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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  "Salt Life Baby" its a jeep - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By allaboutink - August 15 - 11:43 pm

  Well I have had this for a few months now and was able to take it off road, this is by far the best jeep I have driving. I had a 2002 X series before this Rubicon and it is a night and day difference. The Rubicon is by far the best off road vehicle for a stock off the lot s.u.v. there is no comparison. I was able to go through every place and it did not even act like it was off road. This truck is a beast for sure. It is not a city vehicle if your looking for gas mileage by a hybrid cause you are not passing many stations with this vehicle, but I dont care I love it. I wanted a jeep for the off road not gas mileage.

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  Beat the Best of the Rockies - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By RoughNeck - August 15 - 3:53 am

  I am a oil and gas rig man that travels from Denver to Farmington New Mexico every 2 weeks. I get paid to drive my 2006 Jeep Liberty to and from work. I go over 4 mountain passes both ways and usually at night. Wolf Creek Pass is 13, 000 plus miles of of constant snow , rain and ice. My Liberty has yet to skid, and corners better than my old Ford Ranger around the mountain roads. I drive a constant 55 MPH the entire way and only use one entire tank of gas and that is at a price of $2.80 per gallon. This is a foo foo SUV but as a heavy duty truck driver I find it an excellent choice for saftey and reliability.

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  Fix the windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Terie - August 14 - 9:20 pm

  Its fun to drive, it hauls lots of stuff in the back, the seats arent comfy at all and hard for a short person to adjust. The gas mileage should be better for the size, but I love the 6 cyl power. Why did my windows break at only 1 yr/6000mi and the dealer tells me "they always do that in Libertys" and Jeep has chosen to NOT address the issues? I will not buy another Jeep. The dealership told me we will continue to have to replace the widow assembly, because they always break. Now my dash is buckling. The dealer says its because we live in the desert. Then why isnt it happening to our 2 other cars that are older?

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  A few issues - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jeff Baker - August 13 - 2:46 am

  Love the vehicle (4.7L), the trips to the service department, not so much. 6 trips for "service 4wd system". Finally fixed by replacing internal switch in transfer case. Occasional horrible noise from driveshaft, cause yet TBD. Windows have a mind of their own and occasionally reverse directions in auto up/down. Slow engagement of tranny in reverse after sitting overnight, sometimes creating a loud screech. Significant vibration from an unknown source when turning from a stop. Has stalled several times while backing from parking place. Hopefully, all the kinks can be worked out. Plus side, Jeep finally did something with the Headlights on their vehicles, these babies light up the night!

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  Be prepared to be re-repaired - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Snag - August 12 - 4:40 pm

  Jeep has the best TV commercials. Driving through the mud, under the lake, buried in snow, we all notice the applications. Owning 11 of the Grand varieties, and 3 Wrangler/CJ models. my first review. As far as the advertisements. I cant even drive my Overland on a rainy day, without the rotors warping, replaced at 16k, 36k, 47k, and needed again at 66k miles. To date, climate control problems ($900), starter replaced,3 batteries, multiple visits for unclogging A/C drainage onto passenger floor, drivers heated seat , CD changer not working, power side mirrors need exorcist. I have spent a considerable amount of time enjoying the benefits of performance in snow, ice, pulling the boat.

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  awesome. - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dangerxx - August 7 - 10:16 pm

  My Grand Cherokee has about 170,000 miles on it now and its still going strong. If youre looking for a vehicle and youre afraid about high mileage, do not dismiss the 96 Grand Cherokee. Its powerful, its comfortable, and it rides well for an SUV. Gas mileage is not great though. Weve only had a few problems with it- anti freeze leak, bearings wearing out in rear. Other than that, its a good, solid, reliable vehicle that you can take literally ANYWHERE. Thumbs up

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  Got What I Paid For - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SCB - August 7 - 10:26 am

  Wanted a Jeep, got a Jeep. No major issues over the last 11 yrs and 125000 mi. Trying to make it last through all 3 kids and their early driving years - four yrs to go! Radio doesnt work well, tape deck(!) quit working, back lift gate is frozen in place (window works). Mechanically sound. No rust. Gave it tender loving care every 5,000 miles. Wish they hadnt discontinued the model...or the Cherokee Sport. Wish Id spent the extra $ and gotten 4WD.

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  Reliable once bugs are fixed - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By J - August 4 - 1:00 am

  Spent money on fixing brake system ($1000), cooling system ($500) and electric wiring system ($300) first 4 years, but it was due to poor maintenance. I have everything fixed and its been driving well.

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  96 JGC Limited - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CDRHI - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought used in great shape and now at 65,000 still a great deal. Full loaded (except for the sunroof :( ) everything. I have the 4.0L and it seems to be more reliable especially with 2WD. It seems Jeep does have 4WD transmission problems if you dont take care. I change the oil (synthetic) and transmission fluids (also synthetic) per manufacturers guidelines. I also firmly believe a good mechanic (not a dealer) is the most important thing to have. I had an intermittent engine problem that was worked out over a few weeks, check this (change cheap stuff first) and finally resulting in a new ECM.

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  Happy wih a Jeep - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hsigreg - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Right after we purchased the Grand Cherokee My wife was caught in a long ride home during a snowstorm and when I called her she was calm saying she felt safe and in control. My wife and sons safety is very important and the Jeep proved itself worthy on yet another occasion. Late one evening she was on her way home from a friends house on a stretch of dark road when a deer crossed her path. The only evidence she hit a deer was some fur in the grille. Could other SUVs perform like this...maybe...but The Jeep did!