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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  1000 miles and climbing - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepin - November 30 - 3:36 am

  This is my second jeep liberty. First was 05 Liberty Diesel. The best way I can describe the difference is that in 08 they have taken the "Jeep" out of this model. It is completely different. It rides more car like and tracts on the highway much better. The ride is smooth and quiet! This makes for more comfort, but it is at the expense of less feed back when 4 wheeling off the road. I use mine for both 1 - 2 hour trips and then short drives off road on almost a daily basis. This model fines a fair balance between on road and off road. So far gas mileage has been a little better than expected. 18 average and as high as 24 on the highway.

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  Dont buy one! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Danelle - November 28 - 1:06 pm

  I have had my Jeep in the shop more then any other car I have owned in 25 years! the transmission was bad, the u joints needed replacing at 35k miles its had at least 3 recalls i have taken it in for. The back brake light works when it feels like it. I notice 9 out of 10 jeeps I see also have brake light problems. Now My drive shaft is out! I am not a crazy driver to work and home and occasional vacation. look up recalls for jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo its incredible how many there are. I like the way the jeep looks but will never buy another one.

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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)

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  thumpy/non economic - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By king - November 18 - 5:33 am

  A great looking vehicle, reliable, sturdy. Comfort in city driving is very thumpy. Fuel economy with this 03 Liberty is poor city driving-reasonable on the highway for driving. Rear seat is uncomfortable, while the front seats are great for comfort and support. The auto transmission shifts hesitatingly and I am on the second transmission. The first one shifted up and down like a yo yo. I am certain I would not purchase a Liberty again in an auto transmission.

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  Look out at 75,000 - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Brad - November 15 - 7:50 am

  This was the best vehicle we ever owned until we hit 75,000. AC compressor, transmission replacement (ouch)...new radiator. It is amazing how the truck knew the final payment had been made. If you are under 70,000 consider a change fast

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  Expensive Vehicle-Poor Quality / Reliab. - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Disloyal Jeep Owner - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I was initially pleased with the Grand Cherokee, but after a multitude of problems, i.e.- broken door locks, defective weather stripping, hetaed seat failure, and replacement / repair of front brakes 3 times by 37,000 miles. The dealer was completely uncooperative and I was forced to write a letter to the CEO of Daimler-Chrysler for North America, Dr. Dieter Zetsche. If you decide to buy anyway look up the TSBs- Technical Service Bulletins on theinternet first as it may discourage your purchase.

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  jeep cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rosie - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Things I would improve: The arm rests need softening, the center console could be a little larger, the rear privacy shade over the "trunk" area should be included,not optional,deeper netted pockets in trunk area, pockets needed on back of front seats(no place to put an Atlas).

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  Hideous support from Jeep, way to many problems! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mbooms - November 4 - 11:50 am

  I hav 2014 Jeep Overland V8, fully loaded and its a beautiful gas guzzler that drives pretty darn well.....when it works. It is 13 months old and has about 9500 miles, here is the problem list: The forward collision warning system goes off randomnly, activating the brakes about half the time!!!! This is the worst problem I have, its unsafe, the vehicle will brake very hard when this happens, I have almost been rear ended several times. It has been in the shop 6 times for this problem. FYI they replaced the camera/sensor, the part cost $1400 according to the warranty ticket!!! 5 other signifcant problems and Jeep cust service is horrid, its getting lemon lawed!!

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  Original Owner 99 Grand Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kh - November 3 - 9:00 pm

  Weve had this car since it was new. At about 80K mi, had to rebuild rear differential. At about 125K mi had to rebuilt entire rear end again, along with shocks. I was told my dealer that this was a "known problem". Car engine is strong, interior has fallen apart in hot Virginia summers - vinyl has split and cracked. I am disappointed that this car wont last much longer - I thought Jeeps were good for 200K.

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  Can Drain Your Wallet - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By staatc - November 3 - 1:48 am

  I was really excited about owning my first jeep and had great plans for it until the death wobble hit. All my suspension and steering components all wore out at about the same time and I had to put almost $1,000 into it just for parts and did the labor myself. Then as soon as I got it driving good again, the oil pan gasket started leaking. While the engine itself will run forever, be sure to take time to inspect all of the other components and have a mechanic check it over too.