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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  Jeep Fanatic! - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Meg - January 23 - 6:26 pm

  I bought my jeep brand new in 07 and two years later I am still LOVING it! I run it on a mail route, and not only is the size perfect for that, but it is so sporty, that even when I am not working and when I clean it up...I get soooo many compliments on it! When my husband & I travel we are more likely to take the jeep instead of his 09 F- 350, we can whip it in and out of just about any where, and its just so much fun to drive! :)

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  fly by wire - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By crazieglued - January 23 - 11:26 am

  It takes a special sort of person to drive a Jeep. If you drive it like a Toyota, you will probably hate it. If you have had Jeeps previously, you know the "when the weather gets ca-ca you pull your select/command trac lever". Not so in this. First time that all time 4WD is at the base model. *Even though the machine delivers top notch treacherous road handling ability, you will forget that its an all time, all wheel drive vehicle and still reach for the lever.* Electronic Gas Pedal is very fickle!It gets confused going up/dwn rolling hills, almost as if it doesnt know if its going up or down the hill, same thing when accelerating at speeds 25-40 mph, I.E. getting on highways from onramps.

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  Realistically the BEST SUV out there - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By patrioticNORTH - January 21 - 7:56 am

  08 North Edition 4x4 Its fuel economical, you get $1000 back from the Canadian govt under the ecoAUTO Rebate Program for 2007-2008 models (4x2 or 4x4 5spd only)... pretty much the only non-hybrid 4x4 SUV eligible under that program (along with the Compass). It looks rugged and its sharp. It was not love at first sight for me at all, until I decided to buy it because of the great deals that I couldnt resist. Ive always been a fullsize type of guy - was looking at a Dodge Ram 4x4. Its still too new for the engine to break in to get the best fuel mileage and to see its true reliability down the road. But so far, I could not be happier with this Jeep - and I am in love with it.

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  Still Kicking! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By TheNotoriousBLA - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 2 years now and I absolutely love it! I dont ever want to sell this Jeep. Its so dependable, yes it has some drawbacks, few options and not that comfrotable but you never have to worry about it tearing up.

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  Great vehicle, but high maintenance - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lovemyjeep-o - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I special ordered this SUV in 1999. It is so comfortable and wonderful to drive. Fortunately, however, I purchased an extended warranty in 2002. There have been air conditioning problems. The starter went out at 42,000 miles. Occasionally, there is a strange noise from the right rear when cornering. There have been other minor problems. The rear end replacement issue was brought up with my Jeep. The dealer had replaced some others but apparently had done so unnecessarily. Bottom line: yes it is worth the aggravation and yes I would buy it again.

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  Not what I expected - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jrn-cherokee - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Jeep last January. After owning the Jeep for 11 months I am in the process of looking for another Ford. Wheel bearings are gone, howling from either a idler pulley or alternator ($250 for a rebuilt), transmission slipping terribly when it get below 40 degrees F, fogging headlight, leaking tailgate at both the window and gate seal, squeaks and rattles. I have 91K on it now and purchased it with 71K. I have no faith in this vehicle. If you are considering one, get rid of it before 100K. Friend that works for Chrysler said allmost all Jeep Grands need a tranny rebuild then. Wish I had known, my first and last Damlier Chrysler vehicle.

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  A solid vehicle - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By New Jeep fan - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my GC for almost one year, and it is as solid as the day I drove it off the lot. It has proven to be reliable in all weather conditions, and the V8 power is ample. The cold weather package has proven to be my favorite amenity. It is a good size vehicle for city driving and parking, unlike many of the behemoths out there.

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  amazing dream car - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By akefjd - January 21 - 2:00 am

  good driving, it is my favorite car in the world. it is the best car

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  Its a Jeep thing - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Offroute - January 21 - 2:00 am

  All of these reviews are starting to frustrate me. If you are looking for a cheap car that rides like a Cadillac Deville and has design like an Aston Martin Vanquish, give up. If you are one of those people who expect to get into a Wrangler and enjoy the same type of experience that you would have in a regular sedan, here is my advice to you: Give up. The Jeep Wrangler community is a special breed of automotive enthusiasts. Thats why whenever Wrangler drivers pass each other on the street, they wave. Basically what it comes down to is that its simply a Jeep thing, and you may or may not understand.

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  You get what you get - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By tjim - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Hey, if you buy a jeep, youre not going to get a luxury car. You get a fun to drive, reliable, off-road machine! Laugh at everyone that gets stuck in the snow, and feel the summer wind in your face with the top down. Live life! own a jeep.