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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  Jeep Overland - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Marin - August 20 - 2:00 am

  After having a 2000 Jeep GC Limited, we stepped up to the Overland. The HO motor and the 5-speed transmission are the smoothest drivetrain I ever drove. Kills my BMW 530i. PS. My son totaled the Limited and him and his friend walked away without a scratch. The car bent, not my son

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By brendaiverson - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I leased a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo in December. I have never had such a good experiance. The dealership was the best I have ever delt with. I love the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, it is comfortable to drive and is an excellent value.

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  I like it - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Mike Lowery - August 16 - 3:43 pm

  Im in the military and bought this through the on post car sales and Ive only been driving it about a month and some change. But so far I really enjoy the vehicle like said earlier dosent have a lot of off the line power but it has more HP than the average 4 banger, especially considering the last 4 banger I drove was in 94. Anyway all around I personally think its a great deal and the test drive is what took me to this over the Dodge Nitro. Not as flashy but rides smoother and dosent have a huge parking brake right beside your thigh, thats just my opinion though go test drive it yourself see how you like it versus these reviews

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  Jeep Wranglers Are Fun! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pat - August 15 - 10:43 am

  Always wanted a Jeep. Now I have one! Pros: Easy to put the top up and down. One person can do this without a problem. The more you do it the faster it gets. After market parts just bolt on where the extra holes are. No pre-drilling. The 190 hp 4.0 V6 gets up and goes really fast. The 6 gears are great too. Love the 4 x 4. Should of gotten the one with cruise control for long trips though.

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  Not Bad - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ballpark3075 - August 14 - 6:40 pm

  I havent owned very long but so far so good. Bought it used. Ride is great. Looks sharp and the price was great, especially compared to other SUVs.

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  Overall great....but... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RANDY - August 14 - 1:03 pm

  Great vehicle, but for some reason it overheated at 750 miles (since new) after a brief gas stop on 250 mile trip home. It was flatbedded to the nearest dealership. They found nothing wrong! Strange, since now I wonder if it might happen again. Dealership not helpful in explaining how this could have occurred. Otherwise, my 6 month experience with this Jeep (5.7 L) has been great.

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  Second Jeep... will buy a third! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Adam - August 13 - 11:40 pm

  I bought my first Jeep in 1996. I liked it so much that I bought another one. My family liked my cars so much that my brother bought a 2000, and my dad just bought a 2005. I have heard that Jeeps have reliability issues, but at 71K I have only replaced tires, brakes, and a blower motor (within warranty). Jeeps have unparalleled off-road capability and the torque will beat just about any car on the road off the line. The car looks very classy inside and out. Definitely a head turner. I will drive this Jeep till the wheels fall off and then buy another one. I LOVE MY JEEP! p.s. definitely buy v8!

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  RR - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By David - August 10 - 8:46 pm

  Awesome! great value for your money, and is a very well built SUV.

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  WYSIWYG - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By tommy d - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Great, functional, fun to dive vehicle. If you want a bigger back seat or more stowage, buy a Suburban. Fun to drive (short wheel-base) but drives like a truck... built on a truck chassis... duh!

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  jeep - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By go - August 10 - 10:00 am

  fast and fun to drive with great mpg