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:

• 

  Jeep Wranger - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By cindy - June 1 - 5:00 pm

  I have wanted a Jeep since 1978 and after my number 2 son hit my little focus (nice little car, escort was better) for the third time and it was time to get a new vehicle, so I did it, I got my Jeep. I love this vehicle it would not have been practical for me earlier in my life but I am so glad I have it now. I love going to the mountains in and its great on the beach. Its so fun to drive and I love the little Jeep wave. I cant wait to go to camp next summer!

• 

  Looking for fun? This is it! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By backslash - June 1 - 10:00 am

  With a smoother suspension and amenities such as air conditioning and cruise control, this Jeep is at home on the streets AND the trails. The 4.0L inline six provides adequate power for most situations. Coupled with the 5-speed, you can expect a smooth power curve and decent acceleration. Inside, youll find a tight but comfortable cockpit. Headroom is certainly not a problem and the steering wheel is in a comfortable position. The exterior is where this Jeep maintains the closest relationship to its elders. Unique styling that has not changed in decades allows functionality and gives personality.

• 

  I love my Liberty-just not the color - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By amy foxx - May 28 - 10:00 am

  My Liberty is white and I wished I could have a red one. Other than that I do not have much to complain about, except the mileage is horrifying. It gets terrible gas mileage.

• 

  Dependable - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim - May 28 - 12:20 am

  My Jeep has been very dependable and fun to drive. I had to replace the fuel pump while it was still under warranty and the water pump after 80,000 miles. I now have 86,000 miles on the Jeep and my only complaint is the noise the rear end makes when you let your foot off the gas. I have used the Jeep to pull a 21ft boat and stumps out of the back yard and it has performed very well. It has also not let me down in the snow when I ski in Vermont and New Hampshire.

• 

  problem already - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dentman09 - May 27 - 7:06 pm

  I bought this vehicle when it came to my bodyshop for some paint work, did a carfax and it was a 1 owner with low mileage, very clean, ran fine for two days, then the oil pressure gauge kept going on and off. I presume it needs an oil pump at 55,000 miles.Not happy.

• 

  Zippy - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Johnny Rocket - May 26 - 2:40 pm

  My wife and I got this Jeep for $12,700... NEW off the lot with 62 miles on it. We have the 2.4L with a five-speed. We heard the CVT was a turd and are very happy with a manual; my wife hates it, but I turn of the traction control and pull the parking brake, roll and smoke the front tires all day long. I dont like the styling its too round, but its my wifes car and she loves it. The transmission had to be replaced after 10,000 miles, it was not do to my abuse, but because of the syncro for 5th gear exploding on the freeway. We get on avg 28mpg with a mix of 50%city 40%highway 10%idling (I idle alot waiting on my wife while she is inside the store shopping and Im sleeping in the Jeep.)

• 

  A. Bananas veiw of a jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Banana - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I think that this car is high quality and high perofrmance endurant. I would change however some of the interior designs, like the seats. My freinds who have Jeeps that are different colors and different years, have the same seat design as i do. I find that annoying cause now i think if i ever sell my old jeep, then Im not going to buy another one cause itll be exactly the same as my old one. you should change the seating in different cars. For example, if you make a red Jeep, make the interior black not brown. Thank You very much for your time. A. Banana

• 

  year later - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JIM FEINSTEIN - May 24 - 2:43 pm

  Its fun to drive and has enough power to keep up with most cars on the road. The only slight thing Ive had was the air bag light came on a few times and then stopped.

• 

  Transmission Failure at 90,000 - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By bisjoe - May 24 - 9:15 am

  For the first 9+ years the Liberty did very well as far as liability, other than the several recalls. Even the original battery lasted 9 years. Then at about 90,000 it started to have problems. We had to rebuild the transmission at a cost of $3,400. Theres a leak requiring new seals on the rear differential, and the HVAC fan resistor is shot so we only get speeds 3 and 4. After spending so much on the transmission we will go ahead and fix the rest, and try to get another 50,000 out of it but Im not very optimistic. It is fun to drive, the body and interior are like new and it handles well in snow.

• 

  Rubicon Unlimited - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeff clifford - May 24 - 7:56 am

  Horrible on fuel and surprising lack of power. Probably due to the large tire size and it aggressive nature. The door locks automatically lock when you put the vehicle in drive but only the drivers door unlocks automatically after being placed in park. This is extremely annoying with children and retrieving items from other doors. All things considered, we do love this vehicle and its a joy to drive on a nice summer day w/ the top down. We would certainly buy it all over again as in our case as a second vehicle.