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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  Terrible!. A truck not a luxury car! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Alan B - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought the laredo, Freedom. We were sold the Freedom as they were out of stock on the regular Laredos. Car is terrible on bumbs, terrible on highways and terrible on city streets. I live in NY. It might be good off road but this is the worst car I have purchased.

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  Amazing - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By srt8fan - July 30 - 2:30 pm

  This is a really great car, ive never had any problems that the other people wrote about. Its not great on gas but what would you expect with the engine, no less its my daily driver. Every time i get into my car somewhere people come up to me and ask me questions, its pretty awesome it gets so much attention yet still a jeep. I dont miss any of my past cars until owning this. I use it everyday for to and from work and it never gives me a problem. i guess i lucked out like everyone has had something go wrong, i probably would have had a problem by now since it already has 66k.

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  Too bad its extinct! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Maddog - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I dont understand the decision to put this vehicle out to pasture. For the price and versatility, this has, by far, been the best vehicle Ive owned. At 6 1/2 years old with 102,000 miles, mine is still going strong. All Ive had to do is keep up with the basic maintenance. The worst mechanical problem Ive had is the water pump went bad at around 100,000 miles. The model that took its place will never match up to this awesome vehicle. Ill drive this til the wheels and engine fall off and then Ill replace them and keep on going. This will probably end up being the vehicle my kids inherit when they get their drivers licenses. I agree with the other review - BRING IT BACK!

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  98 Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By DTF - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought one used because I needed a bigger car..my credit sucked so I got robbed on financing but the car has proven to be extremely reliable except for completely new sets of brakes ..twice...As an on call EMT/FF I do a lot of emergency driving so that might explain the brakes..rattling noise on acceleration..researched and talked to mechanic no loss of power has to do with lifters..dealer was fair but only if you came prepared and knew your prices and ranges...Would NOT buy vehicle from this dealer again

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By automan - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car used with 22000 miles and have driven 44000 since then. Ride is very comfortable on long road trips as well as in urban setting. Fuel economy on the highway is good at about 23 miles per gallon but get only about 17 in an urban-highway mix. Car has had no mechanical problems since I bought it. This car has the V-8 engine and it is very powerful - that probably is why gas mileage is as it is. i would recommend this model to anyone interested and particularly for off- road and hauling (trailer).

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  I Get it Now! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gmacgreg - July 30 - 8:46 am

  Jeep owners have long enjoyed a special relationship with their vehicles. Unless and until you own one its hard to imagine getting excited over a car, especially if you dont consider yourself a "car person." At the urging of my wife, I decided to give an SUV a try. I couldnt be any happier; JEEP has definitely got it going. The comfort level is excellent on short or long drives. The rigid ride takes some getting use to, but only adds to the overall experience. Navigation is a bit clunky, but well worth it. I was amazed at the performance of the 4WD and put it to the test with back to back 24" snow falls; childs play. 21 MPG hwy, not bad. Reliable, zero problems. JEEP. I Get it Now!

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  I like the Liberty BUT have 2nd thoughts - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By rettaman - July 30 - 3:46 am

  I purchased my 2006 Jeep Liberty Limited 4X4 in December of 2006 when my 2001 "Lemony Olds" Alero GLS (thats another review for another time) decided to die on me...and this particular Jeep Liberty with an awesome rebate caught my attention! Time for an SUV, huh? Anyway, within a couple of weeks of owning the Liberty, the left rear windows regulator went out and I had to get it replaced. The "new" regulator on the same door went out while on a road trip to Florida in January 2008. The gas mileage is not something to be thrilled about. Im almost wanting to purchase another vehicle, but cant due to poor trade-in value of the Liberty. I like the Liberty, but there are second thoughts.

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  Jeep Liberty Limited 2WD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By warrantcwo - July 29 - 7:26 pm

  Fun to drive. Informative, useful console info (tire pressure, average gas mileage, miles to empty, etc.). Heated leather seats are great and comfortable.

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  My favorite car - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Teresa Payne - July 27 - 4:13 am

  My Jeep has been a great blessing. I have enjoyed driving in the city, felt safe in the floods (did not go out when I did not have to) and have had a blast on the dirt. The V8 engine saved my life as I was able to get out of the way of an out of control car spinning toward me. The acceleration that is possible is something that you would expect from a sports car.

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  A true Off Roader for everyday - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Driven1 - July 26 - 10:26 pm

  I love my jeep. I put All terrain tires on it and there hasnt been much I cant get through. I have even done off-road courses with about 200 Wranglers, and I kept up with them. They all gave me high fives that I was using it off-road. It is also my daily driver. I have a Limited so it looks good and is a comfortable ride. IT has been my most favorite vehicle. Dont complain about the gas mileage, the vehicle weighs 4500 lbs and is built like a tank. I love the power it has and I have pulled about 10 people that were stuck this winter alone. Even a big 15 passenger van. This is not an Escalade, it is a great everyday, comfortable driver that can handle anything you throw at it.