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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  2005 GR Cherokee LTD, 4.7 V8 - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By A. Kinsler - October 23 - 12:06 pm

  Seats - too firm, only 6 way power. Needs larger side bolsters. Fuel Economy - poor only 12 or 13 - 16, 4.7 V8, MFG rated at 16-21... not even close! Computer was better on overhead (04 model better). Built in GPS, not the best (Alpine), requires expensive DVD upgrade. Several other German touches could have been better.

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  Terrific Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jackie - October 23 - 10:06 am

  Bought this vehicle brand new. I drove every other SUV out there. I didnt want to try a Jeep but my husband insisted. We bought it right on the spot after the test drive. I have never had a problem. It is like a little tank in the winter.

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  Very Sad - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GWE - October 23 - 3:53 am

  Our Jeep started bucking and becoming undriveable at 5000 miles. This is intermittent and has caused several delays on family trips. The manufacturer just says, "bad gas". They did extend our warranty to 70,000 miles, free. Big deal, the car is not reliable. They have yet to find the problem. We are going on three years of this. Tomorrow we go to "Lemon Law" court with the manufacturer. Wish us luck.

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  CRD Liberty , the best Jeep yet - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Farout - October 21 - 5:53 am

  The diesel engine is not a new engine. V M Mortori has already made over 200,000 engines for DC, and other manufactures as well. 160 HP and 295 lbs of torque is a fantastic power plant. Rides better than the 3.7 V-6. Fit and finish exceed SUV standards. Perhaps this is the best SUV of all.

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  Nice truck - if quality of build was bet - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By libertyuser - October 21 - 2:00 am

  So far, my car had the following failures: replaced front left strut tower (when was brand new), replaced radio, replaced rear differential housing, replaced fuel pump, 4-5 recalls. This car has only 40,000 miles, and most of the fixes done when it was new. I have never encountered such low build quality. Vehicle design is strudy, but mechanical parts start failing one after the other. I am about to sell this car, and get myself a nice Toyota pickup. Just tired of visiting the Jeep dealership...

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  For the price this is the best SUV. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Christop - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Just got the new Liberty. I have only owned Jeeps my whole life. From the Wrangler to the Cherokee to the Grand Cherokee. This is a great vehicle that not only is economical to purhase but has the great engine that wont ever die.

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  LOVE THE OVERLAND - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HAROLDRADERMAN - October 21 - 2:00 am

  TRADED A MERCEDES ML320 FOR THE JEEP OVERLAND. OVERLAND MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE & POWERFUL & BUILT WITH GREATER LUXURY IN MIND. LOTS OF "BANG FOR THE BUCK." MANY MORE OPTIONS AVAILBLE AT MORE THAN $15,000 LESS THAN MERCEDES ML500 WHICH IS COMPARABLE IN POWER BUT NOT NEARLY AS LUXURIOUS. HAD ONE PROBLEM WITH WARPED BRAKE ROTOR FIXED QUICKLY UNDER WARRANTY.

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  109500 miles and counting - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By oadams - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this jeep since 97 and it has been extremly reliable. Maintenance is the key as with all jeeps. If you take care of it, it will take care of you.

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  Overland Quadradrive II - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Jim Seeger-Newby - October 19 - 1:43 pm

  Ive had an eye on one of these for years, then about 8 months ago I ran across this 07 Overland with 99k on it, a one-owner garaged all its life, and well-serviced. This is a heavy vehicle and moves with sureness down the highway or other roads. Had a small thud in front end going over sharp speed bumps. Had a suspension fellow look it over....given the overall excellent condition of this Commander, I had him rebuild the front end, struts and ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks all around, front transfer case shaft (rubber boot was cut) + new serpentine belt, all hoses and the transmission cooler lines needed replacement. One bad item is that an oil seal is leaking in the transfer case (the seal costs about $20) -- not a bad leak but to fix it the transfer case must be removed and opened up because the seal is INSIDE of the case. No other leaks. The Hemi is buttery smooth with good power. This thing rides and drives with good control and a secure feeling. Given the Overland equipment it is a joyful experience with its luxuries and their user-friendliness, even on this 07 model. The windshield was replaced (small chips in it) and there is a small tear in the drivers seat thigh support that will soon be repaired. Great visibility, quiet and solid. Ive been amazed and plan to keep this for a long time.

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  What a Wonderful Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Commander Limited - October 18 - 4:13 pm

  I purchased a 2006 Jeep Commander Limited with a 5.7 liter Hemi engine with every accessory. This SUV is a dream to drive. It has all that you need: comfort, style, with unbelievable driveability. After a long trip of about 600 miles, my wife and I felt relaxed and enjoyed the trip. This SUV is fun to drive and just clings to the road with ease.