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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  awesome car - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tenseven - June 9 - 5:10 am

  Bought it in 1995, 30K miles, 2 years old. Now has 185,500 miles. Cannot find anything on the market, new or otherwise, with the seat comfort and the visibility out the side and rear windows. Minimal repairs along the way. Gas mileage still 15-16 in town, 20-21 on the road.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee 98 - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nightrider - June 8 - 10:00 am

  very disappointed in the repair I had to do to the Jeep. Front differencial, rear differencial, hard gear shifting especially going into reverse. Idles rough

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  Jeep FanI have owned many cas - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JB - June 7 - 3:20 am

  I have owned many cars including Jeeps. I owned an 04; but decided I would like Navigation etc. I now find its too complicated for me. Too many hard and soft keys to push which takes eyes off the road. Speedometter has swapped places with Tac and itis way too small. Caught for speeding before 200 miles.

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  Not for everyone, I could care less! - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By JeepDryvr1032 - June 4 - 9:03 am

  I was looking for a bigger car/small SUV when I decided to trade in my 2004 Hyundai Elantra in June of 08. I was intrigued by the new Dodge/Jeep models and thought the Compass had such a unique look that I had to check it out. The first vehicle I test drove was the Dodge Caliber, which was OK but didnt have enough oomph with the 2.0 liter engine. Next was the compass, and I fell in love with how it sits up higher and gives you more command of the road. I picked the Rallye Edition with the 18" tires and black rims, with the YES essentials interior. This is huge for me as I have kids!! For an SUV, I cant complain about the gas mileage. It has plenty of room, and a decent stereo to boot.

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  Happy Grand Cherokee Owner - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By george morris - June 2 - 7:00 am

  I purchased my Grand Cherokee new in October 1995. Although mileage is a low 66,000, it has been a very reliable vehicle. The Grand Cherokee performs just as well today as the day I purchased it. Jeep Quadratrack and stength of V8 engine proved to be a very good combination both on road and off. Thumbs up to Jeep!

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  One Great Ride - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By djasonw - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Liberty for over a year now and I LOVE it. I have a little over 16,000 miles and have NOT had it back to the dealer. There are a couple of minor recall issues that I will get to once I need service. The truck is still solid, no rattles/squeeks and handles great in city traffic. The highway ride is pretty good for a truck and it handles bumps potholes like they dont exist.

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  all around driver - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By sport - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The car runs well, but it feels bumpy and stiff. It drives very well in snow.

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  Best deal for your money Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Petes Jeep - May 29 - 12:06 pm

  Bought mine for $13,688 base model with no radio, no rear seat, and no AC. Added radio & seat aftermarket for 1/7th what the dealer wanted. Not much power as the car is not geared right with a 2.4L 4cyl, but really fun to drive and own.

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  Highway and Trail - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By SECORBUST - May 27 - 2:23 pm

  I bought my jeep with 175K on the odometer and a broken transmission. It now has 220k on it. I repaired the trans and drove it until it broke again. The AX-5 is notorious for being weak. I replaced it with an AX- 15 (from a 6cyl) which is much stronger by using a dodge dakota bell housing and a Camaro clutch disk. This transmission should have come in all 4cyl jeeps (it fits like factory). If you are in to offroading and like to work on your rig or will drive it reasonably about town a Rio Grande is the jeep for you. Jeep nuts always change the driveline, so it really doesnt really matter what you start with.

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  Great Car for Mountains, Town, Towing! - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jay - May 26 - 10:03 pm

  The car now has 168,000 miles, and runs great. We take it across country to high mountain areas, fully loaded, and towing with no problems. It is easy to work on. The straight six 4.0 is a great engine. I get 20 mpg highway, less in city driving. The transmission lasted until 150,000 miles. Original engine, regular maintenance only, with replacement of worn out items. If you can replace these yourselves, this is a great car to have. Oil changes at home are very easy. The horsepower of the 6 is of course less than a V8, but is very adequate in 99.9% of situations. Car is great in snow (use chains with the 2WD) This has been the most used car in the household for the last 10 years.