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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  I hate this vehicle - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jasmine - February 14 - 5:33 pm

  Its loud, blows all over the road, has bad gas mileage, its uncomfortable (forget long drives), and let me ask: WHY would an engineering flaw that causes the ever- so-common "death wobble" be tolerated by consumers?! I cannot believe Chrysler hasnt been sued over this! This is a dangerous vehicle and I will never buy American again. Its also a pain to take the top off and put it back on.

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  Great car! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By E Goggin - February 13 - 6:21 pm

  I have had two Ford Explorers, an Escape, a Lexus 450h, a Lincoln MKX and others, but this Jeep bests them all. EWG

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  Back to basics.... - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By davidb72 - February 12 - 12:30 pm

  I have found my Jeep to be a fun vehicle. My other vehicle is a Mazda Miata, so these two complement each other well. The Jeep is a suprisingly comfortable cruiser. One of the qualities I like most about my Jeep is the ease with which you can customize your Jeep. The aftermarket is full of options. All in all I can safely say that I am very pleased with my Jeep and that I would reccomend the Wrangler without hesitation.

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  Disappointing Reliability - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hjhartii - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this gorgeous vehicle at one year old with only 15k miles. It was great at first, but since then Ive spent over $2,500 in major repairs including AC compressor, AC accumulator, heater core, and rear engine seal (100,000 miles). Now the catalytic converter is going to cost $750 to replace! This SUV gets lots of miles put on it, but they are gentle miles. Ive been disappointed by the repair costs.

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  My 200 TJ - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By AlaskanPolishman - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I picked this up at the local jeep dealer, it was used with only 28K on it when i got it , a Canadian model with the daytime running lights. Great fun to drive so far , I am getting the 30" tires on it soon and putting in a roll in bed liner for the pan, Runs like a champ, decent gas mileage once i put a Tornado in it and a K&N filter. I love the feeling i have when i drive it , i always wondered why jeep drivers always had a smile on their faces, now i know

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  A disappointment - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mafioso - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Im such a loser. I traded in my reliable Honda Accord for this sexy thing. Within the first 7K, the roters on the breaks got warped and again at 15K and again at 45K and again......Argghhh!! Why doesnt Chrysler fess up and recall this problem? Just found out that the rear differential is shot which is seems to be a common problem with a lot of other reviewers. This vehicle is very sexy but a disappointment in reliability. The maintenance and wear and tear is very expensive. I spent over $5000 in repairs at its 60K regular check up. Im going back to Honda. Anyone wanna buy my 1999 Grand Cherokee?

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  JUST GOT MINE - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By MARTY327 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  SO FAR SO GOOD, I AM 63" AND HAVE SO MUCH LEG ROOM THAT I CANT PUT THE SEAT ALL THE WAY BACK, NOW THATS NEWS TO ME. ITS GREAT. DONT MUCH CARD FOR THAT ANTENNA, BUT OVERALL AFTER 3000 MILES I AM LOVING IT.

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  Great for the money!!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CPR - February 10 - 10:00 am

  My wife needed a replacement for her tired 94 GC Laredo and we expected to be restricted to a "mini" sport ute. We looked at the Mazda Tribute, the Saturn Vue, etc., but felt like we would have been robbed for the $24K+ price. She really wanted a GC. I knew they listed ~$29K, so I wasnt too enthusiatic about getting one on our budget. Was I wrong! Lets just say that City Motors will be getting more of my business! I cant believe we almost paid more for a mini-ute that you cant really take off road (WAY off road)!!!

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  Amazing! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nico - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 1999 Grand Cherokee Laredo (4.7L V8, Quadratrac II, the works in the Laredo basically). That vehicle was quite impressive itself. When I recently purchased my new monster, I just about cried. Even better styling than before, more power than the old stock 4.7L. My new machine comes with the Quadradrive tranny, making it a true beast. Independent left to right torque split lets me do anything!! It is true that the GC is not the best on- road SUV out there, but who cares!! To me, this Jeep is not for the weak in foot. Drive!!!

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  Leaky Jeep! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By P V C - February 10 - 9:23 am

  Lived in Japan for a while; bought and shipped a Jeep (with 56,000 miles) when I returned to US. After over a year of ownership and 5,000 miles of driving, I have taken it to a 5-star Chrysler dealer for numerous reasons: busted CV boots, leaking transmission lines, leaking valve cover... whats next? Is it the vehicle thats unreliable, or is it the mechanics that work on it? Just waiting for the right time to take it for trade in.