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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  Used but barely - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By PWA - February 14 - 10:00 am

  We found the 1993, via internet searching, for sale from a local dealer that Ive worked with before. The biggest selling point for us was the low 33,450 miles. This is our 1st jeep and has been a dream to work on and drive. Its flexability and ease to work on a benifit. The 4.0L Fuel Injection has shown to provide plenty of power. The 30" tires seem to be a good mix for on and off road(sand) driving. Currently setting it up for towing behind RV W/TowBar and Wiring kit.

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  Jeeps ugly dog. - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By jerry - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Wrangler is like an ugly dog...you laugh at them until you live with one for a while. After a while you just love to spend time with them.

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  A sad farewell - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Pat - February 13 - 6:40 pm

  Im writing as Im about to take up the Cash for Clunkers option on a new Jeep. I believe that the 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited must have been the miraculous model where Jeep did everything right for about an hour, and out came my wonderful old car. Ive got 152K on a 12 year old model. Not a speck of rust. Original engine. Everything works (with, of course, some replacement expenses over the years) except the passenger side seat heater gave up the ghost 5 years ago. Ive got the straight six, not the V8. It needed a little more room in the back, but I almost cant bear to part with it. Theyre just giving away too much money right now to say "no". Adios with a tear.

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  2000 Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DRT - February 13 - 11:53 am

  For the price the quality is not built into the car. Many little but annoying problems. Humming noise from the transmition. Electrical problems with overhead console. This is my second Jeep, I will try another brand next time.

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  Its a tank! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By fistfullofsteel - February 13 - 10:06 am

  Go anywhere except past a gas station, hard to get kid out of the back due to 2 door, nothing better come winter though.

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  Not the same - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Vulcelt - February 13 - 12:33 am

  This is my 3rd Grand Cherokee LTD since 94. Wish theyd have kept the last design longer, but interior & exterior have totally been redesigned. Nice new features, however. Mileage should be better with the multi-displacement hemi, but the power is really impressive. Comfort and quiet is A1. Turning radius is very sharp, auto-high beams are a real plus.

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  Shifter Module Defect - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mh - February 12 - 10:46 pm

  Ive owned Jeeps all my life, and I must say, I am very disappointed with the overall reliability of the new Grand Cherokees. With only 45,000 miles on my vehicle, Chrysler told me that they wont cover the replacement cost of my defective Shifter Module. A local dealer told me that he sells so many of these modules that he personally knew the part number off of the top of his head, yet Chrysler will not admit to a defect with it. The estimated cost to repair is $1025.00 (incl tax/parts/labor). This is just embarrassing. I will never buy another Jeep/Chrysler product again. I guess Ive just got to buck up and buy the Honda Pilot. You get what you pay for, as Ive always been told.

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  Jeep Sport - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By charley - February 11 - 10:43 pm

  The Jeep has good power with the 6 speed, miles per gal 18 with a K&N filter system. First is very low, get the 6 cylinder for power. You will like this.

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  Great - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By jmatt12 - February 11 - 1:56 am

  Just got a brand new Jeep Patriot. I was skeptical after reading some very negative reviews, but it didnt turn out that way. Very responsive and fun to drive without using too much gas. The 2.4 engine has plenty of power and gets to speed quickly. The best part is my 63" body fits comfortably in the drivers seat. If you like the jeep style but want to be conservative this is a great car.

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  I LOVE MY JEEP - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By CTJeepGuy - February 10 - 9:33 pm

  the only thing I wish I could improve on my Jeep is the fuel economy. Its a little on the bad side. I usually get about 320 miles per a full tank, unless I push the RPMs above 3000. Its great in the snow, off road, backroads, highways. My kids love the jeep when we go to the beach and drop the top. The seats and interior are comfortable, and in the CT winter with a soft top the heaters works just fine. I LOVE MY JEEP!