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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  2007 Sahara 4WD 4dr. - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Don - January 1 - 5:20 am

  I love my 4dr Sahara. Red Rock Pearl, Khaki Freedom Top which is awesome, Khaki interior which is also awesome. I love the room, the sound system. 7 speakers. Great ride, great time, 18in wheels, tow pkg. Only drawback was I ordered a Rubicon and after 4 months, was told I would have to wait another 3 months, so I built a Sahara as close to a Rubi as I could get. It has so much room and is actually bigger then my Cherokee Sport. I love the looks I get and the comments from folks. If the gas mileage was better it would be perfect. Im still very, very happy.

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  Love my Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Texas Dan - January 1 - 12:46 am

  My first Jeep was a CJ5. Big difference between the two of them. I loved the 5 for its ability to climb and maneuver in tight places. I love this one for its comfort creatures.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By TS - December 31 - 8:16 pm

  I love this vehicle. It has great acceleration for city driving and handles well. Much smoother ride than I expected, too.

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  Could not be better! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Chris - December 31 - 3:50 pm

  Bought new in 00, this thing has needed NOTHING! I dont count wear items such as brakes, tires, batteries, etc. like many reviewers do. I decided to write a review because it just turned 200,000 miles today. No leaks, no burning oil, runs the same as new. The 4.0 is astounding. If you use a K&N air filter and Mobil 1 10w-30 synthetic oil, itll get about 28 MPG on the highway. Thats at 75 MPH with 3 people and luggage using 87 octane (regular) fuel! The ride is much improved with the Dunlop RVXT 235 75 15 tires instead of the horrible stock Goodyears. The last set of Dunlops went over 60K with even wear. I have ALL the power options and ALL work with no problems. Itll do about anything!

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  2nd Time Around the Block - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By iamwhoam - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 JGC Laredo V8 that I really liked, but rotors warped. Bought this Jeep Limited HO V8 early 2003 and have put 35000 miles on in 16 mnths. No front rotor warping like the last Jeep, tracks great, stable through high speed turns as long as you keep a constant turn. Try to "saw" your way through turn and you will upset your balance. Slight harsh shift from occasionally. Maybe a small back seat, not a huge cargo area. But way shorter and more easier to drive than a recent Trailblazer rental. I think the interior styling is still attractive, and open. Resales not the greatest it seems, but I love it so much I may keep. Go with V8 HO!

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  I love my Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Qteapie06 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my jeep, its the best SUV Ive ever driven.

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  Disaster and huge dissapointment - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tlntan - December 31 - 6:00 am

  Its incomprehensible to me that Jeep continues to ignore the problems on the 14 GC. There are innumerable reports of issues with this vehicle, and frankly, Im very suspect of any positive reviews. My 14 Limited was purchased in July and it has been to the shop at least 7 times. Im in rental cars constantly, and the vehicle is still not right. From the transmission, to the unintentional radio presets clearing, to the issues with the driver seat (now being replaced), etc., etc. And thousands of people are having similar issues. Less than 6k miles, and its been an expensive, time consuming mess.

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  Unreal - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Awesome - December 31 - 4:40 am

  After owning a minivan this is much better. I love it. My mom had a Ford Escape and the Jeep just blows it away. It handles on the dime. I cant wait to see it in the SNOW.

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  Fun Vehicle - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Maggie - December 29 - 11:50 am

  I love my Jeep. Has provided style and comfort while driving with few problems. It is versatile and is a great traveling vehicle or running errands.

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  I love my Jeep! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Alex - December 29 - 1:43 am

  Ive owned Jeeps for the last 16 years, and this is my first new Jeep. I love it, it does everything Ive asked of it so far. Ive towed a trailer, and had fille the large amount of storage space numerous times without any problems.