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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  Own one and youll understand... - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JeepinKansas - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle from a Jeep dealer at 90K miles in 2001,It now has 100K and Ive mostly LOVED it.I have the Q-Trac/V8 Setup and my trans vibes a bit when shifting to 3rd,the rear end is also very NOISY(growls).80% of Grands experience the rear diff bearing problem.Mine was even replaced in 98.That aside,I fixed a $90 IAC and now my Catalyst and Steering Dampener need replaced.Not bad for 100,250 miles. Biggest complaint? Interior Quality.These vehicles arent cheap and dealing with such a spotty interior is rediculous.Was going for a 99 or 00 but they have SEVERE problems,perhaps a 98 5.9 Limited will fit the bill,or ill wait for the 02s to come down.

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  nice suv - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tanyaduke - February 15 - 10:00 am

  it has been a good car!

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  nice car- but mine keeps breaking down. - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By bobsanfran - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my 1998 Sahara Wrangler but after 66,000 miles it lives in the shop now. Every 10,000 miles - some thing breaks. 66,000 miles the Radator broke 70,000 the AC compressor siezed 74,000 the Exaust manafold craked 80,000 the clutch unit and other transmission parts needed to be replaced 90,100 - in the shop again - the computer is broken - they are trying to see what broke it.

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  First 6000 miles - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bob mac - February 15 - 10:00 am

  In 6000 miles,Ive had to have the Air Conditioner repaired, the brake light replaced and the rear brake rotors replaced.

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  Fun adn Reliable - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Doug Thompson - February 15 - 12:16 am

  Have owned the Wrangler 5 years no maintenance issues, replace the belt and rear brakes over 57,000 miles. Passing this one on to my son and buy a 01 Wrangler for me

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  98 jeep xj - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By desprado227 - February 10 - 10:23 am

  228500 mi and still as strong as the day it was born JEEPS RULE THE EARTH all others try to follow

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  If you love Jeeps... - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jerry R. - February 4 - 11:30 pm

  Ive almost always owned one Jeep or another and currently own 2. If youre tired of dumping huge amounts of money into building a capable off-roader, get yourself into a Rubicon. Ill be starting with a Rubicon as a base for building from here on out because you just cant build a more serious off-road vehicle for the money. Buy one and drive it from the dealership directly to the nearest (and most extreme) trail and have fun knowing youll go anywhere! I love my 04 more than any Jeep Ive built (including a 59, 76 and an 88). The seats need lower lumbar support but its more comfortable by far than its predecessors. Save your "build-up" cash for something else - buy a Rubicon instead.

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  Jeep does it again! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By MCSD_Cadet3 - February 4 - 8:26 pm

  Purchased it used in February wwith just over 5k miles. Overall excellent vehicle. The side view mirrors have a killer blind spot so I always check over my shoulder (which is probably the safest option anyway). Some of the options should have been standard on the limited but when you buy a car used you dont get to be picky. For instance it would be nice to have leather seats standard. So far no problems mechanically/electrically however its only been a few months. I did just get a recall notice on the ball joints so well have to wait and see.

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  Great Jeep - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By daclasn - February 3 - 5:16 pm

  We have put almost 4K miles on our Compass and love it! This is my 2nd Jeep, previously had a Grand Cherokee. This jeep is perfect for what we use it for. Seats are comfortable, the ride is good and power is acceptable with the manual tranny. I have grown to love the looks of the Jeep. The build quality appears to be very good as well. The reviewers are way off on this vehicle. I would recommend it to anyone!

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  Its a Jeep, Not a BMW - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Cowboy Fan - February 3 - 10:20 am

  I am 57 and this is my fourth Wrangler. Traded in an 08 BMW for the Wrangler and havent looked back. We are having a blast. So when you look at the ratings given for comfort, quietness,and performance,understand this is a Jeep and that is part of it. Getting 20 commuting and almost 22 on the highway. This Jeep is much quieter and better riding than the previous Wranglers. BMW drivers seem to turn their noses up at other BMWs thinking theirs is better or something. I have found that nearly every Wrangler driver I meet, young, old, male, female, always wave. Cant beat that.