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:

• 

  honest assessment - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gadwg - July 6 - 4:33 am

  Has been very reliable with 116k on it now and runs like new, but has been well maintained. Like others, have had problems with the brakes, but have replaced only once although the problem was extreme. Get great gas mileage for an suv, averaging 18-20 mpg with 4.0L and 4x4. Very capable off-road. Has been used heavily for towing and other truck responsibilities. Overall, not bad. Certainly better than my other domestic brand experiences.

• 

  I love my Jeep! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By litgrl - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I was a little leary of buying a used car, but I have had nothing but great experiences with my Jeep Cherokee. I love the way it handles on the road, the space my family has when traveling, and the extras it has. The only downs I have experienced are not great gas mileage, and it is a little too boxy for me (making it hard to dry when hand- washing it). Other than that, I love this vehicle!

• 

  Jeep GC 4.7L All Terrain Sports Car - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Timtjt - July 6 - 2:00 am

  The JGC with 4.7 V8 is fun to drive, around town and on the highway, it is rated to tow up to 6500 pounds with towing package, I tow a 4500 pound boat with ease, much easier than with my Ford Explorer. My wife drives it daily and loves it, itÂ’s not too large in traffic and parking lots and she likes the performance. The JGC has been reliable, the only problem it has been to the dealer for repair for was to have the front rotors and calipers replaced at no charge as part of a TSB. Its a JEEP!!!

• 

  WOW - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By MD - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the most fun vehicle on the road today. This is NOT a commuter car, this is a drop the top weekend convertible that can go anywhere. Chrysler has kept this vehicle true to its heritage. This was a suprise b-day gift from my wife - THANKS T.

• 

  best jeep ever - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By mmp - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with this Jeep. 35000 miles in first year with no major problems. Although I would like to have a bit more cargo room.

• 

  Love Jeep, Hate Quality - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Aimeerose - July 5 - 10:30 pm

  I love my Jeep, from a driving standpoint. With the V8, its quite responsive and fun to drive. Everyone always comments on how comfortable and quiet it is Great for long road trips and nasty weather. But this is the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. Luckily we bought an extended warranty when we purchased this vehicle. I cant imagine how many thousands of dollars it has saved us. Problems we have had: the rotors warp and need replacing (3 times so far, until we switched to non-Chrysler parts), bad power steering system, transmission pump, electrical shorts, jammed locks, faulty heating and A/C.

• 

  2001 Grand Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mark N. - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Underrated vehicle.

• 

  Very Pleased - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Happy Jeep Owner - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 JGC in 12/99 and have been extremely pleased. I now have 58,000 miles on it and have only replaced the brakes 2 times. The first time was due to the front rotor malfunctioning at about 17,000 miles.

• 

  Jeep Rating - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike Kuhnsman - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Very good experience so far

• 

  From X5 to Cherokee Latitude - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By rlr23 - July 5 - 6:46 am

  Very pleased. Gas mileage has gone from 16 mpg to 27.5 mpg on the same route. Did not need 4wd or Awd . Happy with the performance of 2.4 engine. I dont mind how the 9 speed transmission works to maximize efficiency.