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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  2004 Jeep Grand - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mlynn - March 5 - 10:53 am

  This is the second Jeep we have owned and we love it. It is very comfortable and takes a rough road great. Cleans up nice too. The only thing I would change is the gas mileage. I had a Honda before this and ouch!

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  At 2 bucks a gallon, maybe a mistake!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Leap - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought a Liberty to replace my aged Cherokee. Gas mileage seems much worse, used to go a full week on the Cherokee, now 4 days on the Liberty between fill-ups. Really wanted a 5 speed but cant get one.

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  I Love My Jeep - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Louise Lane - March 2 - 11:20 pm

  Purchased in 96 or 97 and have loved every minute of ownership of this SUV. Replaced gas tank, viscous coupler, rotors, radiator, fuel pump, didnt mind any of it. Wanted to upgrade and had nothing but Jeep in mind however, did not like the 05 body style. Doors slanted and made entry and exit to difficult on head and neck. I would still be driving this Jeep if not for problem with starting but then choking out and dying which left me stranded every summer (never in the winter) leave it sit for hour or so and it would start right up and drive away. Several repair attempts and they could not find the problem. Time to move on. Still say the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo "the best I ever owned!"

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  I can live with it - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Dawnlark - March 2 - 10:33 pm

  Drives beautiful. Never had a mechanical problem with it, but very uncomfortable. I was hoping I would love it as much as I did my old Cherokee, but it doesnt compare.

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  94 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Don Richards - March 2 - 10:00 am

  very reliable vehicle with all the bells and whistles. routine service at dealership every 3 to 4 k miles. body and interior in excellent condition. collision with small deer when vehicle was 3 weeks old. damaged grill and headlight. all repaired at dealership.

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  Great Car Wrangler 6 cyl. - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By madi - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought it used, owned it for 5 years already. Ive had convertibles before like the saab turbo, but this is different. Its fun, reliable, more powerful and faster than you think. Seats are comfortable. Tops are a little of a pain to work with, but they have newer versions now. Its a little loud when youre driving 80, and can be a little bumpy if you dont have good shocks. Love the resale value too.

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  ITS A LEMON - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By trixy - March 2 - 10:00 am

  WHERE SHOULD I BEGIN , I PURCHASED THIS CAR BECAUSE I LIKED THE LOOK AND BECAUSE OF THE 0 % FINANCING.BIG MISTAKE I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE BMW X5 WHICH HELD ITS VALUE COMPARED TO THE JEEP.IVE HAD PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND NOW THEY TELL ME ITS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AFTER 36,000 MILES.

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  2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SC - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, very sound vehicle. Great styling

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  Great Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Glowtoes - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Solid ride, great design - True Jeep.

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  all i ask - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By dave1399 - March 1 - 7:39 pm

  i have owned 2 cherokees before this. i was ready for an updated version of what i had. i needed 4x4. when this became available i was ready to buy.the gas milage is right.as we know jeep doesnt make a "4 door sedan" i went in asking for the vehicle i expected and i promise this is it. the quirky things you might hear about this car are not quirks at all. it is a pretty sofisticated enginering marvel... my jeep is a 4 letter word , love.