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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  Could not be better! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Chris - December 31 - 3:50 pm

  Bought new in 00, this thing has needed NOTHING! I dont count wear items such as brakes, tires, batteries, etc. like many reviewers do. I decided to write a review because it just turned 200,000 miles today. No leaks, no burning oil, runs the same as new. The 4.0 is astounding. If you use a K&N air filter and Mobil 1 10w-30 synthetic oil, itll get about 28 MPG on the highway. Thats at 75 MPH with 3 people and luggage using 87 octane (regular) fuel! The ride is much improved with the Dunlop RVXT 235 75 15 tires instead of the horrible stock Goodyears. The last set of Dunlops went over 60K with even wear. I have ALL the power options and ALL work with no problems. Itll do about anything!

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  2nd Time Around the Block - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By iamwhoam - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 JGC Laredo V8 that I really liked, but rotors warped. Bought this Jeep Limited HO V8 early 2003 and have put 35000 miles on in 16 mnths. No front rotor warping like the last Jeep, tracks great, stable through high speed turns as long as you keep a constant turn. Try to "saw" your way through turn and you will upset your balance. Slight harsh shift from occasionally. Maybe a small back seat, not a huge cargo area. But way shorter and more easier to drive than a recent Trailblazer rental. I think the interior styling is still attractive, and open. Resales not the greatest it seems, but I love it so much I may keep. Go with V8 HO!

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  Unreal - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Awesome - December 31 - 4:40 am

  After owning a minivan this is much better. I love it. My mom had a Ford Escape and the Jeep just blows it away. It handles on the dime. I cant wait to see it in the SNOW.

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  Amazing - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By jordanl010 - December 27 - 7:23 am

  I just got this jeep yesterday. Commando green, maunal, hard top. I absolutely love it. Rides so smoth. Its like a SUV. The interior is nicer than most cars and its a jeep.

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  I am jeep - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ste - December 27 - 3:43 am

  I just got the 2010 Grand Cherokee Limited and I love it. First off it came with everything you can think of stander. The 5.7 Hemi made the jeep what it is. I test drove many other trucks and nothing came close to these. I had 4 other Grand Cherokee so I know what I was getting

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  Go Anywhere, Do Anything! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ian A. Neether - December 26 - 9:50 pm

  I absolutely love these vehicles. They are so reliable. I can go back to my favorite fishing spot, put the seats down and load up the back with equipment, go camping in the back, drive inns are a blast, go anywhere my wrangler owning buds go, get better gas mileage that full size trucks, all power, all electric, tow my boat jet ski four Wheeler or car trailer. This is the most awesome vehicle ever made. My 4dr 4x4 sport has 246,000 miles and still going strong. I will repair it when it needs it and never part with it.

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  "You Have to drive one" - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By SmokeyJeep - December 26 - 1:40 pm

  I always wanted a Jeep- For one they keep the same style so the residual value remains high - and for two they are the BEST looking vehicles on the road-Only people with style can adapt to the flawless unchanged styling of the Jeep-I owned mine now for approx:3 months I have about 5000 miles on it I use it for every day use approx 50 miles per day and I love it-A good solid ride and a good sound system if you purchase the sound package-I took it off roading in NH and handled some obstacles with out any worries then I drove home 210 miles in comfort-What other vehicle can conquer cliffs in the deep woods then get on the road and drive in comfort and style-If you are thinking about buying buy!

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  Great comfortable reliable Jeep - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jcool1985 - December 26 - 12:00 pm

  I bought my jeep used with 60k miles in 2005 and it now has a little over 95k. I love it! It is very comfortable and fun to drive. The limited trim really makes it upscale and the leather seats are like pillows very nice. The exterior and interior are very nice and the build quality is good. Better than the new 05+ grand cherokees in my opinion. The newer ones just seem cheaper. The 4.7L V8 is a great powerful engine that still gets pretty good gas mileage. The V8 really makes this jeep a fun to drive suv not to mention it tows my boat great. My jeep has only required normal service. No major or expensive repairs. Would recommend this suv and would buy another one.

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  Excellent - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By skywalker - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Great vehichle fun to drive only 1 trip back to dealor for warrenty work excellant

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  Jeep 4x4 sport 6spd - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Lloyd - December 24 - 9:46 pm

  I needed a small SUV that was good on gas, has a real tow rating (I have a couple of quads, thats how much I like getting off road) and could get dirty. IsnÂ’t that what SUVÂ’s are for? IÂ’m not sure how they call the Honda CR-V a SUV? I narrowed it down to the Jeep Liberty and the Nissan Xterra. Jeep gave me the best deal! Nissan really likes their Xterra. I bought this Jeep Liberty in the middle of a snow storm (Denver Colorado) and it been snowing ever since. This Jeep will go anywhere you point it. Best snow vehicle I ever had! And I have had a lot of vehicles. My first Jeep and I love it. CanÂ’t wait to take it off road in Moab this spring!