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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  Jeep X - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By cernuto - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I am very satisfied with the performance of the Wrangler. It is certainly a Spartan vehicle and is designed with the intention of off highway usuage. However I would not recommend it as the primary mode of transportation for someone who routinely travels more than 50 miles from home.

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  My Second Review - A continued disappointment - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dpkimball - December 9 - 9:04 am

  This is my second review of our 2014 GC, which we leased in June 2013. The transmission continues to be a hot button issue for me. Gear shifts up and down through 1-3 are rough and sloppy. I believe were on our 7th recall (hard to keep track at this point), and are on a wait list for the last 3 of them as parts arent available yet. There are tons of little things that drive me crazy. For example: in literally every other car Ive owned, if the stereo is turned off when the driver turns the car off, it stays off when you turn the car back on. Not this car, not a great thing if youre giving a ride to a client or customer and the stereo comes on blaring when you start the car.

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  Great Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jarron - December 9 - 8:50 am

  I love this Jeep and the Hemi thats under the hood. It is a big improvement over my 2001 Laredo, the Boston Sound System is awesome and the ride is smooth. The fuel economy could be better but I figured it would be poor with the Hemi. The Auto Climate Control keeps the vehicle comfortable. My kids love the rear entertainment system. Overall a great buy and the build quality is better than the past. My 4th and best Jeep.

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  220,000 miles and still going !!!!! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Shane - December 8 - 1:13 pm

  I have had my jeep over 10 years no major problems...just minor things...very comfortable...I have 220,000 miles and still going...I want a newer one but I just want to see how long this one will last...highly recommend one...

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  2010 Jeep Wrangler - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Andy - December 8 - 7:40 am

  First jeep Ive owned and I LOVE it!! Added K&N cold air intake system. Mileage remained the same, power and sound increased! Sets you back in the seat while catching 2nd, engine GULPS for air when throttle down, sounds MEAN! Also added Westin step bar, and trailer hitch. Mileage 15-16 in city, 18-19 on road. Nice ride, built tough!

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  Brakes down bi-weekly - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jane - December 7 - 6:43 pm

  Dont buy this vehicle. Im not kidding. It has extraordinary design defects and is a safety nightmare. It should be recall before someone gets killed. I have owned it for 13 months and to date it has been at the dealership for warranty repairs 19 times. Other consumers have the same problems...they start at approximately 15,000 miles and by the time you are at 25,000 miles youll be afraid to get behind the wheel. I have limped it into the dealership numerous times.

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  LOVE MY JEEP - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MMKMWARD - December 7 - 2:56 pm

  The Jeep I purchased was with the Limited 5.7L V8 HEMI option. I love the vehicle, this is the 2nd Jeep I have owned. I owned a 1995 Jeep Laredo which I traded in after 9 years, and now am in love with the Jeep Limited. It is a lot of fun to drive, there is a lot of power in this vehicle and the interior is very comfortable and the options are outstanding. I definitely recommend the Jeep SUV and will probably not own any other brand of SUV. Ill be on #3 in another 9 years (or less) hopefully. Jeep makes an awesome vehicle, my husband is on his 2nd Jeep also.

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  Look else where - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bruce feldman - December 7 - 10:00 am

  In the first 18 months I had to have new wheel bearings,new battery, rear window motors went out, transmission went out. From month 18 to present I had to have new bearings again in the rear, transmission probblems due to dealership service dept. mistake. I WILL NEVER BUT ANOTHER JEEP. This is the first U.S. car Ive owned in 19 years. My next car will be a BMW 330ci

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  Jeep - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By questions1490 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  The Grandcherokee is the best vheicle Ive ever had. Before it I had A Ford Explorer which was the biggest lemon EVER! I had the Explorer for 3 months and it broke 12 times. It costed me about 10,000 dollars of mechanical problems.

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  Too Much Fun - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By paffe3 - December 5 - 4:40 pm

  What can I say, I LOVE IT!! I use to own a little convertible and an SUV - now I have the perfect convertaSUV all in one. When you hit a good bump in the road it reminds you its a Jeep, but on the highway its a nice ride. If you love a Jeep but wish it had a little more comfort, the wait is over. Got for a test drive, youll be surprised. Enjoy.