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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  1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By carguy03 - January 24 - 9:26 am

  I had a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport. This Jeep had the 4.0L I-6 with a 4 speed automatic transmission. It was a very good vehicle for the West Virginia winters, my driveway is just over 2,000 ft up a hill, and it never failed to make it all the way to the top. I liked the vehicle, but it didnt have enough room. I would reccomend it to any of my friends.

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  Great car but trans lever is horrible! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Phil - January 24 - 5:45 am

  Just got the car this week. Our old 99 grand Cherokee was on life support. The 99 had served its purpose, hauling, towing, winter driving, but had been troublesome from day one. Reads lots of reviews and it appears things have improved. Got a 2014 with 28k miles, v6, 4wd. Drives nice, quiet, plenty of power and tows our boat very well. Loads of nice features. The car has a heavy, solid feel. But the damn shift lever! What is that about? Its a ridiculous design and it takes total concentration to get the thing in D or R. Maybe well get used to it in time.

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  Patriot Blue Mass Jeep Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Micahel E. Profenno - January 24 - 2:50 am

  The Jeep Liberty Limited is one of the more fun vehicles I have owned. It has been very reliable with only one issue; a resetting of the automatic tire pressure gauge. It is a lot of fun to drive, very comfortable on and off the road, and I really enjoy the comforts, i.e. leather heated seats, Sirius radio, etc. The cargo room is perfect, and I like how the seats go down with ease. I highly recommend this American built vehicle!

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  Thought I wanted an FJ, but went for 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By gmaster - January 24 - 1:16 am

  Wanted FJ, so I thought I did. Drove FJ, 2011 Wrangler and the 2012 Wrangler. FJ felt cheap. New 2011 Wrangler engine sluggish and auto trans grinded on shifts. 2012 Wrangler WoWed me!

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  Looks are Everything- Perfect Suv - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By freshee61 - January 22 - 5:06 am

  I feel in love with the cars exterior. Then the Interior. Then the sound system. Then the fuel efficiency. Then warranty. Then the price. Need i say more. The car is the best in its class. Drives great!

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  Ride or Die Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By zayla4 - January 22 - 12:20 am

  I absolutely could not live without my Cherokee. Ive had it for 11 years. Bought it with 13,000 miles on it. Its been in four accidents (1 while parked), extensive road trips throughout upstate NY during my sorority days, and survived NYC potholes. Within the past two years, Ive had to change the brake pads, thermometer, radiator, steering box, battery and have multiple electrical problems resulting in shortages in the front and rear lights. Overall, she has lasted me well as hard as I drive, and Im looking for another vehicle as equally reliable.

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  Crap - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep4weel - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2 1993 grand cherokees. Both had the 5.2 V8. do not get the V8 if it is close to 100,000 miles. both of mine were close to 100,000 when i bought them and both were pieces of junk. They both burned oil. The head gasket on both of them blew. They both lost a ton of power and begun to get horrible gas milage, 8mpg in the city and 12mpg on the highway if i was lucky. Really bad paint jobs too. Both of mine began to have paint chip off of them in nice little sheets. Good looking vehicles, very comfortable to ride in and drive, but get the 4.0 inline 6 engine. It has plenty of power and is an engine that jeep as been using for almost 20 years.

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  2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD Limited - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Beaver - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Very quick & powerful V-8 engine. Handles well in all conditions. Very comfortable leather seats. Had to get one software update to correct the transmission slamming into / out of gear at low speeds. The update fixed it. The drivers side heated seat is broken but still under warranty. The rear cup holder sucks and gets stuck all the time.

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  Love my Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bouker - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2000 since it was new. I could not be more pleased. My wife drives it so I rarely get the chance but I hope in 7 more years when we replace it for her I can finally drive it daily. The in line 6 should still be fine. The people that drive in 6" of snow and want a car feel should stick with the front wheel drive models which should be called SVs or better yet Mini Van. They should save their money and get triple A in case they get stuck in a ditch. Either way they may need to make the call. Jeep has few contenders but many pretenders! Yes I am biased

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  My Jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jarrett Kwiatek - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I think the my Jeep Grand Cherokee is fantastic. I test drove a 4runner, Explorer, and a Montero Sport, and the Jeep blows them away. Great ride. Very comfortable. Since Ive bought mine, 3 of my friends have bought one b/c of how great mine is.