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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  Love my Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By happy jeep owner - May 2 - 1:33 am

  Ive only had my Jeep for 6 weeks, and I love it. Traded in a 2001 VW Jetta for my Jeep, and I couldnt be happier. I know a lot of people have been bashing this SUV, and I have no idea why. Even my mother, who was reluctant to let me buy it, likes the vehicle. It drives great, very comfortable, and I like the height, it makes seeing the road very easy, and it has a very good crash rating. Also, it has a great sound system.

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  The engine may outlast me! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By oldg5 - May 1 - 9:13 pm

  This is the second Cherokee Ive owned. The first was an 87 that lasted 250k and wouldve gone longer had I not gotten water in the engine. For this reason, I decided to get a new one in 2000 (2001 model) and have not regretted it. The inline, cast iron, 6 cylinder engine will last a lifetime! Things to look for; The rear main oil seal will leak at some point (both of mine happened around 100k miles), its a gas guzzler, the valve cover will leak at some point (easy/cheap DIY), though my 2001 has yet to do this (140k), and the front rotors warp easily. I replaced my rotors with cross-drilled rotors that last longer, stop faster and cost less than OEM. very reliable vehicle!

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  tsi jeep cherokee - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By paul thompson - May 1 - 2:00 am

  good reliable vehicle,stops at every gas station.gets around great in snow and ice rear wiper has never worked properly.

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  Perfect Car for my family. - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Great Car - April 30 - 7:10 am

  My parents bought this car in September after my sister and I begged for it. My mom was very hesitant at first because she thought that it was a Hummer. She also didnt want people to think that she was a gas guzzler. On the other end my dad, the typical manly man, loves Howard Stern (Sirius was a major plus), loves sports and he loves his new manly car. Also it was a huge improvement from our purple minivan. As a young person I was attracted to this car for the sunlights in the back and I also liked the silver handles on the door. When we went on our first big trip with this car we went to Palm Springs. Interstate 10 down there is very windy, and we could hear all of the wind!

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  Pure Junk - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Eric - April 29 - 2:03 pm

  This was my second Jeep. Our original was a 95 Grand Cherokee Limited. Ran great and saved my wifes life in a car accident. I figured Id buy another jeep since we liked that one so much. BAD MOVE!! About a month after we bought the car we took it back to Chrysler due to stained seats from minimal rain water. We were told it wasnt covered under warrant. At about 6 months and 7,000 miles our car began shutting off for now reason. Turned off going 60 mph on the highway, took it to the dealership and they said there was nothing wrong with it. Since then weve had it in the shop 4 times for the same problem and they always say theres no problem. Also, car seats dont fit well. Not recommended

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  Good looking jeep, Exc. design & perform - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bas - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Exc. design & performance

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  GREAT GRAND CHEROKEE - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By WRHALLJR - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I LEASED MY GRAND CHEROKEE OVER TWO YEARS AGO. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A BETTER VEHICLE IN MY LIFE. I HAVE HAD ONE SERVICE VISIT BESIDES REGULAR MAINTENANCE STOPS, AND THAT WAS TO FIX THE ASH TRAY. IF THEY ONLY CAME WITH AN OPTIONAL 3RD SEAT AND WERE A LITTLE BIGGER I WOULD NEVER OWN ANYTHING ELSE.

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  Almost a year later... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Willie - April 29 - 7:36 am

  After almost a year of owning this Jeep, I an still really happy with it. The ride with the all terrain tires is good once vehicle is broken in. Forward and rearward visibility is good, with the exception of the D pillar on the passenger side. Seat comfort up front is good, plenty of cargo space...even though less than its competitors. Like the washable cargo tray, good for when camping or doing other things. Base 6 speaker stereo is good with great bass. Have almost 14,000 miles on it and no major mechanical problems, just oil changes and tire rotations. Handles great in turns and stays planted on the ground. Brakes are excellent. You can really see and feel Mercedes-Benz in this Jeep.

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  Grand Cherokee Hemi - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By garsarno - April 28 - 9:06 pm

  The Hemi engine option is the way to go. The power is smooth along with the ride. The ride is very car-like and the end of the year deals made it a great buy. It is slightly lower and less roomy than our 2004 Mountaineer but the redesign in 2005 improved the Jeep. Handles well, gas mileage down but that is because I like the exhaust sound and the ability to go with it being new and not broken in yet (only 300 miles on the odometer). The navigation system and Sirius radio helps along with the standard remote start system makes this SUV a standout. Drive the 4.7 V8 first and then drive the Hemi - you will be sold.

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  Disappointment - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By stud2boat - April 27 - 10:19 am

  What seemed to be a great purchase. Soon turned into quite a different thing!