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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  Im Happy With It.. - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By BBK - February 3 - 2:43 am

  This is my first Jeep, although I have owned other 4wd vehicles. This 4 wheel drive system is the best I have had, other have included Ford, Chevy and Toyota. I have the 6 speed manual tranny, I shift quickly and am easy on the gas and average 20.7 MPG (both highway and city). I have the hardtop with the removable sections over the driver and passenger. No leaks after removing them a few times and reinstalling. Open the door in the rain though and you will get a stream of water in the truck as water follows the gap in front and into the vehicle rather than down the glass on a closed front door. Ride is good up front but in the back you sit on the axle making it bumpy. It is what it is.

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  Like the Energizer bunny, it keeps going - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeep4ever@puertorico - February 2 - 6:33 pm

  Always wanted a Cherokee since high school and it came true about 7 years ago. Bought it with 60,000, in RED no less and with the 4.0. Picked a 2wd (less weight/better fuel econ). Repairs have been few: water pump;radiator;gas pump;starter. Take good care of it and it will last forever!

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  Unfortunate Unreliability - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By envoy2002 - January 31 - 7:26 pm

  Had JGCL V8 for 1 and half years. 36000 miles. Repeated mechanical problems, some which were replaced identically 3 or 4 times. Chrysler is taking back the vehicle. For $38K vehicle, it should not fall apart so quickly. Pitty since it is a beautifull looking vehicle and has nice interior amenities (granted, not as many as others, but quite ergonomic and functional).

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  Melon - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 43K down the tube! - January 31 - 9:30 am

  Fun to drive, major mechanical problems. Replaced fuel pump twice, replaced routers and brakes twice. Only 22K miles. Bird droppings ate all the way to the primer(dark red paint). didnt expect these things to happen to a new car.

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  The "Just-Right-Mobile" - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Al Jr - January 30 - 9:46 pm

  All I can say is that this vehicle was a splendid surprise. I went from 95 Cirrus to a 98 Astro (Great) to this cute little Liberty. I bought it used with 4000 miles. It immediately had some serious vibration and lurching (it was fine on test drive) and took it back the first day and they gave me a nice loaner and promised to resolve it in a timely manner. They showed me what they replaced and why (all brake associated). They were professional, made sure I had my registration plates (no paper tag!), full tank, and a letter of apology for the problem with a coupon for free oil changes. OUTSTANDING. Factory defect on the bumper, repaired with new bumper and paint.

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  Holy Crap! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GI Joe 44 - January 30 - 7:50 am

  I bought this Jeep for my wife before my last tour in Iraq. When I came home there were very few issues, and after some repairs we took it on a trek across country and back. just over 5000 miles. Last night while driving though the mountains, we got hit with a cross wind that shoved me left and ripped the sunroof right out of the vehicle. It was raining and the sunroof was closed tightly. None of the interior windows were open.

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  3 months later... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By WillieJ - January 28 - 11:16 pm

  I have owned my Jeep for 3 months now and I have over 5000 miles on it. I love my Jeep just as much as I did when I bought it in September. Ive noticed that the ride has gotten a little jittery, but nothing unbearable. The performance is pretty good, but the fuel economy has dropped in the winter months to the mid 15 mpg. The lowest I have gotten was 13.8 ... best on HWY is 17. Its a blast in the snow! Legroom a little tight in the rear, especially behind the driver seat.

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  Proud to own an American! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tn22310 - January 28 - 4:46 pm

  Bought a JGC Overland with 5.7 HEMI. What a nice car! Very quiet yet engine is strong when it needs to be. I was considering to buy a Range Rover Sport, but JGC has definitely nicer ride and navigation system with hard drive to rip your songs. If you are considering JGC, try to get the HID headlight because they are really bright.

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  Affordable Compact SUV - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By 1chris1 - January 28 - 12:06 pm

  2 months searching suvs i decided on a left over compass. I receaved a really great deal and they installed remote start for free. the highway gas milage is great concidering i drive 30K a year. 2.4 is alittle sluggish but gets you where your going. Most people ive spoken too like the new look and yes it does resemble the grand chrokee. All things concidered so far im a happy JEEP owner.

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  Its been a pleasure owning my Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By babsj - January 26 - 10:00 am

  No major problems. Maneuverable, consistent, dependable, sporty with comfort. I still smile when I drive it! A reliable classic design stands the test of time and serves me well.