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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  Nice Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Shidia Wa Suda - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Jeeps are the most enjoyable vehicles ever made, on the pavement, or off road. (preferably off-road) Myself ha had 3 Jeeps in my life and hadnt regreted a cent i spent on those Wranglers.

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  Jeep Wrangler Columbia Edition - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By firegoogs - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I got my Jeep in January of 2004. It warmed up quickly and stayed warm despite sub-zero temperatures outside. I have not noticed any excessive noise associated with the soft top. It is louder than a hard top vehicle but it isnt annoying. Driving with the top down is a wonderful feeling. I love my Jeep!

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  trail rated capability - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By clint murphy - August 29 - 10:00 am

  My experience with a jeep brand vehicle is that it performs exceptionay well off road. With unmatched capability it can go where no other suv can go.

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  Careful buying a Jeep they need to Fix! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By John - August 28 - 5:06 pm

  I have wanted a Jeep Wrangler for a long time. Finally bought a used 2003 and after driving for approximately 20,000 miles I am now experiencing the "Death Wobble" If you havent had this happen with your Jeep you will!!! No real cure from what I am reading. Have to say I would not recommend buying a Jeep to anyone. Trying to fix the” Death Wobble” in my Jeep so I can sale the rig.

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  Not happy with this Jeep - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mdjeepowner - August 28 - 3:33 am

  I bought the Jeep GC Overland because I like the styling and read a great review by Warren Brown in the Wash Post. After owning the car for 2 months, I wish I hadnt purchased it. Ive had the car in for service twice already, both times due to faulty computer issues (radio presets gone, clock not working, NAV system freezing), and transmission issues. The first time, I was told that they did software updates which should fix the problem, and the 2nd time, I was told that there is nothing wrong with the car (even though they recognize/identify the issue). Apparently, Jeep doesnt have a fix for the issue, so the issue doesnt exist.

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  Weve done a lot since 98 and still going strong. - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By tari5 - August 27 - 1:13 pm

  I bought my Jeep new at a dealership in Colorado. When it was brand new a huge snowstorm hit and there was a pounding on the door. The ranch owner stood there up to his waist in snow. "Can I borrow your rig?"he asked. He needed to do an emergency insulin run for a friend and none of their big expensive ranch trucks could get through the snow. It got through when nobody else could and spent the day rescuing stranded people in what turned out to be a deadly storm. Since then I have driven it across the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific. We have lived in rural Colorado, New Mexico and now on the Plains. Hauled feed to horses, pulled a boat, loaded goats in the back and transported them. Hauled railroad ties and used it as an anchor to stretch fence. My two Irish Wolfhounds curled up in the back and slept for long trips between New Mexico and Kansas. It gets no babying and it has given no trouble. Pop it into four wheel drive and it can get you almost anywhere and back. Its still going strong and I drive it nearly every day.

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  Lifters at 1500 miles - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mike D - August 26 - 10:53 pm

  I have owned Jeeps all my life. I had to give up my beefed up Wrangler in 95. And have had family friendly vehicles ever since. This year as my kids got older I decided to go back to the basics. I wanted an 06 Wrangler with zero miles that I could build from scratch. It has been one month to the day and I am in a rental car all week because my Jeep is in the shop with bad lifters. I also have a dead spot as soon as I shift into third gear. I forgot how owning a Jeep meant fixing aJeep... I just did not plan on it in the first 30 days. I LOVE the Jeep. But I am bitterly disappointed with my purchase. I hope things go uphill from here

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  Maintain it - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Michelin Man - August 26 - 7:46 am

  I love my Grand Cherokee! It is a very spacious and comfortable SUV. The Jeep is great off-road. Being a Jeep expert, make sure the Jeep has been maintained. Both the Inline-6 and V8 have seen 300k miles in many instances. The drivetrain and suspension are of less quality. The trannys are prone to break, some at 90k miles and others at 200k miles. Never get a tranny flush or a radiator flush! Both components will likely fail. The 1993=1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) is maintenence-intensive. Mine has 135k miles, has required a new steering box, starter, battery, steering stabilizer, many brake components, shocks, and various bushings in the front suspension. Great Vehicle for the expert.

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  My jeep - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By angela - August 26 - 3:43 am

  I couldnt wait to get my jeep liberty. This is my 4th jeep and will be my last. Its been a great car except for the window regulators. The first one went out while traveling on vacation. The dealer I visited was awesome but the part was under warranty. The 2nd window just went out and I am very unhappy with the cost of the manufacture defect. If this is the expense I will have to incur I am looking to get rid of this jeep now. I refuse to own another one now.

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  Holy Trans and Fuel Pumps - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Zerblas Family - August 26 - 2:00 am

  well I love my jeep but talk about problems. I hd to wait 1 week for Jeep to replace my fuel pump because they were in such big demad... NOT GOOD and for the trans it SUCKS problems after problems. I am ready to look for something more reliable. Please do research before you purchase...