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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  Excellent SUV - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By British Bernie - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep Cherokee. Its an excellent SUV! It is primarily used as a company car, but it gives me great pleasure for weekend use. I would rate this vehicle as one of the most practical SUVs in its price range.

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  Our Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Greg Van Lieu - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Very poor reliability. It is a shame because the interior is very nice.

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  perfect for active gal - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By CindaLou - August 31 - 11:43 pm

  I love my Jeep Liberty. It was my 3rd Jeep after the Cherokee Sport and Grand Cherokee. It has a great turning radius and allowed me to parallel park in small places near campus. It has alot of pep to merge onto freeways or pass others. I lived in Wisconsin where we get 12 in. of snow and my Jeep got me safely to my destination every time. 4x4 is easy to use. I use for camping and hauling my bike. Fit 3 little nieces and nephews in the back. I replaced brakes around 30,000, but was doing alot of city driving at the time. Replaced brakes again at 109,000. The only other repair was a new water pump and serpentine belt at 95,000 miles. Im going to miss my Jeep when I switch to a car.

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  Stisfied - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By steverin - August 31 - 3:33 pm

  I simply wanted a 4wd that would be able to safely traverse logging roads, ice/snow and has lots of after-market support. I found all of this in the cherokee.

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  Love It #2 - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Matt - August 31 - 1:20 am

  This is our second Liberty. We gave our 2003 to our son. Only had it two weeks but so far we love it. Im sure its faster than the old one and I guarantee it is more comfortable. The transmission shifts a bit weird but Im getting used to it. The 2003 did feel more rugged for off- road abuse, but for what most people use these for, Im sure the new one will be just fine.

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  Transmission - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By kristen - August 30 - 2:00 pm

  Right after the warranty was over the transmission went and needed to be replaced. The winsheild has been replaced twice because it wistles all the way down the highway and if a small pebble hits it the winshield cracks.

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  No longer the all american classic. - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Madmike - August 30 - 11:46 am

  I hate this vehicle. So far I have had the transmission, transfer case and front axle and oil pressure gauge replaced, the computer system overhauled, and countless other small problems and the truck still does not work right. The dealership says they can never find the source of the problems (clunking, grinding, hard shifts, steering noise, and horrible performance). LOOK AT THE RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE. Do not buy a 1999 or 2000, especially with Quadra-drive.

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  Great Mountain Tow Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Third Jeep - August 30 - 5:33 am

  My 1st Jeep was a Wrangler, then had a 2002 Liberty Limited, then a 2006 Liberty Limited. Im looking to buy a 2010 Liberty Limited because Im so happy with these Jeeps. It pulls a 15 boat/trailer in the mountains. I load kayaks on the top and 4-wheel it the rivers. I go skiing in the winter. The low gas mileage is a trade off for the muscle the Jeep has.

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  Great Car, Dont Listen to "Experts" - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By jrgibsongirl - August 29 - 9:35 pm

  Please dont judge this car by the "expert" reviews. Ive owned this car for one year and put 14k miles on it. I love it! Gas mileage is as advertised or even better (and thats with a base automatic engine). Interior is simple, but more than adequate. Ride is a little noisy on the highway, but hey, its a Jeep not a Mercedes. If youre looking for a smaller SUV thats reliable and affordable then I highly recommend you check out the Patriot.

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  Love My Grand Cherokee - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Streaker - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought used from a dealer in 1995 and still smells new inside. Only repairs were front differential bearings, a cv boot, and transfer case seal. Also factory alarm system had mind of its own and I had dealer deactivate it. Very comfortable for long trips of 5000 miles or more but have also been off- road in the desert and over mountains. My Jeep has never let me down. I expect to drive it for many years.