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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  Porpoise in Jeeps clothing - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dave S. - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Was originally looking for cheapest, most reliable convertible top vehicle, and like many, I was hooked upon the first test drive. You feel every bump, but its in character, and I love every minute of it. That is, until you have to panic stop on the freeway, or stop at anything over 40 mph or so; this thing goes into a very unsettling continous front-to-rear hop, while diving noticeably to one side. Mileage is nothing short of pathetic, but again, in character (amazing, considering its not carbed!!). For those who definitely appreciate simplicity with a touch of attitude and allure.

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  You cant kill it!!!! - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By E Jeep man - July 17 - 3:46 pm

  I am 17 and before my jeep I had a 1990 Ford Ranger that CONSTANTLY needed fixing, but wen it finally blew up i was rewarded with a jeep. This thing is so reliable, durable, and fun. It has over 170,000 miles on it, and had 160,000+ when we bought it. The previous owner worked at a boyscout camp and used this Jeep to navigate the incredibly rough roads every day. However this ol Jeep remains tough, and great for offroading. It aint a power house with the 4 cyl. so not great for highway, and is really bumpy and noisy, but hey, its a Jeep. I only had to replace the starter because I took it mudding and got some water in the engine, haha

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  Weird check engine light situations - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kai - July 15 - 2:50 pm

  Every other week the check engine light goes on, either I have a catalytic converter issue or it is just a short circuit. A lot of dangerous blind spots. I would fire the guys who designed the car, it looks like cheap plastic stuff. Nice to drive, even though wind noise unbearable when going over 60 mph.

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  I Love Jeeps!!!!!!! - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By VEP - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth jeep. I cant say aything more positive about them. The outdoor reputation..the jeep lives up to it. I have put 30,000 over the past year and have not had any major problems. I take it on the highway every week and it has started and run well everyday this winter. Currently has 115,000 miles. Clutch needed to be replaced when I bought it but it has held up for the last 30,000 miles, again, I think the car was abused before I got it on e-bay. No leaks of any type. Also it handles much better than you would think. I would and will buy again.

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  WILLING TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By PORSCHE1 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I CHOSE THIS VEHICLES PRIMARILY ON ITS GOOD LOOK AND SIMPLE DRIVETRAIN. ON ROAD DYNAMICS SUFFERED IMENSELY WITH SIMPLE DRIVETRAIN AND SUSPENSION. OIL CHANGE HAS BEEN THE ONLY MAINTENANCE WITH OVER 46K+ MILES AND COUNTING...OH YES THERE WAS A SENSOR REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY,AND DRIVER SIDE MIRROR REPLACEMENT ON THE NORTH SIDE OF WARRANTY, THANKS TO "CSI" CONCERNED REPAIRED COMPLIMENTARY...OTHERWISE LOVE MY TRUCK.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By reecee3 - July 14 - 3:23 pm

  I bought my Liberty in 05 with 6,000 miles on the odometer. I now have 190,000 miles and she is running strong. I have had to do some minor maintenance, but I have driven her all over the country and frankly done so at high speeds. My friends call the car the silver bullet because I have a lead foot. The car has never left me stranded and is very fun to drive. Dropping the back seats is a breeze and I can fit tons of luggage or furniture it it. I am now looking for a newer model and hoping I love it like I love this little Liberty. If I didnt have to travel, I would keep it to drive around town because I love it so much!

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  My Whistling Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By ghjr - July 13 - 2:30 pm

  My second Jeep, with the first being the limited edition 02. I have an unlimited X and love it until the windshield was replaced not once but 6 times, and the whistle is still there. I got tired of taking it back again and again, so I had to have stripping placed around the shield so I didnt drive it into a tree. The problem is solved, but not the proper way, just a band aid. Takes a PhD to design it and a high school graduate to repair it. Go figure, its not fixed.

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  Its a Jeep Thing... - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Paddys - July 13 - 1:20 pm

  All in all, a great vehicle which is very fun in the summer sun and great in winter snow. Minor complaints include leaky driver-side door (which Ive heard from almost every other Wrangler owner), extremely difficult entrance/exit of backseat (I took my backseat out b/c it was pretty much inaccessible),and rough ride. Those things aside, I would recommend it to others.

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  Vibration Review - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Kelaya - July 13 - 10:00 am

  bad vibration when at speeds in excess of 45 miles per hour and continuing to sixty miles per hou

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  Love My Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By R Copeland - July 12 - 5:06 pm

  Handles great. Smoothest riding SUV Ive been in. The V6 is a bit sluggish but the fuel economy is good for a SUV. Everyone that sees it loves it. Tons of standard features.