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:

• 

  2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Laredo Sport - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jdp - November 28 - 2:43 pm

  I bought this vehicle for my college age son who drove it to school. The transmission went out at 75K miles Recently, he has had problems with the starter (intermittent starting problems). I was hesitant to buy a Chrysler product due to known quality and reliabilty issues but decided to take a chance on Jeep because he liked it. Never again! Once everything is corrected, I will sell the vehicle and buy a Honda.

• 

  Great off road but lacks Fuel economy - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sanders - November 28 - 1:43 pm

  I bought this Jeep in July of 2007 used it only had 48,000 miles and it now has 62,000. At first I was in love with this vehicle being able to just put back the top on sunny days. But then after a few trips with some Jeep clubs, I realized off roading is not good if it is your daily driver.

• 

  Better Than Expected - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Tom R - November 28 - 11:13 am

  A pleasant surprise. After being locked into Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans for 25 years I am very happy with my Patriot. It is a Jeep so the creature comforts are prioritized a hair lower - fine by me. Love the look, the practicality and the affordabilty. Great size for commuting- rides higher than a sedan and fits in any parking space with ease. This 4 cylinder has plenty of power (see favorite features). I question anyone complaining about the power - this from a man who learned to drive in a 73 Malibu with a 350 V8. If the long term reliability is any good this will be my best new car purchase ever.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By astrak1001 - November 28 - 10:28 am

  Ive had my Jeep GC LMTD V8 since 2003. I purchased the vehicle with 79,000 miles and am now turning 200,000 miles with only limited repairs. I have had to replace the transmission once, the alternator once and the power window motor on the front passenger side once. All of these repairs were performed at around 150,000 miles. My Jeep has been all around the country and most recently from AZ to NE and has never broken down. I have had the brake problems, but this was remedied by a competent mechanic in Mesa AZ. Overall I would say this is one of the most reliable, toughest vehicles I have ever owned. I would definitely purchase another one.

• 

  FAILS OFF ROAD - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Jack Kavanaugh - November 28 - 3:53 am

  The "Trail Rated" designation for this vehicle is a joke. This vehicle is fine; in fact very good, on pavement but a complete dud off road. The Sky Slider roof is noisy at highway speeds but the dealer tells me that that can be fixed. There is no way to fix the off road performance even with lifters. The ground clearance is just inadequate; a moderate two track ranch road results in intolerable high centering. Jeep trails are out of the question.

• 

  Chris from Philadelphia - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chris from Phila. - November 27 - 9:40 am

  Bought this Jeep from a private sale. It was a completely base model when bought except for A/C. Put new top, tinted windows, "Canyon" wheels, fog lights to pep it up a little bit. I replaced the radiator at 115,000 miles, power steering pump blew at 133,000 miles, replaced muffler 4 times and cat. converter 3 times. Chrysler had a recall on it but I was out of warranty and over the mileage.

• 

  Do anything, go anywhere, no problem... - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BikerAl - November 27 - 6:40 am

  Love it! This is my second GC and I havent had any problems with either of them. Im hard on vehicles and my Jeeps take everything I dish out. Power is plentiful with the Hemi and its very comfortable to drive, on or off-road. Hopefully the Jeep brand will remain intact post Chrysler bankruptcy.

• 

  327,000k and still going! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Stillgoing - November 27 - 3:20 am

  My 96 Jeep Cherokee Country was handed down to me with 280,000 miles on it and me being the 4th driver! It came from Texas and driven all over the eastern coast. Very reliable! The motor has been rebuilt, new transmission, but other than that, just typical wear and tear maintenance. It has been a great vehicle for our family and we plan on buying another Jeep soon.

• 

  Scotts - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Scott Phillips - November 27 - 2:00 am

  We love our Jeep

• 

  Love my Jeep! - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeeper - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Jeep to drive to my office daily (1 mile) and for weekends off the beaten path. The Jeep has done these things without problem. I bought the Jeep knowing full well its strengths and weaknesses and have not been disapointed. The Wrangler is not a highway cruiser, but I have driven it on several long road trips and can only complain about the road noise and lack of power. Gas mileage is poor for a 4 cyl. Off road it cant be beat.