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:

• 

  Well Maintained - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By porrsher - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the vehicle from CarMax with 101k miles, it now has 125k and engine still running strong. (V8 5.2L). We did have to have a small oil leak in the transfer case, (QuadraTrack) but nothing major after that. Of course the A/C Evaporator went out like it does on all of the GC and the Catalitic converter. knock on wood thats all the problems that we have had. fuel economy could be better, after replacing the O2 sensor the MPG went up to about 21 from 17 hwy.

• 

  I love my Jeep - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By stevegolf72 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Runs great, The Gas Mileage sucks. I feel like I sink all of my money into the gas tank! It is very very very loud!

• 

  Not Bad For A Ladies Car! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jumpjak - November 27 - 10:00 am

  We live in Pennsylvania and my wife needed something besides a Monte Carlo Super Sport to drive on slippery roads. She purchased this Jeep and loves it! Im trying to talk her into a Trail Blazer, but I may see another Jeep arriving. It has 46,000 miles and hasnt been back to the garage once. Six cylinder gets over 25 mph which she loves. Its not my cup of tea, as I drive Chevy Silverados but she swears by it.

• 

  213,000 mi. and climbing - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cherokee73 - November 24 - 3:13 pm

  My 2000 Jeep Cherokee Classic has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned 17 vehicles and none of them even come close. The common problems associated with the Cherokees are present (front speakers quit working, A/C quit, hood latch rusted out), but other than that it has required almost no maintenance.

• 

  MY JEEP - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hal - November 22 - 2:26 am

  The Jeep to me is a Die-Hard SUV that seems to have the power and luxury that most SUVs just seem to lack. Even though the new Trailblazer that Chevy came out with has 270 horsepower, the Jeep just felt like it would leave it in the dust. Plus, the interior of the Chevy is just too tinny to me.

• 

  You know youre getting there in a cherokee - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By maxxoccupancy - November 20 - 6:04 pm

  I have had this vehicle for about 15,000 miles, and I have been very happy with it. It is as capable off road as off, and there are thousands of modifications for these vehicles. Whether you want to hit the trails or brave New England winters, these are some of the best vehicles for the money. The Cherokee is also one of the safest, toughest vehicles on the road.

• 

  My Review - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By another name - November 20 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is great in the winter with 4WD, and handles nicely anyh other time. The fuel economy is bad with this vehicle. Having a straight-6 engine takes a lot of gas, but if you can afford it the towing capacity is worth it.

• 

  3rd Car - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Wynter - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Ever since I can remember I have always wanted a jeep. I had planned on selling my truck but at the last minute I changed my mind. That makes it hard for me to tell if I would like it as well if it were my only vehicle. As for a 3rd car we love to zipp around town on the weekends.

• 

  Nice car built badly. - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeffjs - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive never owned anything other than Jeeps. Ive owned a 98, 99 and 2001 Grand Chrokee. From day 1, I have a leaky sunroof, speakers (Gold Series) that crackle, an AC and overhead indicator light that does not work, memory seating for 2 that does not remember what the settings that are saved, balding Michelin tires after only 18000 miles, an an engine light that kept coming on (bad O2 sensor - replaced). Other than that, I love it! :)

• 

  Even better than expected. - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By C.J. - November 15 - 9:16 pm

  I purchased an X model with the 24S option package that provides better off road capability than the Sahara while giving up very little of the convenience and none of the comfort. I added rock rails to protect the underside of the bodys rocker area. Options include the wonderful Freedom top, automatic transmission, Sirius radio, Side air bags and fog lights. Compared to the previous iterations of the Wrangler, the new JK series is vastly better in terms of quiet and ride isolation. If youve own an older Wrangler, you will be astounded at the refinement of the JK inside and out, on road and off road. Fuel mileage around town is 16 mpg, while getting a surprising 25+ mpg highway.