I still cant believe they quit making these great vehicles. Ill run mine until the wheels fall off.

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  Timeless Machine - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By kepasa - January 30 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for an all out performer in its class this is this vehichle for you! Excellent quality, decent ride quality in town & on the highway. Will go almost anywhere you point it offroad. It is an icon dating back to the original Willys.Soft top is adequate, but not that easy to put up.If youre looking for a convertible with ease this is not it.

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  well worth it - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark D - January 28 - 4:20 am

  after a great deal of thought and research I decided to get the jeep rather than a standard SUV. My 1st Jeep and I couldnt be happier, now my wife wants one! Fuel consumption isnt its strong point but some simple modifications (air intake etc) have lifted the town average to 18mpg, its comfortable to drive, it feels solid and well built and have had no quality issues so far (3000 miles to date). Kids are comfy in the back seat (we have 3 including a 3 year old in a center mounted child chair)plenty of space for everyone. With the hard top its as practical to drive as a normal SUV but 15 min work and the top is off on clear days!