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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  Fun in the summer.............. - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By DAKOTA - October 15 - 2:00 am

  This jepp was bought almost a year ago. Immediately got rid of the woosie tires...then the transmission fell apart.After 6 visits to the dealer they put a new drop in and it now works perfect. Gas mileage is poor, yeah thats a good word for it..Have had fun driving in the summer but the winter its a little scary in the snow.

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  GRAND CHEROKEE LARADO REVIEW - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CLINK - October 15 - 2:00 am

  IF YOUR LOOKING FOR SIZE AND AFFORDABILITY THEN THIS IS A GOOD CHOICE. 4 WHEEL DRIVE IS A GOOD FEATURE FOR TODAYS ENVIORMENT, IT HANDLES WELL FOR A SUV, BUT WATCH YOUR TURNS AT HIGH SPEEDS.

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  In need of lemon-aid - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dbassqueen - October 15 - 2:00 am

  As a former Jeep Wrangler owner, I had high expectations when I purchased my used 2001 Laredo with 29K miles on it. After 10.5 months of ownership Ive spent the majority of my time at the dealership for repairs....random engine surging (!!) [it only took 3 visits for them to address], electrical, transmission, warranty recall items, rotors... Now, after transmission slippage due to a bad solenoid, (out of warranty by 2.5K miles of course...)there are newly presented oil seepage and pressure issues...caveat emptor! BUYER BEWARE!

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  From Mustang To Wrangler - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brad - October 14 - 9:30 am

  Having driven various models of the Mustang over the past 10 years I was a little worried that I might be too use to a sports car and would regret buying the Wrangler...not at all. Obviously, the ride is a bit different, but the 2007 Wrangler rides a lot better than any other Jeep I have ever ridden in. The build quality is classic Jeep and I am getting 17.3 MPG on average (not bad for what this vehicle can do). It seems to me that the only complaints most people mention have to do with features that make the Wrangler a Wrangler and not a Lexus. Sure, the doors dont stay open, but that is because they were made to be removed, etc. Best 4WD vehicle out there...by far.

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  After Commander now Cherokee - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tim - October 13 - 9:06 pm

  Jeep is an excellent value for the money, compared to similar offerings from European manufacturers. It is true that the Cherokee has less space than other off-road capable SUVs, but it has a sportier design. My former Commander offered more space, but added about 500 lbs. Fuel economy is GOOD, compared to SUVs with similar powered and performance. Seats are firm and comfortable.

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  Buying another - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Robert Huebner - October 13 - 11:42 am

  Selling to my son buying another. We bought it and my wife never drove her Saab again

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  2005 Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nick - October 13 - 2:40 am

  Fast and fun to drive, plenty of power, pulls a 3000 lb. boat like nothing. Gas mileage stinks even with the mds engine. i hope they come up with a retrofit for alternative fuels when they become more available. Negatives, unless you like paying for fuel dont buy the 5.7 v8. Entering the vehicle is cramped for someone tall; the angle of the windshield post is too steep and you constantly hit your head.

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  condition of 2001 jeep cherokee - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By lmt - October 12 - 2:00 am

  new tires, new brakes, serviced every 3000, miles. 44625 actual miles. bought new as lease car for real estate office.

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  Creaks but runs forever - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By firstwagon - October 11 - 9:03 pm

  Bought it 7 years ago for 7 grand. Since then the only non maintenance repair was a starter motor. Its towed our travel trailer all over BC and never let us down. It leaks oil and creaks and groans but it never quits and has real character.

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  as expected - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By rayeldon - October 11 - 3:03 pm

  I feel that it has been exactly what was expected. Fun to bop around in. I do not drive it much. Prob. 300 miles per mo. The last two mileage checks showed 12, and 13 mpg. I knew it would be horrible. Did not think it would be quite this poor. My neighbor has a newer V6, and gets much better mileage. Family raised, did not like the looks of the 4 door unlimited. Oh well.