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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  Fill save in snow or mud - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Adam P - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle for New England climat. If you have boat trailer to tow it culd be good choice for this. I had almost no problems with this vehicle until now when some parts called for replacement(radiator and starter)

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  Jeep Cherokee Larado - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sclogan - May 25 - 2:00 am

  We are very happy with our Jeep. It is the best vehicle we have ever owned outside of our Nissan Maxima. We love the Jeep equally for its quality and beauty.

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  2nd one, its been great so far.... - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim W - May 25 - 2:00 am

  2nd Grand Cherokee that I have purchased. This has been an overall great vehicle. I had 1 TBS item taken care of under warranty and I had to replace the front pads at 33,000 miles.

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  I Like it - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Katherine C - May 25 - 2:00 am

  It is cool looking and comfortable.

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  Give Me Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kimobean - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Spunky SUV that grips the road and trails. Switched to the Liberty from a Chevy Suburban. Love the size when it comes to parking, but plenty of room for me and both kids. b

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  2004 Renegade an excellent choice - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By JAURS - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased my 2004 fully- loaded Jeep Liberty Renegade 4X4 on 10/31/03. It is an awesome vehicle with an excellent ride, nice interior, rugged good-looks and excellent off- road ability. The ride is very smooth and the steering is precise. I cant say enough about how impressed I am with the vehicle. I dont know why Edmunds states that it doesnt have a "car-like" ride. To me the ride is very smooth. The Liberty is in a class of its own. The Escape, XTerra, Rav 4, and CR-V, among others cant match the distinctive look and capability of a Jeep. Go test drive one, youll be impressed.

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  grand cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mayra - May 25 - 2:00 am

  its a great car, its great for long trips and smooth rides it can tow anythings and its great for families or just you...

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  Balanced Choice - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By WSF - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Given the SUV foremat, performance, fun to drive, and economy levels are much higher than would be expected or than experienced with my friends competing vehicles. First year, but with about 14000 miles of HARD driving, not a single reliability/quality/assembly issue. Replaced a 1993 Grand Cherokee with 170000 miles and similar satisfaction level for its time. An improvement in every respect.

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  Would NOT Consider any other SUV BUT.... - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ALLRealtySolution - May 24 - 8:50 pm

  If it is a reliable, safe SUV you are looking for, then Cherokee should be your choice. We have owned jeeps since 91 and have had on since. We have a 97 GCL and LOVE IT! The clock JUST turned over 100K... We figure it should last for OVER 300K! So we may have it until 2040 something. lol VERY RELIABLE... VERY SAFE... AND FUN TO 4X4!!

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  my race truck - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Alex from NH - May 24 - 9:23 am

  This truck is possibly the greatest vehicle of all time. Its fast (took off the restrictor plate and got it doing 125 mph). Its small and handles beautifully if your idea of beauty is a roll over waiting to happen at every turn, mine is. The small size does not bother me because Im not a big guy but people in the backseat complain, they know where the door is. My Jeep has around 187,000 miles. And I drive this thing hard from offroading to the occasional street race. Guys with there little rice burner toyotas laugh at the start then I hit them with the incredible torque! The Jeep Cherokee should have been in diehard because it is unstoppable. Except for the a/c compressor it died at 100k miles