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:

• 

  To drive until it dies - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gkmichael - August 27 - 1:36 pm

  Have read some of the reviews in disbelief. I bought my Jeep 3 years ago at $4k with 190k miles,. Am a commuter for school and work. I put about 1,000 miles on the truck every week and since purchase, I have added 107k miles on the car but the thing wont die. Apart from regular maintenance, I have only worked on A/C blender doors yet everything else works as it should. At one point I parked the car for a small Honda to save on gas. After 3 months i started getting issues with the Honda and went back to my Jeep. Am not getting rid of it unless the motor dies.

• 

  So far so good - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By p-nut - August 26 - 5:06 am

  I have always wanted to own a Jeep Wrangler, but they never seemed practical. However, once I saw that they came out with a 4 door model...I was sold. I have now owned my Jeep for about a week and am overall very pleased. Very solid vehicle with a surprisingly quiet ride (I got the dual top and currently have the hard top on). Plenty of room in the back seat for my 3 children and they love it to boot. The ride is bumpy as expected, but it corners and drives easy.

• 

  Too bad they stopped making these... - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Pittsburgher - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 4D 4WD Cherokee Sport used with 50K miles on it in 1999. I now have 120K miles and it is still going strong. I have had no problems with it, other than routine maintenance (tires, brakes, battery). I tow a 2000 lb popup with this about 2000 miles per year with no problems. This is a superb all-around vehicle. I would recommend anyone looking for a good SUV this winter to go find a used Cherokee Sport and grab a high mileage one from a private owner for a bargain. Save the dealer markup and warranty money, because you can beat these things without any negligible affect. Buying from a private party should be low-risk.

• 

  The Jeep is a nice SUV - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mr. Noble - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had my problems with the Jeep. The two big item I had to get fixed was my A/C system when I first got it from the dealer(?) and my sound system. The radio cost like $400 plus to replace the warrenty paid for that stuff. Oh yeah the breaks wear down like every 14 months, other than that nothing big.

• 

  Unreliable - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jarmhand - August 26 - 2:00 am

  We hit lots and lots of problems nearibg 100k. Had to replace alternator, radiator, faulty wiring, brakes and then the big one...transmission. Mechanic said he would go out of business if it wasnt for Chrysler transmissions. Think again if youre looking for a used SUV.

• 

  Jeep owner since 1972 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Guy R tinay - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Comando, Grand wagoneer, chorokee country ( worst jeep ever to drive), grand larado(2001) and now the overland. This by far is the most refined Jeep ever. Cant wait till the come out with the new wagoneer... driving and handleing is smooth. snow driving is excellent. off road no problems.

• 

  Still rugged and fun. - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matt - August 24 - 10:16 am

  These vehicles are fun to drive and fun offroad. The downside is the fuel economy with the gas prices as high as they are. The engine is superb, with the straight I6, it has plenty of pickup and go.

• 

  Great for Parking.....terrible ride! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By gypsy532 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the design of the Liberty...its great to park and drive around town. I find that its a bumpy ride and the drivers seat cuts off my leg circulation! The gas mileage is terrible and I find it very disappointing! Wish I had my 4Runner back! Its also very noisy when driving on the interstate....noise around the windshield and wiperblades bounce. The transmission is real jerky...when you put it into drive. Also not enough cargo space...when I put my stroller in nothing else can go!

• 

  Big Mistake - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Terry - August 23 - 9:56 pm

  Worst car I have ever owned. Has been in the shop 24 days since purchase in February. I am starting Lemon Law paperwork. Throttle control has been the issue 3 times.

• 

  Champ. - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matt - August 23 - 6:10 pm

  I picked this up as a replacement for a 98 GC Laredo that was rolled 1 too many times. I offroad avidly, mountain bike, back country ski/hike, and I need a tank for lack of better words, now I loved my 98, (wish my father wouldnt have rolled it) but this thing takes the cake, you can feel the difference as soon as you pull out of the drive, the quadratrac 4wd gets you out of any mess you get it in, I am running aggressive tires on it, and have yet to have any issues so far, around 149k on the original engine and trans, replaced the drivetrain control unit, I am getting a false signal from my oil pressure unit, but a new $20 unit will fix it. Overall wonderful car I want to keep it forever.