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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  Great looking Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By R Williams - March 11 - 1:13 pm

  This is our first Jeep and it looks great and is fun to drive. Really like the removable freedom top. It has a few loud rattles in the door pillers but someday I will take apart and find. The gas mileage is OK and we tow a 16 foot ATV trailer on weekends OK. We finally got the recall for the stalling in the mail and hopefully that will be solved as it was pretty bad on the highway for the last year losing all power for a few seconds then restarting with no help from Chrysler. It goes to the dealer in the morning and I have crossed my fingers.

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  Jeep rocks! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ???? - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle does everything you ask and much more!

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  Some Pros & Cons - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bill - March 9 - 1:03 pm

  This is my 7th Jeep I bought new to date. I liked the 4 door concept. I travel and the added cargo area works great. Gas mileage is not great, but better than many other SUVs. I enjoy driving it. Beware though, I was driving on a 5 lane Highway when the Death Wobble hit me. It almost resulted in a big crash. This came at 34,000 miles on the clock. Also rear disc brakes over heat on occasion. Both calipers & rotors needed replacement at 390000 miles.

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  Finally got my SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RSG - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I got the 2004 limited 4.7L 8 cyl The dealer has been great. I was alittle disappointed with the realiability of my vehicle during delivery the engine light came on and has to be taken back to dealer. They were great drove it and said all looked good. I then drove it for 3 days . As I was driving lost total power and suv wouldnt move. It felt like the transmission. This is new how can this be. I shut off engine re- started and headed to a local dealer to find out it was a bad transmission switch. I am hoping this is all or I will be very sad. I truly love my SUV.

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  not disappointed, but not enthused - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NJ Jeeper - March 3 - 6:33 pm

  Definitely love the exterior much more than the last model. Safe feel when driving. Interior is nice and love the little features like reversible cargo holder in trunk. Stock base stereo/speakers are pretty adequate. Engine is underpowered though with the v6. This is a heavy truck so another 20 hp would be extremely helpful. Also hate the transmission programming. ItÂ’s always shifting too soon and is always one gear too high when going up a big hill or even a small one. Truck is still a great value. Full time AWD is a great feeling.

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  Great little offroader/suv - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Bacchus_mn - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had good luck with my Cherokee. No problems other than routine maitenance. If you are into the outdoors this is a great vehicle. I have gone through things I wouldnt dare with other vehicles. And the Cherokee is just the perfect size; youre able to haul stuff with the back seat taken out but can also manuever around downtown easily unlike some enormous SUVs.

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  extreme fun to drive - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By inancs seckin - March 2 - 2:00 am

  i have bought this machine 2 weeks ago. So far excellent, you feel like flying.

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  skyslider - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By yank - February 28 - 4:50 pm

  jeep rides great skyslider roof great one problem when closed noise wind start at about 55 gets louder at65 jeep says then are working on something to correct that problem we hope? antenna had to be change water was coming in.

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  Nice! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By thekidd.... - February 27 - 9:20 am

  I have the Laredo 4x4 with the 3.7 v6.it is a very good family vehicle.the rear entertainment system is great.no problem going on vacation with it. the engine is decently powerful and has OK acceleration loaded, i wish it felt more powerful or i should of got 4.7 but the 3.7 is good enough.watch your fuel economy because it goes down very fast if u have a heavy foot. i wish it had more oomph at 40 mph but this jeep engine is for better fuel economy.

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  Needs Improvement - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gilmour93 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Although its a step up in comfort and style from the 2000 Cherokee Sport we owned, it doesnt live up to its nearly $30K sticker price. Acceleration and handling is poor, tons of body roll, even for an SUV. Feels like driving a boulder. Brakes are higly unresponsive. Only thing worth a compliment is the ride quality.