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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  good until 100K - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By sugarplum - December 20 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased my Jeep Cherokee 6 years ago with 73,000 miles on it. I loved the way I could go anywhere on/off road. I had no problems until she hit 100,000 miles. My A/C stopped working after many trips to the auto shop I gave up on having A/C. Then my heater quit working! I have gone through 2 rad.s in 2 years, blew a head once and still to this day have no heat and A/C. I dont think my problems have anything to do with the build I, think whoever had her before me didnt take care of her.

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  Unlimited Offroad - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Vinnie - December 20 - 1:03 pm

  My third Jeep without a single problem. The offroad capabilities are second to none. I drive on black diamond trails. The trails only a Jeep can handle. The Unlimited Wrangler has a smooth ride and handles well on the road. I would recommend to anyone.

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  Stay Away from the 2008 Jeep Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By autumnrose - December 20 - 10:52 am

  I have replaced everything in the front end of this vehicle. I have owned it 6 months and in that 6 months, stab links, barrings, ball joints, inner and outer tie rods, struts (twice), the spark plugs and it needs coils but there 40$ a piece have not got there yet. Now after the front end problems it still creaks and squeaks it makes crazy sounds. it likes to hesitate when you push the gas. It just wont go and it stutters like it wants to stall but it does not YET. i dont get it and no garages do either. One said it was a misfire in the piston. GREAT! i would not recommend this vehicle to anyone. it makes so many sounds and even after it is all "fixed" it still remains making unknown sounds

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  I love my Jeep Grand Cherokee - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By garafola - December 20 - 10:29 am

  Well I paid too much for it used , but it was worth it, there have been problems but its my toy. Its was getting better...

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  Best Vehicle EVER!!! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By avhowe - December 20 - 5:39 am

  I bought my 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport 7 years ago and loved it! It took me everywhere and could do about anything. Ride was a bit rough, but thats a Jeep. Last month I was hit in the rear by an Expedition doing 60 mph. I made it through the accident with only a mild concussion, unfortunately, my Jeep did not make it. It was still going strong with 161,000 miles on it. I miss driving it everyday. I am now out looking for a new Jeep, but only go with used because I want the 4.0L I6 motor!!

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  4 More months.......... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ex-Jeepman - December 20 - 12:23 am

  Leased my GC in April 07. This is my 3rd Jeep, loved my first two, and hey, this new GC looked sweet. Yeah, well that lasted about a year. The seats are stained because my water bottle leaked on them. The tranny shimmies instead of downshifting. I have a burn on my forehead because the check engine light has been on so many times. Sometimes it wont shift, or gets stuck in overdrive when at a stop. Have taken it in for service 3 times now, and they always tell me nothing is wrong and they reset the computer, then 2 miles down the road the light comes back on. I was told it needs a new tranny computer and they dont order them unless it is a real problem....hmmm....Im buying a Toyota

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  Fourth JGC - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep-n-Ohio - December 19 - 9:36 pm

  This is our Fourth Jeep grand Cherokee and our second New one. I think they went the wrong direction with the design. The cargo area is now just barely large enough to take our Dog, much less some of the home improvement items I need to haul on the weekends. With just over 9000 miles we have it in the shop for the second time. It is the Laredo with the 4.7 V8, but does not run as strong as my 2000 JGC with the same V8. Seems like they detuned or adjusted things to make it hold up for the lifetime warranty. Im still a fan, but if I have to have it in the shop again my impression of Jeep and approval will drop drastically.

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  jeep Redegrade Vehicle of the year - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Ann Marie Prince - December 18 - 4:51 pm

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  Regulators in windows - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Mary Ann - December 18 - 10:26 am

  The regulator has gone out 3 times on my back drivers side window. Once on the passenger side window. The dealership is charging to fix this each time. It continues to happen, so they arent fixing it. I am so tried of this. I would have never bought this vehicle had I known. I bought it new.

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  for the love of jeeps - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By violent jenn - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Is the best 4 wheel drive vehicle in the world.