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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  Looks arent Everything - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Summer Raven - November 6 - 11:16 am

  correct me if Im wrong, but a new trans before 80k is NOT OKAY and this seems to be a common trait among jeeps. I bought mine at 60k. I got sucked in by the super comfy interior, stylish exterior and the price range. It felt luxurious to me at the time and I went for it despite problem jeeps Id heard about. And guess, what they are all true. Lately it seems one thing after another so I am selling it now because Im sick of pouring $ into it and having more things happen. I think a good car should easily go 160k with proper maintenance. Hopefully my next will be more sufficient.

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  I Love This Truck - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By taurean468 - November 6 - 7:16 am

  I bought this truck in May at 73,000 and now it has 80,000 6 months later. I have not had any problems with it. The fuel economy on my 4.7 V8 is 13.5 - 14 city and 18 - 22 highway. There are a lot of V6s that do not get that.

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  Love My Jeep.....Looking for another - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeeplover8 - November 4 - 6:14 pm

  I purchased my 2000 Grand Cherokee Laredo in 2007 from an auction, it had 95000 miles on it, I would still be driving my jeep today, but someone hit it when it was parked, and totaled, it had 163000+ miles. I didnt experience any engine problems,any transmissions problems, I performed a tune-up when i purchased it and regular maintenace every 3000 miles..It is true what they say, be good to your Jeep and it will be good to you!!

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  Great Car - Great Value - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By rebe - November 4 - 2:26 pm

  I Love driving my Red Jeep Compass. I am an over 40 woman and drive to and from work. I like simplicity. Leather seats are not for me especially in Florida. I love the fabric upholstery because it is cool and supportive. Since I am short, I love that I can raise the drivers seat and I am not sitting in a hole. The power is plenty and I can easily pass other cars when needed. Driving this car is fun and easy and there are no blind spots to worry about.

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  Snow - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By j-tripp - November 4 - 11:00 am

  I went form all cars to the Partiot 4WD, so the switch was major for me. (traded in an Eclipse) Took no time to get use to driving someting bigger. The ride is very nice, handles bumpy raods with ease. Almost feels car like. Everything is easy to reach even if your short, and I am 52". I dont feel like I am sitting on the wheel. I can still reach everything without pulling forward. The room in the back seat is awesome! My brother in law is 6 he said it is very comfortable and easy to get in and out of. I decided on the Partoit after shopping for a car. I am very glad I went this route. The safty features also swayed me to it. Its nice having my own 4 wheel drive.

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  Why Why would you buy this? - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Center - November 4 - 3:43 am

  My father just bought this car. We both thought that for the price it was a good buy. How disappointed we both were. In fact so disappointed that after exactly 9 days we returned the car. The interior is horrible. Looks like a cheap fake toy car. Buttons are poorly built. No interesting options (i.e. USB connections etc nothing) Though the car has only 4 cylinders it consumes way more than the design info states. The fact that for this price it 4 wheel drive is not standard is shocking especially when compared to others like the Grand Vitara (for 2 k more than the compass) or the Tuscon (or less or the same price as the compass)

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  best suv - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By girly - November 4 - 2:00 am

  this is my second grand cherokee. very reliable, my previous jeep had 189,000 miles on it and is still going. i love this suv and would not consider anything other than a jeep!!

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  Boogie Nights Review - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By boogie nights - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Jeep Wrangler X is an excellent vehicle, perfect for mild to moderate off roading. Also with the 4.o 6 cyl. it has the power you need to perform well on or off road. The interior is limiting but well designed for the amount of space available. All the Xs controls are easily within reach and head room is in abundance (even more when the top is off). Storage space is a definate downfall unless no one is in the folding back seat.

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  My first Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By jasonjeep03 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have been a life long fan of the Jeep since my father had one when I was a kid. I finally was able to purchase one this summer and I must say it is living upto my expectation. My friend took me up into the mountains this fall between the rocky climbs and the giant mudholes this vehicle is unstoppable. Most fun I ever had in a car. I used to drive small sports cars, I dont think I will ever go back. Anxiously awaiting our first snowfall so I can have some fun with my dad.

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  actual off road user - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By teds - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I use the jeep for a lot of trips to places where the four wheel drive is required, i.e. death valley, anza borrego ect. I love my Jeep and have owned a series of five of them over the last decade. The wrangler is relatively inexpensive with premier off road ability, it sacrifices in the comfort area. If comfort and good off road ability is what you want, look at the jeep grand cherokee and stay away from the BMW X-5 and Mercedes M class!!