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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  Vinyl seat failure - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 4th jeep - August 7 - 7:20 am

  Beware of 1960s quality vinyl used on the seats. I have leather with vinyl trim on the sides of the seat and back. At 45,000 miles the cheap vinyl started to crack and is slowly deteriorating. Not cool for this day where some vinyls look and wear better than leather.

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  It was my dream car, but.... - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By meropidae - August 5 - 10:00 am

  After two years, the Jeep reputation reared its ugly head. The AC is continually broken. The cd player and sunroof are dead. The roof lining is sagging, the windows leak. It rattles and chirps (and not only off- road). The automatic transmission has very bad days. The side bumper strips are falling off. And, mysteriously, the front drivers side door has begun to rub against the nose-side panel, slowly denting it inward. I adore it...but will soon face the fact that Im pouring money into a bottomless pit. (sigh....)

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  99 Cherokee Limited - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cherokeelmt - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This Bright Red loaded Cherokee Limited is the bedt vechile I have owned to date. I bought it at 29,900 miles and it currently has 38,900 on the clock. Recently took it for a 1000 mile round trip to Niagara Falls and the Ride was great. The power leather seats were very comfortable, and the Factory tint on the windows prevents the dark gray seats from heating up to much. We averaged 17.8 miles to the gallon which was dissapointing, but the Truck as a whole makes up for the loss in MPG.

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  High maintenance - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tom Halvorson - August 5 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep turned out to be very high maintenance. My first brake job was at 7500 miles, next at 11,750, next at 24,500 and on and on. The brake job at 51,500 cost over $500. The transmission was replaced at 11,750. At 61,600 I had to replace the transfer case output and input seals. Also another brake job at that time. Now at 66,000 miles the transfer case shifter shaft seal is leaking and to fix will cost $450. Also the rear differential bearings are making noise and must be replaced ($950) and if you let it go too long you will damage the rear axles ($$$). It is beginning to feel like the brakes need work again.

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  Best of the best - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Quantek - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car (SUV) The best SUV in its class

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  2005 LIBERTY - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Pete K. - August 4 - 4:36 pm

  The 2005 Liberty is very reliable, I have close to 12,500 miles on it, and drive approximately 550 miles a week. It has been very responsive in tight situations, braking is controlled and solid, handling is excellent and it turns nicely (great when towing, very maneuverable). Good visibility, gas mileage is poor when driving in town, but I have averaged close to 22 mpg on the highway with proper tire pressure & regular oil/air filter changes. Seats are a little firm but the extra support helps when your off road, interior panels scratch easily, cargo area needs a mat. Engine power is perfect great for passing & going uphill. Transmission could be smoother, 4x4 is right on the money. A great vehicle!

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  Could of bought any car - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sique - August 4 - 9:36 am

  Quite frankly, I am in a position that I could have bought any new SUV of my choice. When I saw an ad for the new Grand Cherokee, I was immediately intrigued as I owned the last model and it was a fun ride. Went to the dealer, drove it off the lot, and that was it. The main complaint I had with the old Jeep was it was the ride was a bit bouncy. Well, they have taken care of that and the ride, power, and technology really should elevate this car to compete with the next price category up in the mid-size SUV ($50k+). I did have one problem with a dial on the navigation system and had to have the entire stereo/nav system replaced.

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  Love it! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By MNM!7 - August 4 - 5:20 am

  My husband and I have three cars. His company car, my commute car and this jeep is considered our "toy". I love how it handles on the road. We challenged it up in the mountains and performed great. I love the dual top option and the color. Wish it has better gas mileage, but since its not a daily driver that helps. Cant wait to take the top off!

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Best Jeep Yet! - August 2 - 8:00 pm

  I purchased my Jeep with 100,000 miles on it; within 3 months I have put 11,000 more miles on it, and this Jeep is going strong. No major problems with it at all ever, besides maintenance like all other vehicles. I do not know why everybody complains about this style of Jeep. If you treat it good, it will do the same for you! I have 20" chrome rims on mine, with no brake problems what so ever, and they are heavy rims. The only thing that has been replaced are the pads. Jeep couldnt of made this vehicle any better. I plan on driving mine until the wheels fall off!

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  BAD CAR TO BUY!!! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By tn - August 2 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT FOR 7 YEARS AND ITS THE LAST ONE. THIS CAR HAS A FRAME RAIL AND STEERING GEAR BOX BOLTS CRACKING RECALL PROBLEM. DONT BUY ANY REGULAR CHEROKEE. CHRYSLER WILL NOT PAY FOR MY REPAIRS AND ONLY 2500 ARE ON THE RECALL LIST, BUT MINE CAR IS NOT. THOUSANDS OR MORE ARE AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM AND IT CAN CAUSE A CRASH. MY FRAME RAIL CRACKED AND LOST MY STEERING THREE TIMES IN THE LAST 1.5 YEARS. THIS IS A BAD CAR!