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:

• 

  18 months later, not one complaint - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By greysmoke - August 28 - 3:56 pm

  This is my 3rd Jeep Wrangler. The first was a 95; great fun. Then an 00; even better. The 09 4-door is a Jeep for grownups. The longer wheelbase makes for a much more comfortable ride. Theyve made the new ones much wider, too. Im not completely sold on the 3.8 V6, but so far, so good. Most important points: (1) Its a Jeep. (2) Nothing has gone wrong. Ive not had any work done on this Jeep except for fluid changes. For experienced Jeep owners, this model is much more civilized than what youre used to. For those new to a Jeep, be warned: its still a real Jeep, and that means its not going to suit everybody.

• 

  jeep cherokee sport 4wd - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Fmart322 - August 28 - 1:03 pm

  Im 61", and wish it had more room inside the cockpit. I feel squeezed sometimes. Fuel consumption is not real good with this SUV, but then again, are any of them. Makes a great beach buggy for surf fishing. this is a great car for teens who are just getting started, low cost to maintain. Good vision all around.

• 

  Not Reliable Like The Old Jeeps! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tangman - August 27 - 7:26 am

  I bought this Jeep from a lease return. I have had it a month and electrical problems, latch open problems, replaced sensor discharging battery (cant find the problem why) and engine light coming on, and the dealership said its something to do with traction control? problem not solved yet, it has left me on the side of the road 3 times, not starting because of these problems, have replaced the battery, never solved problem yet. I am disabled and cant walk without use of a Walker or canes, I bought this, to have a reliable vehiclle. I had a 2004 ranger with 340,000 miles on it, that never broke down on me once in 8 years. I had a 1998 Jeep before that I loved, what happened to the quality!

• 

  So far, so good! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By m11171 - August 27 - 6:43 am

  Replaced our trusty 2002 4Runner with a 2011 JGC Laredo. Closing in on 3K miles at this point, so have spent enough time to provide an early review. First, we did need to bring the Jeep back to the dealer a few days after driving it off the lot b/c an airbag light came on. Turns out a sensor in the door came loose. That was inconvenient but so far the only issue we had - dealer took care of it under warranty. Wife and I love the exterior styling and interior quality. I never would have considered buying a JEEP/Chrysler product before this...the JGC is that good. VERY comfortable, V-6 isnt fast, but isnt slow, either. All around excellent vehicle.

• 

  Rust Bucket - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Don - August 26 - 7:43 pm

  Owned the vehicle for 4 years and with only 19,500 miles had to replace the brake rotors (and pads) twice. The last straw was the rusted-out transmission coolant line. Body bolts (under the top of the hood in the engine compartment) also rusted. Nostalgia aside, this car is the epitemy of the US car industry of the 50-60s. Poor fuel economy, handling, performance, body integrity, etc. When we purchased the car four years ago, we had to search hard to find one with the "optional" ABS package and side air bags. Doesnt everyone who wants four wheel drive also want four wheel (controlled) stopping too? Our 2005 Liberty was finally replaced with a 2010 MB GLK 350 4-matic...GOODBYE JEEP!!!

• 

  AN ANIMAL THAT DRINKS GAS - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BUD M. - August 26 - 1:18 am

  1 LOT OF RECALLS . NO GLITCHES. GREAT IN SNOW-BETTER THAN ANY OTHER 4 WHEEL I HAVE OWNED(6). ROTTEN GAS MILEAGE. GOOD LOOKING. FEEL VERY SAFE TO BE IN.

• 

  Great car! - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By anhdao - August 25 - 7:35 pm

  My husband purchased this car earlier this year and we are so pleased with the updated design of the Grand Cherokee. Comfortable, runs smoothly, great family car, and the overall value is great in comparison with other luxury cars.

• 

  11-14 MPG! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mike - August 25 - 3:03 am

  Fun to drive, w/ 5.7 L Hemi. Not a good family SUV, too small. 11-14 MPG over the past 3 years of mixed driving. Would not buy another Jeep in the future.

• 

  Its a Jeep thing - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By T-Lo - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent small SUV. The 4.0 is bulletproof. It is the easiest to service 4WD vehicle I have ever seen. The spark plugs are easy to get to, the transfer case has a drain plug, the differentials are easily serviced, there are no CV boots (straight axle), etc. Step on the gas and it goes, along with your fuel mileage though. At 80,000 miles, the only unscheduled maintenance has been the brakes and a power window regulator. Back seat is good for kids but adults couldnt ride there for long. A lift on this SUV is cheap and simple and they are available from mild to wild.

• 

  Love the good and the bad - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zjfreak - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought it with 44k miles...had trans rebuilt at 49k..no problems since even with blown cooler lines...fixed lines and refilled fluid...good as before...now has 138k miles..repairs tend to add up...spent 2k in 2 month period..oil pan..cv joints..diff maintenance..love my jeep but it IS high maintenance