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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  Its a Jeep !! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By giuma - March 27 - 10:00 am

  The strong points are: lots of power, comfortable and stable ride, great looks, and obviously a great offroader. The weak points are: a gas guzzler, regardless of the fact that it is a 4wd, noisy, a poor sound system, low quality plastic & trim, and weak headlights (yes I adjusted them). For the money, its probably still a bargain. But if you consider the money you could save on gas, especially if youre going to commute, maybe there are other vehicles out there that are a better buy.

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  Suprising - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By colleen - March 23 - 3:56 pm

  I cant believe my jeep has 180K and still runs like new. I have not had one single mechanical issue with it. Oil changes faithfully every 5K, occasional engine tune up and some new brakes 50K back is all Ive ever done for maintenance. Am I just lucky or is this actually a decently made US vehicle?

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  I like Jeeps - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By laustin - March 22 - 5:46 am

  This is my 2nd jeep. I bought is used with 30k miles. I have had to replace the water pump, power steering pump, brakes, radiator. I love my car but the repairs bother me. I have 100,500K now and have to consider the next car I will buy. I feel very safe in this Jeep on the highway. I feel if I was hit I would stand a chance of living and this is what separates the Jeep from the Jeep wannabes.

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  Not bad - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By climber117 - March 22 - 1:10 am

  This is my third vehicle. It has the best fuel economy of any other vehicle i have owned. It is a solid vehicle that is practical and functional. I only have FWD but have had it off- road, and as long as its not sand it does fine.

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  Looks Great - Not sure of Quality Yet - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brian H - March 16 - 12:00 pm

  So far I must say Im happy with my new 07 Wrangler 4 door, but a little concerned. The incorporation of 4 doors sold me. The ride is not as rough and bumpy as one would expect. Handles just fine on the highway and Ive gotten 19-20 MPG on the highway. The only concern I have is the quality. Ive owned mine for 2 months and issues have begun to arise. The rubber pads on the hood keep falling off. Most worrisome, on 2 occasions while driving all the sudden the dash lights come on, the motor cuts out, and it completely stalls...it restart and regains power within 5 seconds. Sometimes when I unlock the doors with the keyless remote, the radio starts playing on its own. Im worried. :(

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  Liberty CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Carl - March 15 - 2:50 pm

  Fun diesel to drive, lots of torque, good fuel mileage, but the seats are constructed out of park bench material. The hardest seats I have ever set in. Even my Wrangler was better.

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  Rest in Peace - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By dtskiles - March 13 - 10:00 am

  At 75,000 miles the A/C died. Repairs were VERY costly. Gas mileage was stable from day one - at a dismal 17mpg. But the engine itself is amazing. That inline 6 is about the more reliable engine Ive ever owned and gives the car more power than it needs.

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  Brake Issues - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Eddieboy - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Brakes are an issue. The rotors on mine went @ 12k miles, as well as a buddy in the office. They covered them the first time, but told me the next time I eat it at $1,200.00. This is an obvious recall issue with Jeeps and they need to be responsible enough to take on the repairs. If not, there are plenty of other companies selling SUVs without guaranteed repair issues.

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  Bought one for my wife. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Rusty - March 13 - 10:00 am

  It was time to by a new car for my wife. We looked at the new liberty. Bought one that same day. The V-6 blew me away. The ride is great. A big selling piont with me was the 5000 pound tow capacity. After 15,000 miles my wife loves it. I have only a few complants with the car. They include: not alot of foot room in the front. My legs feel cramped on long drives. Not alot room to move them around. The seat in relationship with the door armrest is in a odd spot. Overall, I like this car and would drive it every day. That is if I could ever get the key away from my wife.

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  My comparison of Laredo -vs- Durango - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Demoing - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Am testing driving a Laredo this week in anticipation of trading my 99 Durango SLT - both are 2WD models. Laredo has far less blind spots, smoother handling (less truck feel),shorter turn ratio (nice), V6 engine peppier than the large V8- averaging 4 miles more a gallon (18.3) than the Durango, seats material and fabric is more comfortable. Have added 6 features on this model vs 3 take- aways from Durango (3rd bench seat, fold-down rear armrest and some cup holders).