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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  An honest opinion of the 2000 Gr. Cherok - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By richp - September 14 - 2:00 am

  With every Jeep when you 1st get it you probably will have to bring it in at lesat 4x for warranty work in the 1st 6 months. However after that its ok.

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  My Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Muneca - September 14 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Liberty is an exclent veh. It handles very well and is very comfortable. The Liberty loves the snow and rugh terian. The more the better. Great for sking and camping. Youll be the only one bot stuck. The ONLY drawback it that the Liberty runs very very rich. That is that it doesnt come near the sticker est. of driving milage. Other than that it is a dream. With the slect a track option it runs a little better but not by much.

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  Wonderful Automobile! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ericalg - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I have always driven a sports car, so I was a bit concerned about purchasing an SUV. I needed something to take me into the mountains and carry all my gear, but wasnt going to take a huge chunk out of my pocket. After doing all the research, the Liberty Renegade was by far the best choice! Ive had it for a few months and absolutely love it! Gas mileage was a bit shocking at first because I was so used to getting 33 miles/gallon, but its completely worth it, and still gets decent gas mileage for an SUV! I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. Its sporty, has enough horsepower to go fast up mountain hills, does great in the snow. I love my Jeep.

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  CRD - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Van - September 13 - 9:33 pm

  So far so good; the window controls seem to be a universal complaint. It would be nice if all the little extras were included: dead pedal, fog lights, storage, etc. Foreign makers seem to include these as a matter of course. The diesel mileage is OK (not spectacular) at 2000 miles. The inclusion of ABS, steering control, etc. is great. Diesel is a little noisy (not like past diesels); so far no smoke or smell. One recall for steering.

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  Impresed - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By House of Fun - September 13 - 2:46 pm

  I was a bit doubtful that the Jeep would work as good as it looks. Im very impressed with the ride, handling, quality and surprisingly, the gas mileage. The interior ergonomics are very weak, its like no one actually sat in one before okaying it for production. So far Ive had 2 odd occurrences: A one time puddle of gear oil under the rear end and I was driving down the highway and the dash lights came on, the windshield wipers wiped once and it never happened again. Summary: I love it

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  Never again! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bluefishblitz - September 12 - 8:47 pm

  I bought a 2007 Grand Cherokee last April with only 54K miles on it. Within 6K miles the rear differential went and I had to have the rear axel replaced at the cost of $2K. Then a module went for my tranny to the tune of $1300. Then the battery recently went and Im having issues with my dashboard lights constantly flashing. My mechanic is at his wits end with the flashing so if anyone has had this happen and they know what caused it please post the solution. I have owned Jeeps before but I will never buy one again. I am going back to owning a Toyota.

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  Great Jeeps - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BamaBert - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle, i have loved mine since the minute i first drove it, the only real problem i can find is gas mileage

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  Absolute Trash! expt for the speakers - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BUTRBALL - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This car has been nothing but trouble. Just like evryone else Ive gone back to the dealer 3 times and 2 of those times I had to pay for the repairs myself. Good thing my lease is up in January. Youll see me at the BMW and Acura dealers looking at the MDX and X5. No more american trash for me!

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  99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chris - September 10 - 6:06 pm

  I havent had this car too long, but long enough to "rate it." Its a great SUV, comfortable, not too bad on gas but right now its in the shop for the crankshaft sensor, a part recalled in 2004 and the dealership isnt honoring it. I havent had any real problems other than a speed sensor about two months ago when I first bought it. My sunroof tends to leak and it is really annoying. Other than that I love my Jeep and I wouldnt choose anything else. I also have a noise in the front left tire area, Im thinking maybe the control arm or a ball joint, but its expected, it has 86,000 miles on it and I only paid $8,500 for it. Its a Limited, fully loaded with EVERY option and accessory.

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  KEEP ROLLING!!! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ron T - September 9 - 5:37 pm

  Brought mine at 60,000 from Mancari now at 306,000 miles only replaced water pump ,blend door fix ,radiator and normal replacement items. So far no major engine or transmission work ,just oil changes, muffler system and I think with the oil cooler for trans the reason transmission is smoothly .Body great shape hopefully no major work or will retire it and purchase another jeep ,already have a 2009 limited with 131,000 and also running great now at 318,000 ,only going to now start looking at 2014-2016 grand Cherokee limited ,retiring 99 if any major issues occurs. Body excellent shape but time to move on