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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  Its the Swiss army knife of 4x4s - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By M. Bishop - March 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Wrangler, my first a 2000 model, got destroyed in a wreck with a Semi truck 5 months after I bought it. As soon as the insurance company paid off the 2000, I was at the dealer ordering the 2001. Not only do I drive it to work everyday, but also take it off-road a lot. I got mine with the full steel doors, and softop. I was planning to keep this one for a long time but most likey I will sell it and get the new Rubcion edition when it comes out. If you looking at getting a 4x4 convertable the wrangler should be at the top of your list.

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  Nothing like a Jeep! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JeepLover - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2001 Laredo w/4WD! Have owned 4WDs in the past but none performed as well offroad as the Jeep. Ive found myself in some sticky situations since buying it but my Jeep has always saved me. While not the most luxurious of vehicles inside, youd be hard-pressed to find an SUV made more SOLIDLY than a Jeep. Here in the south, I put it into P/T 4WD while driving in rainstorms & have never even slid, let alone hydroplane; always a problem w/prev cars. The folding seats & roomy cargo area let me fit just about anything in the rear easily. None of my prev SUVs made me feel more safe or secure than this one. We plan to always own a Jeep from now on!

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  NO BACKING ON PRODUCT - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AROD - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE TWO GRAND CHEROKEES. MY WIFE AND I ENJOY EACH OF THEM. HOWEVER THE BRAKE ROTOR PROBLEM IS THE BIG DRAW BACK. THE MANUFACTURER DOES ACKNOWLEDGE IT IS A PROBLEM AND IS ONLY ISOLATED TO A CERTAIN NUMBER. BOTH OF MY JEEPS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND CHANCES ARE YOU DO TOO. MAKE YOUR REPORTS AND DOT LET THEM PUSH US AROUND.

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  Transmission/Rotor problems - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mibearbait - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Generally, the vehicle has been great, very few problems. However, approximately every 16,000 miles the rotors need to be turned due to warping. Dealer says that this is normal and should be done annually. My response was BS. I have 39,000 miles on it and Im about due for anouther rotor job. Transmission, when shifting into overdrive, seems to slip. Ive notice for the last few months the engine reving up when it shifts. Started watching the tach and it also indicates that the engine revs up when it shifts into OD.

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  great jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By flytyerz - March 28 - 10:00 am

  this is my third jeep, having had a 2000 Cherokee and my wife drives a 2000 Grand and I like this one better than both of those. That is saying alot since both of my other Jeeps have been excellent. My Cherokee was trouble free for 30k miles before I bought my Liberty. I drive many miles on business and love the feel of this vehicle on and off road. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for an SUV

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  The Family Version of the CJ-7 - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Chesapeake Liberty - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Liberty since Oct. and currently have 18k miles on it. Finally took it off-road about a month ago, and boy are the reviews correct. This vehicle handled suprisingly well and with its footprint, you can basically hit any trail you desire. I use to own a 1986 CJ-7 (wish I still had it), and as of today I am 90% confident that my Liberty can go wherever I use to take my CJ. I still need to upgrade to larger tires and most likely will install the Rustys Off-Road 2.5" lift when new tires are needed. If you are in the market for a cute-ute, look elsewhere, but if you want an Off-road capable vehicle, go with the LIberty - you will not be disappointed.

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  Surprise, Surprise - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mr. Wright - March 27 - 6:50 am

  This is my fifth Jeep and my 4th Grand Cherokee. I want something a little more fuel efficent so I opted for a 6cyc. Had a 2007 Limited with V8. Burned a lot of gas. 2010 Limited only comes with Hemi. Instead I opted for the X package and am surprised at the performance of the 6cycl. It has just as much pick up, one of the quietest ride of any jeep I have owned and handling is smooth and nimble. I love the MY GIG system and many of the other creature comforts that come with the X package I have only had it for about two week and so far I am not seeing a significant difference in the Gas mileage but too soon to tell.

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  LOVE MY NEW JEEP PATRIOT - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By CINDY COTE - March 26 - 8:42 pm

  This is a great car. LOVE IT. And really had a great buying experience at Tacoma Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep.

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  Lousy customer service - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jeep - March 26 - 4:53 pm

  Dealer was unsympathetic to my plight. EGR valve and engine light. everyone had same problem with the Jeep CRD but the guys at the dealership acted like there was no problem. Dealer had jeep for a week before it was fixed. no loaner car. Jeep customer service was terrible. You roll the dice if you get the CRD. Glow plugs had to be replaced at 20,000 miles. Brakes wear out quickly just normal driving conditions. Jeep did not get behind the Liberty CRD.

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  The best SUVs ever built. - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By don humes - March 26 - 7:06 am

  Ive had since new . now has 225,000 miles nothing replaced but radiator and faded roof rack. 4.0 liter drives and runs like when new.