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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  Dont buy a Grand Cherokee - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By paul171 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I had more problems with that Jeep than any other vehicle I have ever owned. The transmission dropped within the first year along with many other small problems. I am also disappointed at the resale value of the Grand Cherokee. The manufacturer has taken steps to increase their sales while decreasing the resale value. Since I purchased my Jeep, Chrysler has offered a 7/70 power train warranty which I needed on my Jeep and creating options packages that offer more equipment and features for a lot less. I have been very disappointed and I finally traded the Jeep in last week. I am glad to be rid of it.

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  Junk - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By junkjeep - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have been stranded in a 99 Grand Cherokee twice. Please dont support Chrysler, force them to get their act together. Too many other problems to list. Im a very unsatisfied Jeep customer.

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  Not a real Jeep - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By Le Roy Family - August 6 - 6:53 am

  Bought with 25 miles on the odometer. I come from a long line of JEEP lovers. Usually there is a lot of aftermarket support for JEEP except these fake Jeeps. I wanted a new JK 4 door but she wanted to seat 6+. So the Commander was it. At first she loved it as she only drives 16 miles to work and back 3 days. At only 1,400 miles the transmission seized and had to be fixed. We are at 10,000+ now. The back up warning and tire pressure monitor is constantly acting up and giving warning lights. I love it and hate it at the same time. The big boo boo is the IFS front suspension and the entire body is half plastic. I will stick with my 20 year old modified XJ at 200,000 miles, I can wheel it.

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  Not all its hyped up to be...JGC 2012 5.7L Overland 4x4 - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jreworld - August 3 - 1:10 am

  Ive had my JGC over 2.5 years, and although I enjoy the vehicle most of the time, I cannot recommend it due to its numerous issues. The front sway bar bushings wore out last month. How is this possible on a relatively new vehicle? This weekend my check engine light came on again and the MDS is not working. I had this happen two years ago, and the end result was a bad cylinder valve that left me without a car for several weeks. If its the same issue again, Im done. Going foreign again. Ive had more issues with this car than my last 10 vehicles combined. I wanted so much for Jeep to succeed, but even if you put lipstick on a pig, its still a pig. Buyer beware.

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  Fun but unaffordable - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By dnferg - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The major problem with this vehicle is poor fuel economy.

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  Radiators, radiators and more radiators - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JonS - July 15 - 11:06 am

  I bought my jeep at 78K and now has 112K. Its a I6 4.0L. It is really comfy, and quiet, but eats up tires. Ive put 3 radiators in it, and a new fan, fan motor, and relay. It never left me on the side of the road, but it almost always has something wrong with it. Drivers side window regulator broke twice. Gets me to where I need to go and never have to worry about getting to the slopes. Just make sure you have money to keep it going.

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  Jeep? Never Again! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep? No Thanks! - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Car turned out to be a lemon. Lousy reliability. Has been in repair for half a dozen items. Altough it is comfotable to ride, i woul NOT recommend it to anyone. Go Japanese.

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  Quality Not There - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By asd - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle with 14k. At 20k, yup, brakes. Dealer did replace them at no cost and brakes have been ok. Door locks broke twice,leaks,weather stripping unglued, bushings,door panel loose, leather seat ripping,vinyl tear,and now rust on upper corner of windshield where roof meets the molding. Ive seen this problem on 2000 models. Newer models have longer moldings. Also putting up with some rattles. I bought the Jeep because I think it has great looks and it does handle really well in the snow/offroad. Power is great with the V8. Though the dealer has been good, I dont want to spend my free time at the dealership. So far not impressed with Jeep.

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  Heat, defrost, ac wont work - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By soldiersgirlcal - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a driving hazard, should be a recall, as I am having to take our vehicle to the dealer to get fixed, from what I hear is expensive. Have heard this model Jeep, from reviews seems to have a blender prob. Not good, as I have a child, no defrost, heat, ac. Ugh!

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  good car/not so good gas mileage - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By bandy - June 20 - 2:00 am

  solid car but guzzles gas. Love driving it but not good if you have kids because theres not enough room. Great for singles and teenagers. Trustworthy car that youll love to drive.