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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  Reliable - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By kozmikgene - June 8 - 1:28 am

  I just turned over 200,000 miles and I have only changed the oil about 15 times. My Cherokee Sport still runs strong and if I had been a bit better with maintenance I believe it would easily turn 300k. If you find one of these gems dont be afraid of it if it has some miles on it you will easily see 200k. My mechanic says these engines are bullet proof, and the only reason he has seen it is for the 3 radiators it has gone through. We have recently endured a terrible snow storm that downed many trees, my Jeep got me home safe with some of the nastiest four wheel off roading it has been through!

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  I love my Wrangler! - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepfreak97 - June 8 - 12:20 am

  I love my Jeep. I am a teenage guy that loves the rough and rugged feel. It is just awesome to go where most vehicles have no hope of going.

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  Great SUV - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe T. - June 7 - 3:30 pm

  I have had this Jeep for about 5 years now and it is one of the best that I have ever owned. It offers a great ride, comfortable seating for everyone, and very easy to work on in my driveway. I live in Wisconsin and some times the snow plows just cant keep up. This Jeep has been able to walk right through everything. Very good quality and design. Currently has 171,000 miles on it and it still runs like a Swiss watch!

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sage69 - June 7 - 2:12 pm

  I am the original owner of my Jeep which now has 180,000 miles on it. It is my third Jeep. As an outside salesman I have driven over 1,000,000 miles in the past 30 years. And this is the most durable car I have ever driven. Besides still having the original brake pads with 40% of their life left, the only "repairs" so far have been a water pump, EGR valve and throttle position sensor. The 3 items were done at 170,000 miles. It took 60,000 miles just to break in the motor which uses not a drop of oil between regular oil changes every 5-6,000 miles. My car has every available option and NOT one thing has malfunctioned in 180,000 miles. You just cant go wrong with this car.

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  96 Laredo 4X4 - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hartsjeep - June 7 - 9:14 am

  My Laredo has 186,000+ bought it for $1. Have had to replace about everything under hood. Normal wear and tear. Have had it for 5 yrs now and I love it. Been good to me. Went from VT to AZ spent 4 yrs their then AZ to VT again. Both ways towing a 4 wheel Uhal trailer. Not a hiccup or anything either way. I wouldnt try that with anything else. On our way back and forth we slept in the Jeep. The back is perfect size for two average sized people to sleep comfortably. LOVE MY JEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Will buy another! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chryslerforlife - June 7 - 4:53 am

  I bought my jeep brand new in 1998 with less than 50 miles on it. Today 5/31/2010 I just hit 160,000 miles. I have never had a bit of problems with my Grand Cherokee. The A/C still blows ice cold. i live on a no winter maintained road and I have never been stuck anywhere. It takes the snow in a stride and has never let me or my family down. I dont like the 05-10 Generation grand Cherokee I feel as mine is better built. My Grand Cherokee is fully loaded with options except the 4.7 v8 but I find the 4.0 more than adequate and pulls a boat up the boat launch with no effort. I really like the 2011 maybe its time for a trade in. I still trust my jeep to go anywhere I want it to.

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  Fun to drive, strong vehicle, true Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe - June 6 - 7:10 pm

  Purchased a 2005 Liberty 4x4 6cylinder auto after my 2002 was totaled in an accident with a bus. Liberty was broadsided by NJ Transit bus and in turn crashed into four parked cars. Although the vehicle was totaled, my wife and one year old child were unharmed. Family is alive because they were in a heavy vehicle. A truly strong, safe, vehicle. Highly dependable on road as well as off road. I recommend the Liberty to all without reservations.

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  Will never own another Jeep - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By EBJ - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new in Jan 1997, ran out of gas Feb 1997 due to inoperative gas gauge. Brakes, replaced, windshield leak, repreated visits to dealership to no avail. Currently in 2002, new brakes again $400.00. March, transmission went. Since truck was over 3 years, no help from Daimler- Chrsyler; cost $4,000.00. August 2002, turn signal, winshield wiper computer gone; $200 repair. Sept 2002, fuel pump in the gas tank had to be replaced; $500 repair. It seems that Daimler has done little to improve Chryslers product. If you plan to purchase a JEEP, buyer beware.

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  AWESOM RIDE - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By WARNER - June 6 - 10:00 am

  IIIIIIIIII LOVE THIS RIDE HAD IT OVER A YEAR AND WILL BUY ANOTHER. RECENT ICE STORM THIS THING SAVED MY FAMILYS LIFE. AWESOM BRAKING NOW. MECHANIC FRIEND SAID DO NOT TIGHTEN WHEELS WITH AIR WRENCH JUST TIGHTEN WITH TORQUE WRENCH...NO BRAKE PROBLEMS SINCE. THE STEREO IS SUPURB INFINITY DID GREAT. AWESOME HEATER AND FUN RIDE...LOOKS LIKE A PERFECT MIXTURE BETWEEN MACHINE AND ART...WILL BUY ANOTHER.

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  Great decision, I love it.. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By What a JEEP!! - June 4 - 1:16 pm

  Well, I have had my Jeep Army Green 08 Jeep Commander for about 8+ months now and am as happy today with my purchase as I was when I made it. I paid cash, got the lifetime power Trane and opted for the lifetime bumper to bumper since I had my last Grand Cherokee for 11 years I figured it would pay off. The Boston Acoustic stereo is fantastic. The sunroof and 2 additional sunroofs in the back seat area are cool, kids love them. A/C power in back seat helps out and heated leather seats are great looking and comfortable. When we go up the Pocono Mountains it very smartly shifts for steep inclines providing plenty of power with the 6 cyl.