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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  What a mess - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By lordmetalz28 - June 13 - 11:49 pm

  Worst vehicle ive ever owned. bought it with 72k for 10k in 2005 110k now. no kidding i have never had this truck 100 percent since the day i drove it off the lot. its always been something. hood cable 5X window regulators 10x valve cover gasket, oil adapter gasket. evap coil 2x. wheel bearing 3x. leaks water from every gasket. oil from every gasket. electrical system is falling apart. Not to mention its terrible on gas. have to be in 4x4 to make it thru a 1/4 inch of snow. 4wd indicator switch 8x and the new one just broke. this jeep is so piss poor i bought a 2006 mazda because i didnt trust the jeep and the mazda is no good!! yet another bad dicision the jeep forced me to make.

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  Jeep lover for life now... - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By plato2375 - June 13 - 8:53 pm

  This is my second Jeep product (I previously owned a 2000 Wrangler). These cars are tanks. Outside of the normal wear and tear stuff (lets face it, this is an 8 year old car), I havent had any major problems. This thing is a ball to drive and handles anything that I can throw at it (snow, mud, heavy rain.) I have turned my wife into a Jeep lover as well (she recently got a 2006 Liberty which she has fallen head over heels for). While the rest of my friends cars break down and get stuck in various weather related driving hazards, I can honk my horn as I drive by them and wave.

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  JGC 3.0 deisel 6 months, 11,000 miles, no complaints - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mark Johnson - June 13 - 3:15 pm

  IÂ’ve had the JGC Overland 4x4 with 3.0 diesel for 8 months, and have no complaints. We go back and forth from the Bay Area to our house in Tahoe once a month and IÂ’m amazed how good the mileage is. I love the diesels torque. Great gas mileage and power. The tranny is as smooth as silk (Yes smooth.. No clunking) and the paddle shifters are very nice in the mountains. WeÂ’ve used the snow mode a few times and it gives me a real sense of confidence. I did get a safety recall notice and brought in in last week, and had the work done. I was a little surprised when I went there that there were 8 flash updates required. But it has sophisticated computer system in it, so I should not be surprised.

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  Love It! - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dawn - June 13 - 12:06 pm

  I absolutely Love my Jeep. Its fun to drive and very versatile. I bought the soft top version and enjoy the topless summers. It is an all around great vehicle. Im big on camping and road trips and my Jeep truly takes me everywhere.

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  I Miss it! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By golfrgirl - June 13 - 4:56 am

  Bought it used w/141k miles - all original parts! YIKES - replaced just about everything - clutch, brakes, muffler, starter, cylinders... you get the idea! However, they were ALL factory original! Loved it! Sitting at a stop light last fall got hit by 2 other cars - head on & drivers side - total loss - but I walked away. Looking for same car 5-speed 4WD. Wish they still made them - my mechanic said they were one of the best cars EVER made & easy to work on too! Even cheaper to repair!

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  2005 Grand Cherokee Limited - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By joe - June 13 - 4:33 am

  I have been driving Grand Cherokee Limiteds since 1994 and they have come a long way. They are built better and quieter and handle extremely well. The Limited is luxurious and extremely comfortable yet amazingly responsive. The vehicle is smooth, responsive and extremely comfortable but still gives the driver the feedback and general feel of a sport utility to make the drive fun and non limo like. The off road experience is second to none for those who like to drive off of the asphalt sometimes. Great vehicle for Drivers and their families too! Generally

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  Will Never buy another - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Paul - June 12 - 11:00 am

  I will never own another Jeep Compass, and would seriously have to think hard before buying anything made by Chrysler again. a standard shift transmission usually doesnt go bad, yet only Chrysler can design one that needs replacing at 400 miles, and again at 22, and again at 35k. also needing replacement within 10,000 miles: steering system components, tires, shift boot (made of plastic and cracked) shift linkage and other warrantied parts. Nothing but trouble.

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  Bad Tranny - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jwilx - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Bad design for Quadratrac...Requires replace of transfer case after about 50000 miles. Best to replace with Select-Trac transfer case instead. Other than that....a good vehicle!

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  Owner - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By correacr - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Love it. Gas is an issue at moment...only complaint

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  LOVE MY JEEP - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Qhristion - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall is a great Jeep! I enjoy having the top and doors off during the summer. Its good on gas and has good power. The ride is very good for a jeep as many friends told me. It has great power and very good on gas. Great car for the outdoor type!