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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  Stay away from them - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steve - August 31 - 1:45 pm

  Ive owned 2 Jeep Grand Cherokees before the 2007, A 1996 and a 2004. Both were great. As far as Im concerned Jeep should be embarrassed that they even put the 2007 style on the road. 4x4 system is a joke. Your going to get stuck for sure if you travel thru mud or snow. They should all be recalled and sent out to be scrapped. I love Jeeps but this one has me rethinking any future Jeep purchases.

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  A Great Suv - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By John Perrin - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Overall I have really enjoyed owning My 1996 Cherokee. It is a very useful SUV. Other that the cup holder and the rear seat, I have no complaints. I am not quite sure why Jeep discounted the Cherokee; it looks a hell of a lot better than the new Liberty.

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  Theres Only One !!!!!!!!! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By XXXOnly OneXXX - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Well.... If your reading this youre probably looking to buy one. Ive owned a 1995 Cherokee Country, 2000 cherokee and now I just bought a 1998 Cherokee Sport and its a cream puff. The Jeep is a trully on/off road vehicle.EX: Blizzard of 1996 (Remember)almost 4ft of snow and guess what I was pulling Fords and Chevys out of snow banks after they spun out and ended up on the side of the road stranded.Its a rough ride but one of the most reliable vehicles on the Market.If your looking for a soft and Luxury ride buy a Lexus or Lincoln water bed.

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  Plastic lock boxes - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Marko1974 - August 31 - 2:00 am

  42,000 miles and only change the oil. Everything is solid except....silly me, thinking that the OEM plastic glove box and console locks would keep a third grader out. Some homeless guy ripped them both open in a few seconds. I installed Tuffy steal boxes in their place and they held with only some slight bending to the console lock after another attempted breakin.

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  New Jeep Owners Assessment - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jonathan - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Contrary to what Ive read at Edmunds and other reviewers on the net, my Jeep Overland rocks! The performance in the Overland is powerful. Ive test driven the new 4 Runner, Land Rover New Discovery, Durango, and Pathfinder before I made my decision. I ultimately liked the cabin space and feel of the Land Rover better, but that truck could not match the Jeeps superior engine or rebates at the dealer. My perspective is from one who has never owned an SUV before and the Jeep represents an upgrade to my 1993 Saturn SL2 (still running well BTW) and 1999 Volkswagen Passat.

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  DEADONTHEROAD - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By deadontheroad - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle after owning a 1993 Jeep Cherokee Country, I put 146K miles on it, basically the only reason I bought another Jeep!!! Drove this JGC exactly 430 miles and the trans wet out, using a loaner for a week and a half, new trans assembly should be installed by the end of the week. BUMMERS, should have kept my old faithful.

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  Brakes etc. - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Robert 2 - August 30 - 1:20 pm

  Rotors and brakes were changed 3 times in the first 20K and thereafter every 30K. Extremely rough ride. Instrument cluster and bezel poorly designed and poor fit. Cat/convertor rattle at idle common to this model at 100K milage. Poorly designed door; weatherstripping results in severe wind noise. Sharp low speed turn results in extremely loud "thunk" from wheels. All the above defects found to be common with several other owners

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  Jeep Liberty-The Real Story - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By J.ATL - August 30 - 5:20 am

  I bought my Liberty brand new in 2002. Only has 37,500 miles to date. First major issue to report-- A/C compressor totally choked this summer--2 weeks in the shop, Compressor reported on "National Backorder". Quote to fix $1050 dollars. Chrysler will not help-- noting Jeep is out of warranty. Note-- only 1500 miles out of warranty when the A/C breaks. Despite 4-5 recalls to date, brakes needing readjusted, dead battery replaced, A/C Compressor breakdown and a slighly leaky sunroof-- I still like my Jeep. Chrysler should be happy--they have not done so great on this model.

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  Solid, powerful Jeep 4x4 - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jhbremer - August 28 - 5:07 pm

  I purchased my Jeep in February 2012. It was a pretty good find, given its age...only 34k miles on it when purchased. Rocky Mountain Edition (nice wheels, leather, sunroof, power everything, heated seats, Boston Acoustics). Ive put 15k miles on it since I bought it...with ZERO problems. The only thing I can think of was I got a warning about my 4x4 system for about 3 minutes while on the highway, but nothing since. Handles well for an SUV, plenty of power (love the torque from the 4.7L), and gas mileage isnt terrible (I can get 20-21 on the highway). Very pleased with this Jeep.

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  I live, i drive, i am, Jeep. (Lol) - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By Monet - August 28 - 4:37 pm

  Its been a great, reliable family vehicle and the DVD player keeps the kids (and me!) happy.