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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  Awesome SUV - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mman72 - April 11 - 4:06 pm

  I recently purchased a JGC Laredo 4WD. I traded in my Audi for the Jeep and I must say that I was very surprised. This Jeep was awesome. The drive was smoother than any CAR Ive had so far. Very impressive. My only recommendation is to buy the 4.7 V8 or bigger. The 3.7 is a bit weak. However, it has enough power. But what a great surprise for my 1st SUV! So far so good!

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  nice jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By cwnaaa - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This jeep is excellent for off road and climbing over 15inch rocks and then going down highway nice ride just the right automoble for living in New England. the anly thing is if you use reg. gas it get about 15 miles to a gallon if you put in super you get about 20 mpg. so I send a little more but get 30%better gas mileage

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  97 Cherokee - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rich Jones - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I took care of it and its been great.

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  Oh what a feeling to Jeep~! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JeepLover03 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Its a great feeling when other cars cant cross the rain flooded roads and my Jeep just drive through, casually. I love the view/height of the Jeep gives me enough warnings on the trafic ahead. Wonderful "power-everything" in my "special edition" model...oooh la la. Why is my Jeep feels "heavier" when Im tired or early in the morning? RUST~! on the hood, not a good sign. And what are those squeeking noises~? Under the dash, in the front and back door panels, over head, everywhere~! Final words, Im gonna get rid of it after 6 months and get a newer Jeep Grand Cherokee, if not; well, Honda or Toyota people will be seeing me soon.

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  The fantastic Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dash - April 11 - 2:00 am

  It is very dependable and easy to get in and out of. The tail gate is easy to open for groceries and etc.

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By harrison7 - April 10 - 11:32 pm

  Bought my Jeep about a year and a half ago. Before that had a 1998 grand. It was such a great car. Got over 300k miles on it before someone totaled it. But My 2006 Jeep is a good car. I love the look of the car, the hard lines and the awesome grille. Fun to drive, and the seats are so comfortable. But I do have mixed feelings about the jeep. I have all sorts of electrical problems. My dash lights flash constantly and my NAV stopped working. Dealer said it was the body control module that needs to be replaced. ($1,200)!!! Makes a grinding noise when I turn sharp in the parking lot. Have no idea what that is. And the thirsty hemi puts a dent in my wallet every time I fill up.

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  Command of the Commander - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By MattDaddy - April 10 - 10:53 am

  I bought my Commander yesterday and I absolutely love it!! I have the 4.7L flex-fuel V8 Sport package. The cloth interior is very comfortable and the layout and ergonomics are awesome! So far, Ive averaged about 15.7 mpg in mostly city driving. Pretty good for a big SUV. This is one sweet ride!!

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  My first S.U.V. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Heading down hill - April 10 - 2:30 am

  I initially bought this suv to fix up my credit and wanted to upgrade to an suv. I bought it at 27k+ and was satisfied at first. As I began to drive it more and more it disappointed more and more. The suspension and road noise is unbearable at times, but in its defense I do like it on the highway and I am happy about the power from the 3.7l engine. However road noise cant be drowned out by the pitiful speaker system and the window controls are located in a awkward position. Gas has come down from $4 to under $2 but still feel that it should do better overall. I would Rather buy a highlander or pilot that seats 7-8 and get the same gas mileage plus have the reliability and history that comes.

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  I love my jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeepin - April 9 - 1:53 pm

  I love this jeep, IÂ’ve had mine for almost 10 years now and itÂ’s the best vehicle IÂ’ve ever owned. It just a great all around little truck, it does it all from hauling 2X4Â’s to plowing through snow to a drive to the market. Besides regular maintenance and a bad sensor many years ago IÂ’ve never put a dime into her. Starts every morning, never broke down on me. IÂ’ve driven the grand Cherokee and the difference is unbelievable, my jeep feels so much studier and gripped to the road. I can go on and on, there is a reason they made this style jeep for almost 30 years, itÂ’s just that good.

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  2.8 Diesel Sport - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By farout - April 8 - 1:30 pm

  The 2.8 rides more comfortable and feels more stable than the gasoline 3.7 Fuel. MPG is less than expected, but durability should be a far better than the 3.7. The 5 speed automatic is well matched with the 2.8.