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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  CARGASM!! - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By 006_si - October 1 - 12:59 am

  This Wrangler is a definite keeper. You dont buy this for your kid, you give him/her your current car and keep this puppy for yourself! Power out the wazoo, peerless offroad credentials, and an interior that could put a Mercedes K-wagen to shame. Plus, you can take the freakin top off, and the doors, AND THEN drop the windshield! Unbelievable!

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  Good Buy - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DG and JM - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I have had is the AC, which was killed due to Florida heat. The seats are soft and the interior design is done well. The 4x4 works great. I bought it new and plan to buy another Jeep.

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  What Did You Expect? - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Kevin Lincicum - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a vast improvement over my 86 Ford F-150. I like the nimbleness and its abilities in sand and mud. Ive gone places with it that were bogging payloaders down. The seats (front) are comfortable, though a bit high for my 62" hight. The visor does not allow me to see traffic signals when I use it. Good power. Solid in its feel. Quick handling. Short overhang, front and rear are great. Spoiled by heated seats and side mirrors. Pretty good sound system. I like it better than the Audi at work.

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  2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joanna Hagerty - September 30 - 12:50 am

  Pros: The 05 is quieter and has a smoother ride than the older models. Cons: The gas tank is smaller than the older models, so Im filling up sooner. Plus, this model is bigger and more square; sometimes can difficult to park because of this.

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  Fit and Finish could use some help - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John - September 29 - 11:13 pm

  Overall much improved from previous models in design, comfort, ride and handling.

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  Fun on the road - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Greggg - September 29 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep Cherokee combines a very functional SUV with an attractive car. Its simple styling is timeless. Durability is outstanding with the truck suspension(not a fluff SUV wannabee). The ground clearance is great. So far, Ive had no problems with the Cherokee and use it for everyday driving and hauling an 18" pleasure boat.

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  Worthless - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jenz - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I thought I was buying a reliable rough and tough vehicle. I was sorely wrong. I bought it with 50k miles on it. At 68k the transmission went out, radiator cracked and brakes went out. The warranty co. did not pay because they said this was normal wear and tear on jeep cherokees. I am at 70k and my water pump, fan clutch and idle clutch just went out. In less than a year I have spent $3000 in repairs. I have a Ford Aerostar that has over 100k miles on it and have never had a problem with anything. I will never buy a Chrysler product again! Dont waste your money on this piece of junk!!!!!

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  Look cool but you will have to suffer... - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By mightymikee - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought 2.5L with softtop initially. While I was doing a long distance trip it had a hard time keeping up 75mph uphill. I traded it in for 4.0L. It has really good power plant; more than anything it has a GREAT low end torque. MPG is not so good for its size and weight. Aerodynamically speaking, it has no aerodynamic considered in the design. Loud, loud, loud. The wind noise is very loud even with hardtop and full steel doors; Hard to carry a conversation on HWy. You will definitely look cool in one of these babies from outside. Definitely for a short term fun.

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  i like the suv but - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By john connelly - September 29 - 10:00 am

  so far i only have 16000 miles on my jeep.But others have told me transmissions are not reliable.

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  Im a new believer in Jeep! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By sasman - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I have wanted a Jeep Wrangler for years as a second car. I found myself looking for a new vehicle after my overseas assignment and went ahead and purchased a Jeep Wrangler Sport to stay in tune with my new "back to basics" kind of mode I was in. All I have to say is "wow". This is an incredibly fun car/SUV to own and drive. It makes you feel like you can go anywhere...safely. Looking to go to the upcoming Jeep Jamboree this summer to try it out. Im a proud Jeep owner now.