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:

• 

  I love it!!!!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By kell - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Love the manual transmission, makes me feel like Im actually driving. Plus, most of my family cant drive manual so they can never ask to borrow it. Love the way it handles and I am able to zip it around like I did in my small car.

• 

  Grand Cherokee; 8-cyl full-time 4 wd - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Paul_NE - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Just a wonderful vehicle. This is our fourth Jeep Grand Cherokee and the best by far. Fuel economy is something to get used to (previous Jeeps were 6 cyl) but it was expected. The available "toys" are great too! Navigation is a hoot!

• 

  Love my Jeep Cherokee Limited Laredo - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Carolinep70 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Jeep Ive owned, and will mostly purchase another one in the future. It is an extremly reliable and long lasting vehicle. It maintains it value over years and best of all, I get the better of the both, rides like a car with the power of a truck. It is super fun to drive in the snow!

• 

  MOST reliable vehicle I have known - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By agildner1 - March 28 - 1:11 pm

  I have the limited HEMI with QDII 4 wheel drive system. I have over 150,000 miles on her and let me say, I have more money into a 2008 town and country with 38,000 miles than I do into the Jeep. The jeep has been used and abused for the last few years. Ive gone offroading, towed 6,500 lbs countless times, and I constantly am flooring it to hear the HEMI SCREAM! The only problems I have had is a new ECM($300) and a loud bearing that I cant pinpoint(~$50). And of course new tires and brakes but any car needs those. This Jeep still has boatloads of power, and there is no sign of wear or tear. It looks like it has 5,000 miles on it. No rust despite several michigan winters. Great SUV!!!

• 

  10K Mile Report - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob - March 27 - 5:16 pm

  Excellent performance on/off road. Problems: 1.) No where to mount CB radio for off- road communications. This is major design flaw. 2.) On dry paved city streets, ESP and Sway Bar will activate for no apparent reason. May or may not deactivate even when motor is restarted. Occurs frequently in hot AZ weather. 3.) Annoying squeal from left front wheel. Dealer cant identify. Most noticeable at low speeds (10 mph and less). Other than 3 items noted, vehicle is fantastic. Solid performer on the trail and comfortable for long road trips with family. Would buy another one in an instant.

• 

  Love it... - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Dutch Rider - March 27 - 10:00 am

  One of the best purchases I have made. I have never had a problem. The gas mileage is OK. The best Ive done so far is 19 mpg. Around town I get about 15 mpg. I have taken it on several long trips and it is very comfortable. I have not been off road yet but I will soon. The only regret is I did not purchase with anti-lock brakes. It is a heavy vehicle and I almost could not stop going down a steep road in San Francisco.

• 

  Sahara4x4 - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bykryd - March 26 - 2:56 pm

  Excellent performance. The soft top is the weak link, as the Florida sun bakes the stitching and the roof falls apart. The engine is solid V 6 and only needed the head gasket replaced at 100,000 miles. Other maintainence was within normal limits.

• 

  3 years later, still lovin my Wrangler! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Amber - March 23 - 11:23 pm

  I purchased my 2005 Jeep Wrangler X brand new in June 2005 (it only had 21 miles on it). I have never regretted purchasing this vehicle. It was everything I expected and more. Plus, Wrangler drivers are the friendliest people I have ever met! Its easy to drive, easy to judge, easy to park, and easy on the eyes. And believe it or not it can hold an infant seat and stroller in the standard wheel-base model with no problem, just a little creativity. I drive my Jeep 40 miles each day and still wouldnt trade it for anything!

• 

  The better Liberty ... the CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Farout - March 23 - 8:40 am

  The diesel Liberty (CRD) is about 300 lbs heavier than the 3.7 gas Liberty. There were 8333 Liberty CRDs made in 2005. This was the first time Jeep has offered a diesel Liberty in the USA. However in Europe Liberty CRDs has been in production for approximately 3 years. V M Motori of Italy has made over 500,000 diesel engines for DaimierChrysler beginning in 1993. The Common Rail Diesel is efficient and does not have the smell of diesels from the past. The CRD 2.8L four cylinder develops 160 hp and 295 lb torque at 1800 rpm. This is what many V- 8 engines produce.

• 

  Excellent car!! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By amairs - March 22 - 1:50 am

  I love this car! I havent had it long, but it handled beautifully through the 16.5 inches of snow we got. I feel very safe having my 1 year old son in it. It is so comfortable, and the space is just perfect. It is a smaller SUV- not meant for hauling big loads, so the trunk isnt what youd find in a large SUV. I havent had any problems, and get very decent gas mileage.