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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  never been disapointed - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cody - May 23 - 9:33 am

  this car vibrates and makes rumbling noise when shifting lots of road noise

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  OK So far - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By larado - May 23 - 8:46 am

  I have had my Grand Cherokee for a week. It has been an improvement over what I had before. The only concern I have is the transmission. Does anyone have a hesitation when the accelerate from a stop and then it kicks in and when braking does it feel like a slip in the transmission?

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  Dont buy a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Laredo - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Scarlet - May 22 - 3:16 pm

  We bought this car used for my son. We have replaced tie rods, cv boots, transmission, air conditioning, brakes front and back, axle shaft. Now we found out the rear axles are shot and the front needs ball joints and new cv boots. We have put a fortune in this car in 3 years thinking that after all the expense we may be able to drive it to get our moneys worth. We are now trading it in for the cash for clunkers and it makes me sick since it has all these new items and the body is in great shape. We cant put another $1800 that we were just quoted to fix it. This car had to be a lemon when designed.

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  Best 8 years of my Life! - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Nancy - May 21 - 11:30 am

  I have enjoyed owning this Jeep so much. The only reason I can see to sell it is I dont recommend putting car seats in it. I loved it in the winter as well as the summer. Its 4 wheel drive, so I never had problems getting where I needed to be. Not even in a blizzard! Its so fun owning a Jeep, especially when you have a hard top, soft top as well as a bikini top. I recommend it to everyone, except if you have an infant to tool around with.

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  Will never own another... - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By lmbrans06 - May 20 - 11:55 pm

  I have always loved the Jeep style so I bought the four door and loved it... until 69,000 miles. Thats when the spider gear went out. It was covered under the lifetime powertrain warranty because I bought it new in 2008. I was told Jeep wouldnt cover it because the spider gear wasnt under the warranty coverage. If the spider gear isnt powertrain, I dont know what is. I threw a fit to Jeep and they finally covered it. It stayed in the shop a week. I went to go get it and was told the axle seals were leaking. So it was gone another week. Got it back and the axle seals were still leaking. They replaced them again. After that, it never worked right again.

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  Starting to dim at 90K - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Bob V. - May 20 - 8:00 pm

  I have really been pleased with it. However, at 90K the rear differential has got noisy (an $1800. repair if you dont like noise). This Jeep eats brakes like french fries. Im on my 5th set. The AC controls are breaking down also. I was hoping for 125K, before retiring it, but Im wondering whats next. I paid 17K new. No absolute major repairs.

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  Fun Jeep - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kent - May 20 - 6:16 am

  Have only had my Wrangler for a short while now but that is not to say I do really love driving it. I find the seats very comfortable even though I am tall and the legroom in the front is plenty for me. Ride quality is good and yes it is rough but not jarring. All switchgear is easy to use and straightforward...in fact the whole vehicle is that way...no gimmicks or extras you dont need. We own other cars with the gimmicks so the Jeep certainly doesnt need them. Even though I have the cloth top the interior is fairly quiet although you do notice the wind etc. a little more then with a hardtop. Would definitely buy another one and recommend highly.

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  Have fun while driving - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By TBONE - May 20 - 5:30 am

  I have had this car for about 3 1/2 years now and I have not had any major problems. Very reliable and rugged vehicle. Excellent in the snow, dirt, mud. The rugged tires will get you out of any situation. Jump curbs, logs, boulders. Anything! Basically as far as off road capability you couldnt ask for anything more. The jeep is not a very great in the highway. Its noisy, rough ride (you will feel every bump), and will cost you a lot in gas. (be prepared for that)

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  Blind Spots - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rebecca - May 20 - 3:50 am

  The Grand Cherokee performs and handles well with a comfortable seat. The main con that I have found with this vehicle is that even when you turn to check your blind spot when switching lanes, the blind spot is so bad that you still cant see! If forces you to rely on your mirrors. I would not put a child in my vehicle because of the fact that you should not rely solely on mirrors when driving. I suggest that Jeep go back to its original design so that I can see when I change lanes.

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  4 Months And Lovin It - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark - May 20 - 3:46 am

  We have owned this 08 Wrangler for 4 months now and totally love it. Reviewers keep harping on lack of acceleration. I have no problems with the V6. It is very sufficient. If you want sports-car acceleration, you should buy a sports car. For Gods sake, this is a SUV. It wasnt designed for extreme acceleration. It truly does everything in an extremely FUN way. You need to test drive one to understand.