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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  I LOVE MY JEEP!! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By chuchi - September 30 - 3:46 pm

  I love my Jeep! Traded in my Ford f250 diesel. Do not regret it! Gas mileage sucks, but oh well! I knew that before I bought the Jeep. Ive traveled from flat Florida to the smokie mountains in western nc, towing a 13 ft travel trailer, yeah it struggle a little going up the mountains, but not too bad. I have the dual top options and so far no leaks on neither top.:) I have mygig. Awesome! The radio is great. Its a fun Jeep! Glad I did!

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  Best vehicle I ever owned - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By ace - September 30 - 5:40 am

  Was one of two vehicles left on our lot before we closed the business and I was useing it myself during the winter months. Found it was a one owner vehicle and I decided to buy it as my personal vehicle. Loved how it handled poor weather conditions and felt very safe. Loved the style, power, and handling. Great vehicle for the price. Leaks oil from rear main, typical of the 4.0 Liter engine.140,000 miles and runs great! Hope to have this one for life!

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  Spoiled brats wont like. - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brian - September 30 - 2:06 am

  Read some of the reviews on this forum, and from what I understand most of them dont understand what they got themselves into. Please dont consider buying a jeep unless you understand your purchase. You arent buying a luxury car, you are buying one of the finest off roading, highly versatile vehicles on the road today. People that complain about water leaks probably dont understand how to correctly install their top. All and all this is an awesome vehicle to own.

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  Disappointed - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Roman - September 28 - 4:23 pm

  My previous experience with Jeep has always been positive. However, this extended warranty nightmare is turning me off Jeep products. The first few repairs (note: not covered under warranty) seemed trivial enough, but when the regulator went out I started reviewing complaints online. It seems that the little problems I am having are systemic to Jeep owners in this year range. Compaints: ashtray doesnt stay up, parts replaced: hood lifts, gas cap, rotors, starter, window regulator(s), mirror memory doesnt stay, head lights turn on by themself, heated seat temps too far apart: too cool or too hot, differential leaks. Not too happy.

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  115K and still going - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By KT2003 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Have had this vehicle for 7 years and 115k miles. Ive been hit twice and it is still going strong. Never had any major mechanical problems.

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  Not carseat friendly! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By msbuz - September 27 - 10:00 am

  It was great until I had a baby. The rear doors are just not large enough nor open wide enough to comfortably put the baby carrier in and out. Many average sized adults have difficulty getting in & out as well. Especially if the front seats are slid back. Not something I acn deal with. I will be looking for something different, especially when the 2nd child comes along. Dont know how I will fit 2 carseats!

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  Year older...no problems - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dmodem - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Jeep for nearly a year now without a single problem. Its my third Jeep product and by far the best. The ONLY down side to the current Jeep line is the blandness of the dash. If more of the brushed aluminum was used throughout (rather than just around the radio), itd be a better lookin interior.

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  Great Car, Bad Mileage - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By diagonalmayhem - September 24 - 7:10 am

  The car is a great everyday car, especially for commuting around town. I love to park with this car because it will easily pop over barriers and curbs with relative ease. The seats, although not leather, are extremely comfortable and easy to slide on due to the high quality fabric. The engine power is great, I just wish the mileage was something over 16 MPG, and I am not a crazy "off-the-line" driver.

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  Great purchase - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By nosolman - September 19 - 10:50 am

  I purchased this vehicle with the right mindset: a second vehicle, to enjoy off road and around town with my son. Ive enjoyed every minute in my Jeep. Simple to maintain, reliable, and cheap to operate. Highway travel is kept to a minimum, due to road noise and bikini top. Other than that, this vehicle is a joy. Four cylinder is slow off the line, but more than adequate for casual driving and off pavement fun. Gas mileage is reasonable considering gearing (4.10s, stock) and boxy body style. If youre seeking a cheap, around town vehicle, or a great little convertible, its hard to beat an older body style Jeep. And theyre darn near impossible to stop off road.

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  I speak the Truth - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SYFY - September 16 - 9:13 pm

  I like the size and the power of the truck. I do like the body style of this year truck also.