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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  Absolutely no problem! - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By xmnr - September 11 - 7:27 pm

  Funny story - While waiting for a Ford Torneo from Spain, my little Chrysler broke down - expensively. Had to cancel the order, forfeit the deposit and look for a new vehicle. The wife said she wouldnt mind going back to a Jeep again, so there we are. Read the negative reviews (from professionals) and the positive reviews (from owners) and found nothing to put me off - except a growing skepticism of professionals. They were wrong on every count! The salesman actually finagled a discount to rebate the $500 deposit, after I agreed to buy and here we are!

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  JUnk - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JUNK - September 11 - 3:36 pm

  I have a 2005 GRand Cherokee. I have been driving it for 2 years. I have had numerous transmission problems two different control modules a million blown fuses, electrical sensors and so on. I always wanted a jeep and never have heard of such problems with one. I bought it at 36 thousand miles and problems started within a week. The first 6 months i spent in the shop getting things fixed under warranty, and 2 years later have spend my own money to fix it. I would not recommend buying one unless u have it thoroughly checked first!

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  Love My Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By ApolloGenX - September 11 - 1:40 pm

  I got my 4d sport used and I absolutely love this SUV. I have wanted a nice SUV for years, and when my old car died, I saw my chance to get a really amazing SUV for a great price. I have had nothing but absolute fun driving every since. The interior has lots of room, which I have already used to move. The clearance is great and although the engine likes the gas, it has the power when I need it. The styling is awesome. All in all, I love everything about this car. The gas mileage could be a bit better, but other than that I love it!

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  Very strong Jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brutal - September 11 - 12:03 pm

  I bought this August of 2003 with 114,500 on the odometer. Mine is a 4x4 because i have needs with my work where I will be offroad a lot.. I now have 256,830 on my odo. Only brakes once and fuel filters to maximize performance and mileage. I average 5,000 miles a month and drive it hard. Constantly at 4-5500 rpm range. I have tested this proven 4.0 engine. Use 4x4 4-5 times a week. Mud, rocks, sand, deep water, asphalt. I hit a deer on I10 in south texas and it drove away like a champ. Tranny still shifts good and engine starts every time. I know I can get 350k or more.

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  Good bad and ugly - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By d strickland - September 9 - 11:30 pm

  Very well pleased with the car. It has 123k miles and still runs well. Rear end noise has been a constant problem. Several attempts to repair and did not help. Cockpit very well appointed but needs more room. Very crowded with 4 adults. The ride is comfortable and fun to drive. Exterior paint has held up very well. No serious maintenance problems other than rear end. Sound system is very good but speakers are cheapos.

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  Not for everyone. Thats how I like it! - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By GrungeRockJeeper - September 9 - 5:53 pm

  Its slow, loud, heavy, gets horrible gas mileage and lousy on long trips. But I love this truck! After 3 CJS and 1 YJ this is my 5th Jeep. It looks great, will climb anything, pull anything, is great fun with the top and doors off and is apparently indestructible after hitting a concrete wall at 40+mph with only minimal damage then driving away!

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  Dont buy major defects in Windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Reba Maybe - September 9 - 10:50 am

  I purchased this car new. Since February 2007 the window regulators (parts that Hold up the windows) have been repaired 5 times. Many people have this problem with Jeeps--years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and waiting to see if 2008 does too. Contacted Chrysler and they told me they had no info about a permanent fix. Not helpful at all. The car is a lemon! Also stain resistant seats are not stain resistant. Many owners spill water on seat (like me) and water leaves a brown stain on the stain resistant seats. What a joke.

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  Jeep Cherokee Rocks! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By jwilsonprice - September 9 - 10:00 am

  We bought this SUV when we moved into a neighborhood in New Hampshire where the roads were unpaved and the 1/2 mile of road to our new house rutty, muddy, and not maintained by our town. This Jeep has performed beautifully in the multiple ice and snowstorms we have had and has done nicely in getting me out of the driveway when a foot of snow was still on the ground. I absolutely love the style of the Cherokee and do love the way it handles. I am so sad they have discontinued it!

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  I have never had this many problems... - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe Sclafani - September 9 - 10:00 am

  If it isnt one thing its another. The window is broken, the transmission went out, the leather seats cracked, the vent on the a/c broke effectively blocking all air flow into the vehicle. I love the looks of this car, but I will never buy another one. It just got damaged by hail. I dont think I am even going to repair it. I will just trade it in as is and hopefully have a more reliable car in return - not a Grand Cherokee.

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  Its A Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Nancyw - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I went from a Suburban to a Wrangler Rubicon, and I love it. It is much easier to park, and maneuver around town. Granted I dont have near as much hauling room, but that makes me think twice about buying somethings. I have both hard and soft top, which I would highly recomend. I love my JEEP.