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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  Disappointed - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By PCI - February 25 - 10:00 am

  very good exterior design but not high quality materials : leather seats showed quickly as "used" for example. Car not stable in turns, even at 25mph, my kids complain of being pushed to the sides when I turn. Greatly disappointed as I expected more in terms of quality. Had to replacve brakes/rotors twice in 2 years.

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  1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 3DR - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By colorado14r - February 24 - 1:19 am

  After buying my 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 3DR new, I proceeded to log over 168k miles in it until 2012. No power windows, roof rack or fancy bells or whistles. I just sold it last month. Most of my milage was city/hwy driving. I averaged 17/22 MPG. Not too bad with an air conditioner. The off roading in the snow was as impressive as a Jeep commercial can leagaly put on the TV. My service record shows normal maintenance. I needed to replace the clutch at around 90K and the air conditioner was replaced at 120k. The only real problem was a clutch sensor that kept burnig out 15A fuses in the fuse box. The sensor was replaced and it ran well ever since. I liked it so much I purchsed another Jeep.

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  Solid reliable SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By brankev - February 23 - 1:06 pm

  Car is true and sometimes better than listed mileage. Feel very safe driving this vehicle with family and handles wonderfully. Would and have been recommending to others.

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  Love it - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Larry Cloutier - February 22 - 11:26 pm

  This is my 3rd Jeep. "89 Cherokee 4.0L- great vehicle/99 GC LTD. 4.7L-just OK/"05 GC LTD. 5.7L Hemi is wonderful vehicle. My wife and I take several 600+ mile trips per year and wouldnt think of driving anything else. Just replaced tires and brakes after 47000 miles and have had no other quality or repair issues. Took a vacation with another couple and fit all luggage and golf bags in storage area. My friend begged to drive after first time at the wheel. My other vehicle is a 04 300M and that car has been grat as well. I will have no problem purchasing another Chrysler product.

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  Its a JEEP thing, u wouldnt understand - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By riddy - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep new in 92 and 12 years and 98k miles later, its still going strong. Its fun to drive on dry roads, dirt, or 2 feet of snow. Just dont expect any creature comforts in these older Jeeps - theyre sparse inside. But even with a ragtop, the heater works great.

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  jeeps - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By lilypad713 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Having two kids its a vehical that I can get all my things we need into it and its NOT a mini van!!!!

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  Idle problems - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By reeac - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this jeep and immediately had a problem with the idle dropping to 400 RPM. I took it back to the dealer and they changed some computer module and gave it back. It wasnt a day and the problem returned, I took it back to the dealer and they said that it seemed to be that way on all the special editions because evey one they had was doing the same thing. Any help for a solution is appreciated.

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  2008 Jeep Wrangler X - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By bsfman97 - February 21 - 10:40 pm

  Ive owned this jeep 3 months and in the past month have had nothing but problems with it. The fan belt has come off 4 times. The dealership had to replace the motor at 1664 miles, put on a new alternator at 1700 miles and it has been in the shop for a week this time waiting for a new power steering pump. Every time I drive it in snow deeper than 6/8 inches deep the fan belt comes off which then causes the power steering fluid to spray all over the engine compartment. Now when I use the heater I have to open a window to get rid of the burnt power steering fluid smell so it doesnt make me sick. I havent even taken it 4 wheeling yet. These are definitly not the Jeeps they used to be. Dont buy one.

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  Watch the wind - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By chris - February 21 - 7:33 pm

  I love my new jeep wrangler. Its fun to drive and I love all the new features but I have a big problem with my hood lifting when Im driving on the highway on windy days.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By owensry - February 21 - 6:33 pm

  I just purchased my Jeep and i have nothing to complain about. I love everything about it, and all you people complaining about fuel mileage need to get the 4X2, way better on fuel, and handles great in snowy conditions.