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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  dont buy a cherokee - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By dynamite44 - August 10 - 10:00 am

  i have a 2000 jeep cherokee sport. it had been a "demo car". In the first 30,000 miles, i had it towed twice, had the drive shaft fall out at a stoplight, had all the power windows and locks go at the same time, all the gauges replaced, the entire fuel system replaced (except 4 fuel injectors, the gas tank itself, and the fuel rail), front axle replaced, transfer case rebuilt twice, transfer case linkage replaced 3 times, and the rear axle rebuilt...

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  1996 Jeep Sport Classic 4DR 2WD - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By mariobox - August 10 - 10:00 am

  After seven years the only problem Ive had is a couple of oxigen sensors that needed replacement ($350). Other than that, this Jeep has earned its keep and then some. Strong and reliable as can be.

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  jeep grand cherokee - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By beemer - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Excellent all around vehicle. Drives nice and comfortable. Getting 20 miles per gallon with the six cylinder. I am now on my 3rd set of rotors in 35,000 miles.

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  143,143 miles to date - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By west_lawn_mark - August 8 - 10:12 pm

  We purchased our Patriot new in 2008 and I have put on quite a few miles in that time. I enjoy the car. It is fun to drive, and good in snow. I have heard people complain about FWD Compasses in the snow but I have no similar complaints. I do not worry about driving in the snow at all (except for other drivers). With the electronic traction control I rarely need 4 x 4. I have even taken the Patriot off road on the beach in Corolla, NC and it performed pretty well. I that situation it benefited from being light and not getting bogged down in the sand. The adjustable seat works from my 5 2" wife and my 6 4" son in law.

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  Mixed bag - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By spikester - August 8 - 7:53 pm

  This is the second Jeep 4.0 motor vehicle that I have owned. This version is the high output version (approximately 190 hp). I bought this used and specifically wanted the "sport" version for its increased off-road ability. These small Cherokees are very reliable. A bit snug inside - the rear seat isnt made for adult Americans. Gas mileage is about 16 combined which isnt bad for a 4x4 with a/c and auto trans. Rides too stiff for the wife. The price you pay for the "sport" suspension. No cruise control either.

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  Its ok, but not great. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Micahel J. Terrell - August 7 - 1:13 pm

  It doesnt get the mileage promised, and I dont like the shortened cargo space. The extra headroom is actually a bother. I have more trouble putting kayaks and bicycles on top of the car versus the old Cherokee. I like the design, not the height, and it performs well and dependably; just like a Jeep should.

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  Great mid-life crisis car!!! - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By mtgvolvo - August 5 - 10:08 am

  All-around great vehicle for what youre expecting: rugged and simple with the extra comfort elements that make it perfect for the non-off-road enthusiast!

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  How many people have Trans Problems? - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jeeplbrtyrngd5 - August 4 - 2:56 pm

  I have an 05 Liberty Renegade. I have been having many problems and googling out of curiosity led me to this site. I had no idea my issues were so common. I so far have fixed both upper and lower arm joints(rear), ball joints, new brakes front and back (twice), rebuilt transmission, new AC cooling system, new trans hoses, new starter, new alternator, and have had continued lights going out esp. rear lights, my cds also get stuck and refuse to come out, and my belt makes a squeaking sound which is a constant annoyance..

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  Rubi Red is Fun... a great Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By vwnb99 - July 27 - 5:56 pm

  The Jeep is a blast. Rides much better than my 1990 SE. I am happy with the purchase, use it mostly to go to and from work (live in the country) and off road now and then. The ride is a bit jittery on secondary roads and require me to hold onto the wheel tight. The driving position is very uncomfortable. My left arm gets tired holding the wheel and I feel boxed in with the door right on my shoulder. The loop door handle is useless. The gas mileage is horrible (14.36 average), the 5 speed shifts like a old farm tractor. In 2nd to 3rd gear the motor is guttless. The 7 speaker stereo system is poor. But even with all these little annoyances, the RUBI is a blast to drive.

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  A nice Jeep:) - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JEEPLOVAH99 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Jeep Grand Cheerokee for our family just last summer. I had bought it used from the dealership. The person who had owned it before I had it out on a 3 year lease. I have been very pleased with its performance from bringing my family for Prince Edward Island and Back to Maine. It also has bought us down to Massachusettes many times to visit with relatives.