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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  Best SUV for the money - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepdude - November 24 - 7:13 pm

  I went back and forth, and finally decided on the Jeep. No problems so far, except I think the transmission needs a little work ... seems to jump around 40mph and 60mph. Other than that the only problem I had was a rattling sound that I think is coming from the emergency brake hitting the console. Overall I really love my Jeep and everyone that has seen it has like it as well. Good SUV for the city!

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  A good Decision - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By mohamed K - November 23 - 1:40 am

  The car definitely performs better on bumpy roads and offroad than paved roads. Long driving hours could be a little bit annoying but tolerable. The interior is very roomy and alot better than older models. I loved the arm rest space and the multifunction steering wheel. The on display parking assist visual aid and computer trip in dashboard seemed very appealing. I have no general complains from the car, but it can be a little squeaky on a bumpy ride.

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  You get what you pay for. - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Amazed - November 22 - 3:23 pm

  I am amazed at reading comments that say there are blind spots, or cheap plastic trim, or low windshields or uncomfortable seats etc etc. Youd think none of these owners, ever test drove their vehicles before buying them. If youre fat or short or tall, a Jeep is never the right purchase - simply not enough adjustibility. Its made for the average buyer at an average price and has average reliability, fuel economy and comfort. Some seem to think that buying a US car means something more than mediocrity. It doesnt. So either buy a decent car at a decent price, or wake up about what a Jeep is all about.

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  What Fun - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jim Simmons - November 22 - 12:20 pm

  The Sahara is undisputed among the 4 wheel drives. It is one of the funnist vehicles Ive ever driven. It handles sand, mud, dirt and rock like no other vehicle. One downfall to it is the gas mileage, the the power of the 4 litre motor makes up for the poor mileage.

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  Wisconsin experience - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Burley - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Headrests too low; access to windshield wiper/washer controls and access to headlight controls a little constricted and difficult to see selections through the steering wheel. Comfortable front seating, handles well,is sufficiently responsive, interior appointments well done. Information center upgrades over previous years a nice feature.

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  sportin - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By bdwheels - November 20 - 10:00 am

  happy with it. Now with kid, woud have liked 4-door

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  1995 used jeep - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeeper - November 20 - 10:00 am

  This has been a good vehicle for me. Lots of fun. Great for towing our 17 foot boat. Comfortable on our 15 hour fishing trip drives to Canada. Great sound system. Love the all-wheel drive in wet/snowy weather. Only major problem over the years has been a lot of headaches with the air conditioning -- it is a problem every year.

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  1997 Jeep GC Laredo - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By theos - November 20 - 10:00 am

  at 64,000 had to have the rear axle rebuilt, cost over $1000.00. Now at 66,000 the front end is making the same noise the rear did, was told front end needs rebuilding and the ABS doesnt work. At only 66,000 miles!!!??? Nice riding vehicle, but poor on gas and expensive repairs.

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. No limits. I ordered mine just like I wanted it and it has been a surprisingly reliable, unstoppable vehicle. The gas mileage runs 16-20 mpg, not great but OK for what it does. Everyone loves this thing - it has been great fun to own. Yes, its noisy on the highway, the ride is marginal if you put on good shocks and the tires are a bit pricey, but driving it, owning it makes you love it. They are wonderful. This model is the sweet spot in the Wrangler line. No leaf springs and still small enough to be an outstanding 4-wheeler, plus the iconic look that Wranglers are known for. Just perfect.

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  You Gotta Love the Jeep - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By crazywvlady - November 18 - 8:26 am

  I have owned my 98 Wrangler since June 2004. I originally bought my first Wrangler in 2001 (a 98 model), that was hit head on by another Jeep! Totaled! I loved the vehicle so much, I bought one of the same year. Im so glad that I did. It has never left me stranded and repairs have been under $200 since Ive owned it. I baby it though, wipe it down every night, change oil every 3 months or 3000 miles. If your Jeep is maintained, will probably last you a lifetime. My next vehicle: hands down: A JEEP!