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:

• 

  So far I love it. - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Darren - March 25 - 3:16 pm

  We bought the FDII 4x4. We wanted a 4x4 that was good on fuel. The Toyota FJ was the only other that looked like it could handle off road but it was way too expensive.

• 

  Built to Outlast !! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By GreatToBeAJeep - March 25 - 3:13 pm

  I have had a Jeep Since 1994.I Bought my 1998 Cherokee in 2002 used. I have had some work done but all was wear and tear.I plan to bury this Jeep until the wheels fall off or it cost to much to fix(replace).Thats how much I FEEL about my Jeep.P.S. Look around for these Jeeps. Its hard to find them like this !

• 

  Liberty 2005 Great Driving - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Mona Furst - March 25 - 12:23 pm

  Very stable handling; drives as if youre in complete control of your driving. Has great lights for night driving - can see full vision with great side mirrors. We thought the Jeep dealer did a great job at explaining all about our new purchase. I think the exterior looks of this model is going to be a great seller for the baby boomers out there! Thank you.

• 

  Very Good!!! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By carlos - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Nice Ride, Good Power

• 

  Very Good!!! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Carlos - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Nice Ride, Good Power

• 

  Jeep Grand Cherokee- Hi Country - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jack McG - March 25 - 2:00 am

  The Grand Cherokee has been a wonderful vehicle. It has had zero manufacturing flaws, despite being a totally loaded vehicle. The 4WD is unstoppable. We have the Hi Country package which has an inch more ground clearance. This is not a fake SUV its the real thing. A nice plus is Jeep paint. I have never see a post Chrysler purchase Jeep with rust damage (except wher there is serious body damage).

• 

  Never a Problem - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jupiter - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I leased the Jeep for 36 months and then purchased it. Gas mileage 19 - no real problems except for 3 re-call notices in first 2 years. All covered by Chrysler. Long haul driving can be rough on lower back, but otherwise I love my Jeep.

• 

  Solid - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Lawny - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I did not expect the quality to be as good as it was but as the dealer told me . . . Benz eng. is starting to show in Jeep and Chrysler.

• 

  Great ride, but horrible on gas - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike Vella - March 25 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Liberty is a fantastic ride and very comforable. The fuel ecomony is poor on local roads even for an SUV. It does, however, improve greatly when on longer trips of 30 miles or more on the highway. I personally have a problem with the height of the panelling by the brakes. I have to position my right leg in such a manner as to not graze the panel. Thats a bit of hazard when having to brake suddenly. Drivers who are a smaller size may not have that problem. I happen to be 61. Those are my 2 major issues. I happen to enjoy my Jeep Liberty very much. The CD player and speakers are very good. The passenger seats are comfortable.

• 

  Not a Jeep fan! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By carolina girl - March 24 - 8:50 pm

  I purchased my Jeep new in 1999 with 50 miles. I now have 133,000 miles. I had a new transmission replaced the first month i owned it in 1999. I have also replaced the brakes front and back numerous times (recalled in 1999) including front calipers this year. I have fixed the rear suspension differential twice. The water pump in 2004. My key doesnt open the driver door and hasnt in 4 years so I have to use the keyless remote. The drivers side seat is broken. In spite of all the money and repairs made my Jeep still rides just like its brand new. I have kept it serviced well over the years but I just dont think this vehicle is made to last. This will be my last Chrysler Jeep vehicle.