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 Been a Great Relationship - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeep4everyone - November 25 - 10:00 am

  Now 230k miles. I have bounced my Jeep off granite boulders, driven many 24-hour family vacation marathons and used it as a 50 mile/day commute vehicle. Indestructible. Still on the original rotors, starter, alt., etc., more than I can say for any Volvo or GM product Ive owned. Replacement items: tranny at 190k!; a/c comp. @ 130k; radiator (my fault) at 120k; water pump at 160k. Thats it! In every case the equipment has exceeded my life expectations. Oil every 3k, tranny and diff. fluid change every 50k. If I could find another 94 with say 50k, I would buy it can keep it for my son. I recommend anyone who can get this model and year if you can.

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  Jeep Cherokee Sport Classic/1999 - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rtmorey - November 25 - 10:00 am

  An awesome vehicle! Reliable 4 wheel drive, great handling. Gas is a little ruff, but worth the price. I give the Jeep Cherokee a A+!

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  Super Reliable and Fun Vehicle - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Overgaardman - November 24 - 9:33 pm

  What a great vehicle! This thing is fun and totally reliable. I have over 51,000 mile on it and it even has the original battery!! In Arizona about 3 years is the normal life for a battery. I read consumer report which of course finds this to be a CRUDE SUV. These people just dont get it. I love this thing and it goes everywhere. I also owned a Maita and now a BMW Z4 and Chev Truck and Yamaha FJR 1300 as well, but the Jeep is just more lovable and will go anywhere. I have owned Hondas, Toyotas (Tundra--bad truck)and many others and the Jeep is more reliable. What it does need is a better radio as the one that come with it is poor at best. Wonderful Vehicle to enjoy!

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  Electronic Problems & Gas Hog - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Toby - November 24 - 8:03 pm

  Doing it over again, I wouldnt buy a Liberty. It is a gas hog; I get about 15 miles per gallon. Plus, I experience chronic electronic problems. For instance, I pulled over for a failed left turn and brake lamp. I got home, and the light worked fine. The dome light goes on and off, and the turn signal occasionally turns on and wont go off without stopping and restarting the engine. There is also a slip in the transmission. When I brake, it down-shifts violently. I take it in, they hook it to a computer, and it works fine for a few months. Then, it gradually comes on again.

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  ? - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By dj v - November 24 - 4:36 pm

  Jeep Liberty is GREAT! Awesome turning radius & pick up. One thing they DONT tell you - if you get the foglights installed aftermarket, they dont work the same as factory. They dont go on when you just have the parking lights on, even though it is the same part, and the dash indicators say they are on.

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  Great Rig for the Money! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SoCal Duck - November 24 - 4:43 am

  With two kids in car seats the extra width of this vehicle has been a blessing. We actually have enough room to fit a real human being in between the car seats, making this a true 5 passenger vehicle. Great visibility, comfortable seats, plenty of power, and a sticker price that is well below market value, makes this a good family vehicle. Why spend $10k more for a 4Runner when you can have more power, nicer features, and a better look.

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  An old friend. - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Todd Rode - November 23 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is a finely appointed, durable and comfortable vehicle. It has been my primary source of transportation for 5 years and I have found the vehicle to be as fun to drive today as the day I bought it.

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  Title - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CarEnth - November 23 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this car it had about 50,000 miles on it. I have driven it for close to 2 and a half years and did not have any major problems as of yet. I had to change the front stablizer and brakes. Overall those cars go up to around 100,000 miles and then the problems start to happen. My opinion is do not buy this car with more than 70,000 or you will be sorry for it.

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  A Joy To Drive! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jailon - November 23 - 2:00 am

  All A++++++ marks for this car. I am so pleased, and have received an endless flood of compliments. It has all the features, amenities, and comfort of a luxury "SUV", for $10K less, and the REAL capability to go hardcore off- road. On a side note, I really wanted to mention that if you live in Southern California, avoid Glendale Star Chrylser Jeep. 90% of their staff is the epitome of the sleazy, heartless car salseman. The one guy who wasnt had only worked their for a week! Hate hate hate the dealership, love love love the car.

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  Never again! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Stillerfan - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Never again with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have learned my lesson. Brake rotor problem is famous...I replaced 4 times in 50,000 miles. Had to have $1500 worth of transmission work done at 45000 miles... I will not be buying another Jeep ever. Foreign cars, here I come! I was a Jeep fan until this.(i also own a 98 Cherokee, which performs admirably)