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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  3rd Jeep Commander - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By dr burke - August 14 - 6:50 am

  Impressive. Always inspires other drivers. Envy. Gives you a safe, comfortable Im in control feeling. Ok for married couples, but nix for kids. Plush! Right up their with a Caddy, but more beautiful and off road. Got the Lets refuel America deal for $2.99 @ the pump for three years or 800 gallons for $2.99 per gallon, for a total of 2400 gallons. Deciding factor. No telling what gas is going to cost later this year or next and they credit you with the difference. Say $5 bucks at pump, you get $201 credited back to your credit card. Money in the bank. Oh, they have a May sale going on $2,000 + $1500 + Gas card, if you push and ask to see special rebate for dealers, to give you

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  Love my Cherokee - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By dylanc - August 13 - 1:51 am

  Absolutely love my Jeep Cherokee. It has 230k miles on it and no serious mechanical issues. The automatic transmission is fantastic (AW4). I used to hate Jeeps, but after having this thing I want to buy more and more. It isnt the most comfortable SUV, but if youre looking for a reliable, good looking Jeep then look no further. The 4.0L is notoriously reliable. I have a 2006 Commander with 100k miles and my 230k Cherokee gives me less problems. When things do go wrong, parts are cheap and with an afternoon pretty much anything can be fixed. If you can find one in the South you dont have to worry about rust. I will never get rid of my Cherokee, maybe just buy more. My favorite Jeep every made

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  Add new features, dont take away features - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By peterb - August 12 - 4:23 pm

  Body style is up to date, seems to be less roll on turns than my last 04 model.

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  Strong and Durable - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By brian sweeney - August 12 - 7:16 am

  The 1994 Jeep has been an exceptional Car/SUV. It is the most reliable car I have ever owned. It has provided peace of mind and made transportation a pleasure because of its reliabilty. Through storms and bad weather Its strength has made for an easy ride. Truly, a classic.

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  Great Vehicle!! - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Solid Beuaty - August 12 - 4:40 am

  156K+ miles and she is solid and strong. I am very pleased with the reliability of this truck (former honda, vw, nissan driver), and try to maintian the basic services, oil changes, ect. 20.5mpg +/- 0.7 on 87 Octane. One minor problem with the wiring rubbing under the Power Distribution box, which affected the aux electric cooling fan, but following a $100 repair, she has required no other expenses. Strong recommendation as a sturdy no frills vehicle. Driven every day in AZ heat 110+ with no overheating.

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  Departed Friend - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kyle - August 11 - 10:06 pm

  I recently totaled my Jeep Grabd Cherokee. I had 165,465 miles on it. It was absolutely reliable until 150,000 miles when the power steering, starter, and catalytic converter went out. I bought it with 7k miles on it and it was the best vehicle I ever owned. Wife is now driving the 2005 Grand Cherokee. I also had the problem with the differentials. Dont let the dealer scare you! They pressured me at 90,000 miles to replace them. Well at 165,000 miles they were still holding up. I also did not let them mess with the transmission.

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  Loved my Jeep, but - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tim - August 11 - 4:00 am

  I loved my Jeep. Heres why. Previously, I had a 94 Grand Cherokee with the I-6 engine. That lasted us 12 years before I sold it and bought my 04 (in 06), and the last several years that Id owned the 04, Id had a 3500 lb. boat to pull. it was a dog. But, my 04, with the V8, was AWESOME for towing. It was so much fun to drive, too. But, in the end, the reliability killed me. I had to replace the power window mechanism on 3 of the 4 doors, the body was starting to rust (at 6 years of age), and Id had to replace a front wheel bearing. If not for the rust, I probably would have kept it, but today I drove home my new (to me) Honda Pilot. 16 years of owing JGCs, over, sigh.

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  Dont Buy This Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Alex Drake - August 11 - 2:00 am

  At under 60,000 miles Ive already replaced both the front and rear differentials. Now Im having transmission problems as outlined in bulletin 21-02-99 (harsh 1-2 shift at speeds of 10-15 mph). Jeep will not stand by their transmissions or assist me in any way. I will never buy a Jeep or Chrysler vehicle again and I strongly recommend you look elsewhere unless you like visiting repair shops.

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  Better then the other - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Lenin - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This car has made me feel more alive. I am only 36 and I cant get away from the car. You will love this car after you buy or lease it.

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  jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chris supik - August 11 - 2:00 am

  the jeepis a very reliable car i went off road in 5ft mud with its 4.7l motor