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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  This really is a good Jeep - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Aaron - September 20 - 8:20 pm

  I bought this thing in 2007 with 33,000 miles on it, and the only issues I have had with are a fan module went out which caused it to overheat once or twice and the dealership replaced it with no questions asked. Also some of the window regulators broke which is was a little bummed about at first but was able to get them to stay up and the a/c works great so oh well! other than that I LOVE THIS THING! This is my second vehicle and the first was a 92 Cherokee with the same engine which is an awesome engine the 4.0 L inline six is said to be one of the best inline sixs ever made! I just turned over 77,000 miles and it still runs so smooth, acceleration is great, and i get 400 miles a tank!

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  Great Jeep - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kizzi - September 19 - 5:40 am

  I have enjoyed every moment of this vehicle! I like speed, sleek, and comfort. I got all of the above.

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  toyota who? - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By j.d. - September 19 - 3:46 am

  Great gas mileage. Fun to drive. Economical payment and gas for $2.99. Whats not to love?

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  First Time Jeep Owner and Loving It! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ashley S. - September 18 - 11:43 pm

  This is my first SUV and my first Jeep and I must say I am truly pleased so far. Ive had it almost 3 weeks now and it is exactly what I was looking for. It drives smooth, has good pickup, and has some really great features. I got one with 16k mileage with the Xpackage for an awesome deal! I saw on some of the other models that people left reviews for that they had a problem with water leaking, I drove mine in torrential downpour last night with no problem. I looked at many different kinds of SUVs before choosing this one and I am fully satisfied with my choice. Comfortable, roomy, fun to drive, and an overall great SUV.

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  Love my jeep - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By gorman - September 17 - 5:26 am

  This is my second Jeep it is all I expected. The first is a 2007 unlimited 4 door. I enjoy the feel of the 2010 wranglers power and stance on the road, ease of driving and the ease of parking and maneuvering around obstacles (even in the city) the soft top easily folds down over all happy with my Jeep, Jeep

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  The Best SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sue Miller - September 16 - 4:06 am

  This is my second Grand Cherokee and, as much as I loved the first one, this is far superior in power, road handling, interior quiet, gas mileage, and size. I drove a wide variety of SUVs before I got in the new Grand Cherokee. After five minutes in the car, I was totally sold. It has the best four wheel drive system on the market and is always reliable.

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  Limited 4,7 - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Roger - September 15 - 7:53 am

  Fantastic vehicle with a comfortable and quiet ride. This Jeep also handles great and so far Ive been getting 15 mpg in town and 21 mpg on the highway

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  A Real SUV... - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By LJK4 - September 14 - 4:23 pm

  This is my first Jeep and I wouldnt hesitate to purchase another one. The 4.0L is a torque monster that pulls better than any other compact SUV Ive ever driven. The Command-Trac 4wd system works flawlessly and allows this Jeep to go almost anywhere. Snow isnt a problem, just point where you want to go and hit the gas. Im 64" and drive in a very upright position and Ive got enough headroom so that Im not ducking while I drive. As far as brakes go I personally havent had any problems with them at all. There are a couple of real minor flaws inside. The transfer case lever does vibrate as does the exhaust system but these are minor flaws. Overall the Cherokee is a real SUV not a cute-ute.

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  2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee / V8 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brian R / Detroit - September 14 - 3:56 pm

  Great value. We cross-shopped the Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango and Chevy Trailblazer. We chose the Jeep based on overall value. We have put on 32,000 miles in the first 15 months and have had zero problems with our Jeep. We "moved-up" from a Cherokee and this vehicle is a big improvement all around over the smaller Cherokee.

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  4WD Hemi Heaven - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 4wd heaven - September 13 - 1:00 am

  If you thought that USA was out of the auto race you are wrong. This is one classy vehicle. A solid, well built true 4WD Jeep that includes every option known to man. Plenty of room inside, nicely arranged for maximum comfort. Wilt Chamberlain will not be comfortable in the back seat, leg room is tight for tall folks. Put him in the front, and turn on the heated seats. He will be happy. The Hemi will impress you with its power. I would highly recommend this vehicle.