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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  Always a huge repair bill - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By slh629 - October 17 - 9:56 pm

  Got this Jeep from a family member in 05. It was great until we took it in for inspection. Every time we take it in it costs us on average 800 to 1000 dollars. We drive very little and it has been garage kept and serviced yearly at least. Our new mechanic just told us the next set of repairs would be at least 1300 for the heater blower or something related to the lack of heat when we set it to the warmer settings. He told us it is something that Jeep should have recalled but hasnt. Also the dealer "fixed" the idle lag but it still dies at stop lights after they said they fixed it for about 500. I will never buy a Jeep product again and we are looking for a Toyota or a Honda!

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  If I can save just one person from buyin - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jude - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Piece of crap. A/C went at 26K, the regional Chrysler/Jeep rep offered to pay half as a good will gesture. At 26K? Brakes went at 25K, same thing. Radio goes out at any given time. Had to replace seat warmer @ $400 at 45K. Mirrors will occasionaly reset themselves at weird angles when parked. I get in car - side mirrors are aimed at the ground. Rear end piece just went at 65K...yup, a real well built machine - NOT!!! I will NEVER buy a Jeep again.

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  Great budget crossover - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By bryan - October 17 - 5:33 am

  Dont believe the less than stellar pro reviews, read the reviews by actual owners. Its not flashy, it doesnt try to be. If youre bent on luxury, this isnt it, but its by no means uncomfortable or ugly. As far as crossovers go the mileage doesnt compare to the subarus or other japanese models, but this one will take you much farther into the woods than they will. Its not a full on SUV like a wrangler, but its very capable in lighter duty applications where the rocks, mud, and water are less severe. This is so far the best vehicle I have ever driven on snowy, icy roads, and I drive big macho F-350 and 550 trucks all day. AWD (with a lock option) is far superior to 4WD on snowy roads.

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  Jeep not a Caddy - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By bob e - October 17 - 5:26 am

  I have a two door automatic with a hard top without the s package. It is a basic Jeep but it will do everything I want it to do and more. I have had 5 previous Wranglers but this on is so superior in every way it is ard to belive. It is a Jeep so jthe ride lets you know you are driving not sitting on a couch. With the hard top it is secure and quiet. It does enjoy gas, but I knew that when I bought it. The rear seat acccess is awful, but I dont ride in the back seat. Water runs in when you open the door in the rain and goes right into the door storage pocket, so only put water proof stuf in it. It is a Jeep you deal with it and sit back and enjoy the ride even if it is a little rough.

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  Generation Jeep owner - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ldynay - October 17 - 2:33 am

  Love my 4th jeep. This is by far the nicest one to date. The oldest started with an 1988, then on to 1996,1997, and now a 2005.

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  Grand Cherokee #2 - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By christienjeff - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my second jeep grand cherokee and I have not ever had a problem mechanically or otherwise.....My first one had over 70,000 miles when I traded it for the new one and it was never in the shop. This one has over 40,000 and it too has never been in the shop.

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  All-Around Great Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Andrew F. - October 16 - 5:16 pm

  We bought our Silver 2004 Ltd pre-owned from a dealer and have owned it for a little over 2 years now and we absolutely love it. Cool styling (best year in my opinion), awesome power and torque, very comfortable and pretty quiet on the highway w/o breaking the bank like an X5 or Rover. Has enough room for us w/ two adults, a 2 year old in a car set and two dogs in back. We put a Thule box on the roof for long hauls and were ready for anything! We are avid snowboarders an this Jeep motos in the snow, but the stock Goodyear Wrangler tires need to be replaced w/ something more all-weather capable. My brother-in-law drove ours and went out and bought an 05. Theyre contagious!

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  2001 JUNK - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jasmine biggins - October 16 - 2:33 pm

  ALMOST $30,000 AND NOTTIN BUT PROBLEMS. I SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO THE REVIEWS. I AM AT HOME IN BUFFALO,NY BUT MY JEEP IS IN FAIRFIELD CT. THIS TIME IT WILL NOT ACCELLERATE UPHILL. BEFORE FEATHER TIRES; GOT NEW TIRES AND IT IS THE SAME OLD THIONG.REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND ROTORS. LOST 3 DAYS WORK SO FAR, HAD TO BORROW A FRIENDS CAR TO GET HOME AND STILL DONT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG!!!DO NOT BUY IT

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  BEST SUV EVER - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By spoiled - October 16 - 1:40 pm

  We just purchased a new Jeep Commander. I had always driven a small luxury car. The SUV seems huge. To me it is like you took a Hummer and a Land Rover and combined the two. I absolutely love it. It is nice to look at. The interior is designed well. This is my first time to have cloth seats, but I love them. They are much better than leather if you ask me especially with the warranty for replacement if they become stained. I can not imagine a more perfect vehicle for a family. The third row seat has gotten some negative reviews, but not from me. I love it as well. It is perfect for kids who love to ride in the back.

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  Leaky Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BTH - October 15 - 8:46 am

  This is my first Jeep. Also looked at VW Toureg V8 and Volvo XC90 V8. Took the cheaper route with the Jeep. Purchased Limited 4x4 with every option except block heater. The first time it rained the drivers floor was soaked with water. Took it back to the dealer. They have been trying to solve the problem ever since. Has now been back to the dealer 3 times with same problem. Next time asking for new Jeep or money back. Great performance and features. Kids love DVD player. I like acceleration and ride.