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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  Great - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By TKTKTOM - July 19 - 10:00 am

  The drive is not harsh or truck like, much better than I expected having riden in earlier model jeeps. Also the total construction is solid, I can see how you could take one off road come back on the road and not finding rattles all over the vehicle from the bouncing. Its really put together tight.

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  2005 Jeep Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cristi - July 18 - 9:16 am

  We have had nothing but continuing problems with this vehicle. It has been in the shop 4 times for transmission problems, one time for the security chip going out (leaving me stranded), and 2 times for the tire pressure light which comes on often for no reason. In addition, the MPG average is 13 mpg, which is not what the window sticker said. Also, the canvas type seats stain terribly, even from water. Kinda funny for a Jeep.

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  Do Not Purchase! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bayoubengal - July 18 - 6:03 am

  Make sure you do your homework. Jeep is having problems with transmission getting water in it. Took mine in yesterday after an oil change place noticed transmission fluid looked like a strawberry shake. Dealership said that problem is with the A/C condensation leaking into the transmission. They had to flush my transmission over 15 times before it turned to normal. Will pickup in the morning and probably take to another dealer and trade in. Service didnt seem to think that this would cause a problem in the future ... year right! This seems to be a big problem for Jeep on the horizon since they are going to have this problem with Grand Cherokees as well as the 300 since they have same transmission.

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  Rock solid reliabilty - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JPM - July 17 - 11:13 am

  Ive had it for 5 years now and Im up to 121K and it still runs great. Bought it with 48K on it. It has been extremely reliable. Replaced water pump at 100K and starter at 115K Put CV boots on @ 120K (BTW-thats pretty normal wear). Besides that, Only reg. maint. items required (brakes and oil). V8 has plenty of power; I get 15-16 back and forth to work and about 19 mpg on the highway. Not bad for a 4000lb SUV. It handles great for an SUV-much better than my friends Explorer. Hope to get 200k out of it before I buy another.

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  Traded my Baby on Saturday 7/18/2009 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John D - July 17 - 5:53 am

  Only complaint, right arm rest got a dip worn into it from my elbow from so much driving. Didnt get off road as much as I wanted, but when I did, it got me there and back in great style. The only time it didnt start, was the day I traded it. ($600 repair) I was exceptionally pleased with how it got me through heavy snows in PA, stuck with the road in heavy rain, easy maneuvering, great sound system. But tended to feel cramped with a family of four, loaded for vacation. Open road, got 23 MPG...in DC traffic, just 13 MPG. Right now, its being prepped for re-sale. This Jeep was fun to camp with, and for day-fishing trips.

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  My first and only Jeep...thus far...... - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeepney - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 98 Jeep Cherokee Sport brand new -- right off the hauling truck. It originally had 0.3 miles when I drove it of the lot. I now have over 124K miles. So far, the only problem and so much to my suprise, the water pump went out at 42K miles and the factory front breaks at about the same time. The second front brakes wore out at around 85K miles. Im on third set of front break at over 124K miles and I suspect Ill be replacing it soon since its starting to vibrate again. The rear breaks wore out at around 114K miles. Thats all the problems Ive had in the 5 year Ive own my Jeep. I guess thats good enough. No engine problem so far.

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  1999 Jeep Cherokee laredo - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Robert Potts - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Good car. Excellent for long trips. Gas mileage on highway, 18.2. Poor mileage around town.

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  Great Ride - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By TonyC - July 17 - 1:03 am

  Very impressed with ride.Good visibility. Still running on our 1st free tank of gas. Mileage seems to be OK so far.Purchased 08 black rwd ltd with all the bells & whistles.We looked at all comp vehicles,nothing could touch the Liberty. Glad Jeep brought back the old Jeep line.

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  good but could be better - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Scott - July 16 - 5:46 pm

  It has been a good auto. We have had only one problem with the power window, but it was still under warranty and was fixed with no problems. We previously owned a 95 Explorer. The Jeep has a lot better ride but the Explorer drove better. As far as power they are about equal. We have the 6 cylinder, I would suggest going with the V8. The 6 cylinders fuel mileage is poor and lacks power.

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  Why didnt I buy one sooner? - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jim - July 16 - 6:33 am

  My Wrangler Unlimited has brought my love of driving back. What other vehicle excites you enough to make you think about it all day at work? What other vehicle makes you feel like a kid again ... you know right after getting your first new bike when all you do is daydream about being on it? Heres my stress relief even with todays higher gas prices; hey, we all need a vice, right? Mine is spending money on gas but the fun it returns is well worth it! After work, top down, drive home with cool breeze and tunes flowing, dinner, get the kids and wife loaded in, drive the country back roads flying over bumps and raising dust to a small town ice cream shop. Drive home with stars above; kids asleep.