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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  My Jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By PainterProLee - January 24 - 3:20 pm

  I needed a multi use vehicle and this has turned out to be perfect. I am able to use it for my construction work during the day and the rest of the time as our second family vehicle. With the choice of different options and color schemes I was able to have a Jeep that is perfect for work and "mature" in color and style for us, the over 35 group.

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  Dont think I made a good choice - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mcoey - January 24 - 2:13 pm

  I have had mine for 6 months now and have had it in the shop 10 times for the engine light. They cannot figure it out and they are giving me a hard time about the lemon law. I am just not happy at all. This is the first brand new car I have had in a long time and this just ruined it. I like the jeep, just wish they could fix the problem.

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  Love my Jeep - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BPM - January 24 - 9:30 am

  This is my familys 5th Jeep and I love it! We purchased an 08 Commander in March and this rig a few days ago - by far the most comfortable Jeep I have owned or rode in. I have no preconceived notions, it isnt a BMW or MB Its a Jeep and meant to be dirty and ridden hard. It is responsive, quiet on the road, reasonable at the pump (22 MPG so far), and an overall fun experience. Not to mention I purchased on last day of July and got the $6000 factory rebate before it expired. I have found Jeep very responsive at the dealer level to customer issues in the past - far more than the company car Fords and Mercs I had been driving.

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  Havent seen my Jeep in almost a month.. - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By RRAaron - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2W drive. AutoNation "certified" and under limited warranty. Had a nagging "clunk" when shifting from N to D, not all the time. Turns out I needed a differential & transfer case. Due to warranty process, car had to be inspected by an AutoNation adjuster - took over a week for dealership mechanic to make appt. then 3 day wait then 1 day eval and then had to get OK to proceed. Jeep dropped off on 1/25/03, still in the shop as of today, waiting for parts. Part of problem is the Jeep ran fine- apparently problem had been present for some time, but no one noticed. No official cause for the mechanical problem.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Karon - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This is our fifth Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee. We have found the vehicles to be very dependable. We have driven on long trips through the Arizona desert in August. We have driven in the cold Nebraska winters. They perform wonderfully in all situations.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By karon - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This is our fifth Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee. We have found the vehicles to be very dependable. We have driven on long trips through the Arizona desert in August. We have driven in the cold Nebraska winters. They perform wonderfully in all situations.

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  Figured they would have fixed it by now - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By anthonyorlando - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I have a JGC with only 34,000. It has been in for service consistantly for the alignment, but the dealer says there is nothing wrong, every Jeep does pull to the right, it has what they call a Natural Drift. Well I have to hold on tight down the highway since it wants to go right all the time. Breaks need to be redesigned, controls, seats are good. Whinning noise in from the drivetrain, but heard thats norm, well I am not sure I would buy this one again. Thinking about writing a letter to Chrysler how dissapointed I am.

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  My Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bdr - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I didnt like the Libertys when they first came out, but I took one for a test drive, and bought it a few days later.

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  Jeeps best engine EVER - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jan - January 23 - 3:30 pm

  The inline V6 is the best engine Jeeps ever made, this is fact. Might run 250k ... but, in last month alone, I had to replace battery, starter, alternator, and finally got around to getting estimates on $1,200 air conditioner replacement (leaking), new exhaust, and total electrical system overhaul. My stereo was stolen, and now the windows and locks work only intermittently, and the check engine light has been on for 2 1/2 months, EVEN WHEN THE CARS OFF. No diagnostic tests have solved puzzle. It was fabulous until it went bad, and it went bad FAST.

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  JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED 5.9L - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NORMA - January 23 - 12:20 am

  Purchased used, have done only standard maintenance. Get 21 mpg on freeway, have hauled passengers, 5 large dogs (over 85#), and furniture. Gone 4 wheeling on purpose and not, without problems.