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 - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jermyn - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I still love this Jeep. The only problem I have had is the rear glass switch shorted out. I drive this thing hard so I only get about 17 to 20 mpg. I still tell people if they want a great little suv buy a liberty.

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  2004 Jeep Cherokee Limited - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Frank Eichelberg - July 31 - 10:00 am

  A new car but a great improvement over my trade in, a 2001 Jeep Cherokee, Ltd. Lots of power, comfortable, well built.

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  Love this car - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By happyowner25 - July 31 - 9:24 am

  Purchased the Grand Cherokee Overland with the Hemi engine. I am very happy with the vehicle. The pick up is excellent and interior design is beautiful. The transmission shifts smoothly. I purchased it in March and waited to write the review until I had driven it for awhile. I have taken a number of trips in it so far and it is fun to drive and also very comfortable. Not the best gas mileage but if that was a beg concern I wouldnt have gotten the Hemi.

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  Best Jeep ever - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By cprevbhayes - July 30 - 4:10 pm

  Bought new in 2000. Currently 175,000 miles and still going strong. Mine has the 5-speed manual mated to the 6-cylinder engine. Great combo for 4-wheel drive! Only major repair has been replacing the a/c compressor. Jeep has taken me all over the country. Interior design could be better, especially the back seat. Not too comfortable back there, but hey, its a Jeep! Wish someone made a dependable, basic 4-wheel drive vehicle today. This one will stay with me until one of us dies!

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  Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7L Hemi - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tbonin - July 30 - 7:50 am

  I have had my Jeep 3 weeks now and I love it. It has a very solid feel to it so far. The performance w/ the Hemi is amazing. I am a little concerned about the mileage though since there seems to be a huge difference in city and highway driving. I am getting nearly 19mpg on the highway but only 11 in the city. All in all it was well worth it !

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  Fun To Drive - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By leroy - July 30 - 5:20 am

  We love this car. Great fuel economy. No problems at all. Tried to buy another make and glad we didnt now.

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  You mean rotors are suposed to be round? - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bsMD - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Had this Jeep since new, now with 28,000mi. Front rotors replaced at 7,000mi and again at 25,000mi. Called Chrysler and they refunded me my money for the 2nd brake job. Turns out they WILL REPLACE THE CALIPERS ON ALL CARS WITH THIS ROTOR ISSUE! Call them and they will authorize for your car to have new calipers, pads and rotors installed FREE! Just hold onto the receipt you have from the brake job.

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  Wantmyoldjeepback - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Last Jeep - July 26 - 10:50 pm

  I have owned my 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo for two years now. When I purchased it I felt there was way too much Chrysler influence. I was right! I have had this Jeep to the dealer 6 times. It is now in the shop because leaked oil all over the exhaust system and filled the interior with smoke. I assume the PVC valve froze and created a pressure built up in the crank case. This caused the oil to exit the weakest point. I am afraid that I will have a very expensive repair bill. I owned a 2002 Jeep and from the time I bought it, it never saw the dealers lot again. I loved the reliability. VERY DISAPPOINTED!

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  HORRIBLE vehicle: DO NOT BUY - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By rickd9 - July 25 - 9:58 pm

  This is the worst vehicle on the planet. Constant "Death Wobble" issues. Poorly designed. Aggravating Crank Position Sensor issues arise throughout the year (engine will not get spark causing no-start issues).

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  Love It!! - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CSS - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep Grand Cherokee - 96000 miles and counting! Shes a real workhorse - versatile and reliable!! Great in the snow!