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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  Great Jeep #8 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Partigras - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep. This is the 8th one Ive owned. I did not like every one of them, but this one is the nicest one. The dealer was pleasant and easy to deal with. I love the V8, much zippier than the 6cyl.

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  2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jason Peck - February 15 - 8:30 am

  I traded in my 2004 Subaru WRX for this vehicle because it was more practical. I have to say that I am very impressed with the Jeep. The engine has substantial power, there is ample cabin space and she handles extremely well for a truck her size. The exterior of the Jeep is beautiful. I have the metallic black model with the black grill and the black side moldings and it is very sharp. People stare at her all the time. I even stare it her all the time. The vehicle is excellent and I highly recommend the Grand Cherokee to anyone who is in the market for an SUV.

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  Used but barely - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By PWA - February 14 - 10:00 am

  We found the 1993, via internet searching, for sale from a local dealer that Ive worked with before. The biggest selling point for us was the low 33,450 miles. This is our 1st jeep and has been a dream to work on and drive. Its flexability and ease to work on a benifit. The 4.0L Fuel Injection has shown to provide plenty of power. The 30" tires seem to be a good mix for on and off road(sand) driving. Currently setting it up for towing behind RV W/TowBar and Wiring kit.

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  Jeeps ugly dog. - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By jerry - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Wrangler is like an ugly dog...you laugh at them until you live with one for a while. After a while you just love to spend time with them.

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  A sad farewell - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Pat - February 13 - 6:40 pm

  Im writing as Im about to take up the Cash for Clunkers option on a new Jeep. I believe that the 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited must have been the miraculous model where Jeep did everything right for about an hour, and out came my wonderful old car. Ive got 152K on a 12 year old model. Not a speck of rust. Original engine. Everything works (with, of course, some replacement expenses over the years) except the passenger side seat heater gave up the ghost 5 years ago. Ive got the straight six, not the V8. It needed a little more room in the back, but I almost cant bear to part with it. Theyre just giving away too much money right now to say "no". Adios with a tear.

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  Jeep Sport - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By charley - February 11 - 10:43 pm

  The Jeep has good power with the 6 speed, miles per gal 18 with a K&N filter system. First is very low, get the 6 cylinder for power. You will like this.

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  Great - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By jmatt12 - February 11 - 1:56 am

  Just got a brand new Jeep Patriot. I was skeptical after reading some very negative reviews, but it didnt turn out that way. Very responsive and fun to drive without using too much gas. The 2.4 engine has plenty of power and gets to speed quickly. The best part is my 63" body fits comfortably in the drivers seat. If you like the jeep style but want to be conservative this is a great car.

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  I LOVE MY JEEP - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By CTJeepGuy - February 10 - 9:33 pm

  the only thing I wish I could improve on my Jeep is the fuel economy. Its a little on the bad side. I usually get about 320 miles per a full tank, unless I push the RPMs above 3000. Its great in the snow, off road, backroads, highways. My kids love the jeep when we go to the beach and drop the top. The seats and interior are comfortable, and in the CT winter with a soft top the heaters works just fine. I LOVE MY JEEP!

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  Yes, offroad - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cottrill - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my GC used with 24K miles in Dec of 02. This is my second GC and I have had it for 15 months now and I have nothing but good things to say about it. I drove many other suvs before deciding on another jeep, but after driving a GC with the 4.7 I could not compromise on its power and handling.23-24 MPG on the country roads and 19 in town in coastal NC.My GC has select- trac and a rear vari-lock coupler to help move it through the tuff stuff. It locks both wheels in so they will turn together to provide positive rear traction. I take my GC off-road and im pleased where it has taken me and carried me back from.

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  Jeep is FUN like everybody says it is - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By xjay - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I always wanted a jeep and finally I got one. I love it so far. Its rugged feel and durablity is why i like it so much. I havent had any problems as of yet. Being in Michigan i have had to put it into 4 wheel basically all winter long. Just yesterday the roads were icy coming out of my sub, i put the select-trac into All-time and away i went, no problems. One of the other reasons i bought this suv is becuase the 2004 GC has been on the same platform for over 5 years. I feel that all the bugs have been fixed and the quality should be perfect. I highly recommend this vehicle to anybody.