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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  new jeeps are junk - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By b-rad - October 6 - 6:23 pm

  this is not my first jeep. but after purchasing my 2007 jeep grand Cherokee I have one problem after another. now my latest one is that the drivers door frame is poorly built, the metal that was use in the manufacturing of the door frame is very very weak! so weak that after 8 months of opening and closing the door,the metal where the hinge mounted bent one day just enough to allow the door caught the fender now the dealer tells me that they wont fix the problem. so I have a $30,000 vehicle with a bent door and fender! list of problems, speakers blown, windows wont roll up tire rub when turning, leaking trans, trans slipping, and the list goes on...

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  Still Running Strong - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By TNP - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my jeep new in 98. I now have 104,000 miles on it, and the only problem I have has is a power window motor. I use it offroad on the beach quite a bit, and have yet to get it stuck. It has been the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. I plan to buy another one for my son as soon as he gets his licence

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  Piece of **** - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By givemeahondaanyday - October 6 - 2:00 am

  My first American car (and Ive had probably 8 or 9 foreign cars). I was always leery of buying an American car and that worry was definitly justified. I bought this p.o.* new and had problems with it within the first 15,000 miles. I should have sold it then but I thought that the problems would be over. Not so, they just increase exponentially with age. Im glad I have AAA as I have to call them for a tow at least once a year. I cant even delineate the number of mechanical engine repairs Ive paid for. Thank goodness, Im planning on trading it in tomorrow; any dealer is a fool to give me 2 cents for it but I have my fingers crossed.

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  5.9 a keeper!! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By acarson - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 5.9 a year and a half ago and have been living high ever since. It has been pure bliss. Just hearing it roar to life still sends chills up my spine. The power is always there, the comfort is unsurpassed and I love the looks that I still get in a 5 year old vehicle. I have had no problems whatsoever. I realize that before its all said and done I will probably have to replace something, but the enjoyment I have had up till now will make it all worth while! Did I mention the way it sounds...?

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  Like my Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Eaglehawk6 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I have found it to be one of the most enjoyable vehicles to drive I have ever owned. It has plenty of power - plenty of options-have all but CD changer and moon roof. Have heated seats - mirrors - power everything - excellent sound system. Only complaint I have is that is is a bit rough on bad roads or city streets. On open highways it ride just fine. Gas could be a bit better and may improve after time. 19mpg during summer and about 17mpg in winter so far. Will really get up and go if you need it.

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  JGC - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gretchan - October 4 - 9:26 pm

  Generally, I like the Jeep a lot. All things considered, mileage seems good for this type of vehicle at 18.5 average with a 70/30% split between local and hiway driving. The brakes seem weak, but most new cars do because they use those wimpy organic pads instead of the carbon metallic ones. My rotors warped and had to be replaced in the first 5000 miles (warranty). This was with just normal driving, not with towing anything. The new ones seem better.

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  Everything you want in a great package - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeff - October 4 - 8:30 pm

  The jeep has been trouble free and reliable. It had a couple of minor issues that required a dealer service visit but they were taken care of quickly. I have the Diesel engine and it performs great and gets about 30% better MPG than the Hemi. Its pretty quiet and very comfortable on the highway. I love the heritage and classic look of the jeep.

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  FLEX FUEL ENGINE IS AWESOME - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JRS - October 4 - 1:03 am

  Nice to run 105 octane fuel that is the same price as regular. Makes the performance fun, especially in the winter. GREAT SUV!

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  My 2008 Wrangler Unlimited X - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sharon - October 3 - 10:40 am

  I just got my first Jeep Wrangler X and so far Im lovin it! Traded my 2006 Expedition and no regrets, It drives, rides and handles real nice. Its a head turner and my friends are impressed.Love the sporty 4 door style. Good cargo room and seats 5 comfortably. Fuel economy? Much better! I see a long happy driving future with my Jeep

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  Good bang for your buck - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By jeeplover - October 3 - 2:43 am

  I recently traded my fully loaded 06 Ford Fusion for this bare bones 09 Jeep Patriot with the 5sp manual. I am very pleased with my purchase. I am very impressed with the fuel mileage of this SUV. I have been averaging 30mpg with mixed city and highway driving. This is a fun to drive vehicle with the manual transmission and the traction control is a nice standard feature as well. I am a first time jeep buyer and will definitely be buying another one.