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:

• 

  Window Regulator Problems Liberty 2007 - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By JM - October 25 - 10:33 am

  Window regulator, window regulator, window regulator, at about $500 a piece, w/ the possibility of replacing all 4, not good, not good at all. What can I say, I expected more from Chrysler on a problem that seems to be very very common. Acknowledgment and reimbursement is probably a good idea, if not, Chrysler will probably lose many future customers.

• 

  The Jury is still out on the JGC - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TJeep - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I have mixed emotions about my Jeep thus far. With only 37000 miles I had to get a new radiator. The a/c is ave. and I think I have a very small antifreze leak and sometimes the transmission seems to thump when I slow down to make a right or left turn. I really want to like this SUV. I have the Laredo with the limited package that includes the two tone leather seats that only comes with the Overland. In addition, it has the 4.7L engine,electric moon roof,second power seat,crome rims, wood grain dash panel and tow package. Its a shame that this SUV has a reliability problem. Because it has all the features and looks to blow the competion away.

• 

  For Sale - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By No American Cars - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Jeep was my first American made car out of three cars. It was my most expensive and most disappointed investment. It is fun to drive and has a great look, but dont judge a book by its cover. I have had brake problems from day one. My horn use to go off for no reason, my check engine light is on for no apparent reason, and my rear differential is shot! I have fixed most of those things and intending to sell right away for a killer price...only $8K.

• 

  Love this thing - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By JMAC - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 98 sahara, the thing is badass. Get the 4.0 the 2.5s are slow. And if you can get a sahara, the thing has the best off-road suspension i have ever seen. Oh yeah, and i nice shifter.

• 

  Jeep electricity. - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepeers - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Had problem with starting. Still having problems with electric windows and locks. Dealer implys this is common. Rides a bit rough.

• 

  Expectations meet - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By royboy - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I live in Southern California with an active family. We enjoy hiking, the outdoors, and getting off-road responsibly. I wanted a fun, outdoor- enabled, short commute vehicle. After much searching I decided the ‘X’ was the perfect vehicle for us. I looked at other SUV’s (the Suzuki Vitara/Tracker, Nissan Xterra, & Isuzu Rodeo) and even other AWD cars (Subaru Impreza WRX & Forester). Wranglers have a healthy aftermarket products community, simple utilitarian style, and are just plain fun to drive. Yes, they are less fuel efficient and comfortable than a car but I knew that coming in and have no regrets. We’ve had “the bee” (its yellow) for 7 months and look forward to many more.

• 

  Good little SUV - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By bharvey67 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The seats could be a lot more comfortable but other than that this is a good SUV.

• 

  I love my Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Gaston - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I changed from a Cherokee Limited to the Liberty Limited and I am amazed at the change and the increase in drinving pleasure as well as comfort. The quality of the Liberty definitely has a German flair in the craftmanship not equaled in the previous models. It is certainly a bonus. The handling and road holding ability of the Liberty outperforms that of my old (1999) Cherokee. I am very happy with that SUV.

• 

  Great SUV - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Goodguy - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It is quiet, rides great, comfortable, and has great performance and fuel economy. I am averageing 18.7 MPG. We drove a lot of vehicles before we decided to purchase the jeep. We drove a Trailblazer, Durango, Explorer. For just over $29,000.00 MSRP with Leather, V-8, Dual Power seats, Power windows and lock, AM/FM CD Cassette, and much more. Any thing from GMC, Ford, Chevy with the same option was $4000-$7000 more. The jeep is more responsive and performs better than the other vehicles. It rides better than the Durango or Liberty. The 5 speed auto-transmission and V-8 work great with each other. Before you buy anything else go drive one of these.

• 

  Its a Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JBC - October 22 - 8:03 pm

  Great off road and winter driving vehicle. Have a 100,000 miles on it and very satisified with overall performance, reliability and looks. Brakes were initially a nightmare with front rotors and pads changed three times (once covered under warranty). Cruise control out twice. PCM went bad at 74000. If you buy one of these vehicles, I recommend you get extended warranty.