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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  Its a Jeep thing, and now I understand - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepRubi101 - October 10 - 9:43 am

  I never really "got" the Jeep until I bought one. The gear ratio is low and very easy to shift. You can literally crawl without doing ANYTHING just by having the axle locks on. Its a thing of beauty. If youre just considering a Jeep, I suggest test driving it. Im willing to bet that you too will understand the saying "Its a Jeep thing, you wouldnt understand"

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  Dont buy - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By erik - October 9 - 3:13 pm

  Bought new in 2008. Gets me cool points ( I was driving a Ford escape.) lets me go anywhere off road and in bad conditions ice, high water etc. I like the stereo. Overall though the driving comfort the underpowered engine the "death wobble" the leaks the poor storage room inside make this vehicle one I will never buy again. What is wrong with Jeep? Why would they make such a large vehicle so underpowered? Who ever designed it should be fired along with the jerks who okayed the design, along with me for being stupid enough to buy it. It looks great when you first start looking but after a few months of driving you find out its a very bad choice

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  best of the suvs - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jerry cooney - October 9 - 2:56 pm

  We have had 7 grand Cherokees and this vehicle is even better. We live at nearly 10,000 feet and find the Quadratrack ll to have excellent traction and the 5.7 hemi to have all the necessary power for the mountains we have to climb. We tow this behind our motor home and it makes a trouble free tow vehicle with no modifications necessary to tow. We really like the gps system and the theater seating with the dvd player.

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  Mcglone - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jesse Mcglone - October 8 - 8:40 am

  Exelent, glad i worked hard to get it

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  Rough around the edges - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeep enthusiast - October 7 - 5:27 am

  Saw this car at a local dealer had 48K on it and ended up trading an 08 wrangler for it. I bought this car with the intention of running it into the ground over the next few years but it doesnt look like it is going to last to much longer. It now has 68K on it a little over a year later and I have had a lot of problems with it. It ran good to start out with but then out of the blue I came to a stop on an off ramp and it stalled out. No warning, no engine light, nothing. This has been an issue ever sense. Dealer doesnt know what is causing it. They have replaced EGR valve and the throttle response censor but the issue and a few others still stand. Other then the stalling the truck shifts rough at times, after putting in drive engine will not rev above 2 grand and act as if it wants to cut out. Engine light code reads cylinder 2 misfire but the dealer doesnt know whats causing the rest. Over all the car is good looking, and mostly comfortable. When running properly the car has plenty of power with the 4.7 V8 and it sounds great. Love all the features.

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  I love my Jeep - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepman73CJ - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I will never drive or own another type of vehicle. I have a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with the 5.2L V-8, and Quadra- Trac. I drive it hard both on and off- road, and it has never given me any problems. The Quadra-Trac fulltime 4wd system claws to snowy and icey roads like a wounded animal, and I highly reccomend it for people who live in that type of climate. Off-road is where this Jeep really shines, I have been places in this Jeep that I never thought it could or should be able to go, and even after an unmerciful flogging on the trail, the Jeep ready for more. Like I said before, I will never drive anything other than a Jeep.

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  Solid vehicle - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By decktout1 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is rock solid. I am 6-3" and sit comfortably. Stereo with subwoofer really kicks for a stock system. Car goes anywhere, nimble. Convertible is fun, soft top is tight, and hard top keeps the heat out. Great AC. 4.0 V6 gives all the kick in the butt you need.

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  JEEPERS CREEPERS - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By flywitme - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has given me nothing but grief since I bought. I bought it brand new, and have continusly had to bring it into the shop for repairs.when you take it in shop, they will not provide you with a loaner vehicle. All my repairs for the most part were warranty covered. But I have had major problems with the brake system. And had replace my brakes 2 times a year, plus my rotors. I know I drive a lot, but this vehicle is suppose to be top quality. Its a car, its made to be driven, and it just. first place. I will never in my life ever buy a Jeep again. I make sure if anyone I know is even thinking about it, that they know what a POS this car is.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SMcDermitt - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Excellent ride.. Mechanical problems happen much too early. Problem with brakes....

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  not bad - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By ned t - October 7 - 2:00 am

  a very useful car for summer & winter ,excellent car for snow &mud