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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  Best jeep Ive owned - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ssignore - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I love this Jeep. Ive owned a CJ7, a Laredo, and another Grand Cherokee. This one is the best. My wife and I like it better than the Touareg and Mercedes ML350 that we test drove. Its comfortable, luxurious and a great ride. I left a Mercedes C320 for it and I dont regret it a bit.

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  FIRST SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RICEMAN - December 31 - 2:00 am

  ALWAYS WANTED A 4X4 SUV AND I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE GOING WITH A JEEP. I LOOKED AROUND BUT GAS MILAGE WAS A BIG CONCERN WITH OTHERS, PRICES WERE PRETTY EQUAL.

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  the last of the best - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tolwal - December 31 - 2:00 am

  great looking and performer. Not as good on gas however as it runs. V8 def worth it. runs great in rain and snow.

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  Transmission - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jvnoel - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a Demo with less than 6K on the speedometer. The transmission failed within 1ooo miles of my purchase. The Dealer repaired the auto, but, is this something that should (can) happen this early in a cars existence?

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  Powerful and Well Built - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By WriggleWraggle - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Jeep and I love it. I had always wanted one, and finally a good opportunity to own one came along. This truck is very capable, and has been very reliable to date. Whats with the wave thing every time you pass another Jeep anyway? :)

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  EXCELLENT - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By VALJOE - December 30 - 10:00 am

  VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXTREMELY RELIABLE TRACTION IS SUPERIOR COMFORT SUPERIOR SOUND SYSTEM - INFINITY GOLD IS SUPERB 10 CD HOLDER HAS WORKED SUPERBLY I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS SUV TO FRIENDS. I LOOK FORWARD TO OWNING THIS VEHICLE FOR 10 YEARS. VEHICLE IS SERVICED LOCALLY BY WARNOCK IN EAST HANOVER, NEW JERSEY.

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  Your get out what you put in... - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By friendofbillw - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Picked up used, pre-owned by a little old lady...really! Recently took care of 60K maintenance at independent dealership, saved 100%-175% off of dealership service quotes. Absolutely love this vehicle! All options except V8, heated seats, and digital heat/ac. Better than Ford & Chevy SUVs (many experiences w/both) in numerous areas. 2000 and forward has been much better for these vehicles. Take care of your vehicle, including ALL maintenance as suggested, dont drive like a teenager, and your vehicle will take care of you.

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  I love my Jeep Liberty! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By gagonzo - December 30 - 10:00 am

  You have to find an oportunity to go off road with this Jeep. It is a little mountain goat, for sure. Loves to go fast on the freeway and gets much better gas mileage at high speeds. Can pull anything with ease, but gulps gas when it does. I am looking for ways to increase the gas mileage now. Leave it dirty, because will all the fancy body cladding, it is hard to wash.

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  I Cant live without my JEEP! - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By njacks - December 29 - 12:46 pm

  When I first bought my Jeep, I was so happy and knew that this was the ride for me. I bought it with 22 inch wheels on it. I took them off and put factory on it. I have drove in mud, snow, sleet and the thing still runs like a PRO. I did tear up the differential and I had to replace the U-Joints twice. I have a few leaks and the brakes stink. The body needs paint. But other then that, the Jeep is strong tough and will pull anything. I would buy two or three more if I had the money. But I love my Jeep Cherokee sport, there is no Jeep out there like it. They should keep making Jeep Sports.

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  My 6th Jeep !! - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom - December 29 - 10:40 am

  Waited for this one. They got it right. Comfortable seats with thigh support. Excellent visibility. Super Selec-trac transmission. Very proud to own this vehicle!