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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  liberty mania - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By libertyhillumc.org - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my two wheel drive liberty. It takes me to all the places I like to go as well as off roading. I am amazed how a two wheel drive vehicle can climb! Acceleration is good but noisy. Fuel economy is to be desired but the overall performance is nimble. Did I mention the comfort of the back seat and the ease of parking?

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  I feel Safe! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By moms jeep - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love driving my Jeep! There are a few flaws,but,there is with everything. Ill cope. Reliable in the New England weather!

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  Could be better - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gypsy77 - January 20 - 11:16 am

  I bought my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD in 2007, used with 70k miles on it. I thought I got a deal of a lifetime on the price. Ive only had this vehicle for about 8 months. So far, things that have been wrong with it include: Car lost power and wouldnt start back up for about and hour, then it would die again (had to get that fixed $300), brakes are making a grinding noise even though I am told the brake pads are fine, in reverse it makes a weird clunking and vibrating sound, the mechanics say nothing is wrong. The engine light has been on for a month. Feels squirrely on the highway. I cant afford to keep getting things fixed! I also own a 2000 Honda Civic, never have any problems!

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  Worth it for several reasons - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Larry - January 18 - 8:43 pm

  I bought the 5.7L HEMI used after some friends had trouble with the 3.7L. Engine runs great and I always have the power when I need it. I was very surprised with the very quiet cabin during highway rides, and smooth ride overall as well. Also, 5-star crash ratings and side airbags are a must for vehicles this size and the Commander has them. Luxury feel with the Limited package at a great price if bought used. Havent had any issues yet, and will keep our fingers crossed as we approach the 50,000 mile plateau, where others have seen problems. Considering an extended warranty.

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  Love it. - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By aubjh - January 18 - 6:23 am

  Always wanted a Jeep. Now I have one! Aftermarket parts just bolt on. The 190 hp 4.0 V6 gets up and goes really fast. The 6 gears are great too. Second has been a little clunky; going to have that checked. Love the 4x4. Should of gotten the one with cruise control for long trips though. Powersteering already has gone out. Other than that I love it.

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  Not as good a deal as I thought - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Shorty - January 14 - 2:16 pm

  I loved my Jeep when I first got it. About 4 months after owning it, I had a leak in the side pillars from the sunroof. It has been to the dealer 4 times for same problem. The last time the drain tubes were replaced and no problems. Guess what, its leaking again. Transmission leaked at 25K, but dealership fixed it. Had to replace the tires at 30,000 miles. I will never buy another Jeep again.

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  issues - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By italian girl - January 14 - 6:20 am

  Well lets see I just got this a month ago and I have had it back to the dealer 4 times now I have had the dashlight issues that a lot og ppl have had my windshield whistles too they r replacing that in the morning so well see how that goes my tire pressure lights constantly comes on I had other stuff wrong with it too but none of it left me brokedown anywhere but all in all I do love it I have 4 kids so its excellent for my family

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  Great Vehicle - but technology has glitches - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe Rindfuss - January 12 - 11:42 am

  2014 Grand Cherokee – Overland Edition. After driving 4-Runners for years, I made the switch to Jeep and love the luxury and smooth ride. I live in upstate New York where 4WD is really only needed a dozen or so days a year. However, it’s on these days with heavy snow that I miss the clearance of the 4 Runner, and actually got my Jeep stuck twice last winter, but it probably had more to do with the low profile tires than the 4WD. Luckily, after digging myself out I was able to sit on heated seats and grab a warm steering wheel, which are my two favorite features. My main complaint is the Navigation System – I would recommend skipping this option and buying a GPS since the Chrysler navigation system WILL get you lost. I’ve even been directed to turn up one way streets in the wrong direction! Plus, if you are driving you cannot enter addresses into the system and the voice recognition is completely useless. The first time it understands an address I give it will be the first time in over a year it’s ever understood an address. It’s no Siri!! If Jeep can fix the navigation & voice recognition system I would buy another Grand Cherokee.

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  Better Fuel Mileage PLEASE - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By fdkenny - January 9 - 10:00 pm

  Unique atyling. Outstanding ride for an SUV. Big and roomy for my three children. Performance is good for the 6 cylinder. This Jeep definitely is a head turner. But fuel mileage is HORRIBLE-16 MPG on the road and 14 around town. My 2000 4Runner got 20 MPG consistently.

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  cannot complain - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By dajeep - January 7 - 2:00 am

  .When I purchased my jeep, it had 7 miles. I now have 267,000 actual miles. This Cherokee has never needed any engine or transmission work. However, I have had to replace the following: rotors 60k, radiator/ water pump 230k(I did not flush it enough), front washer motor 150k, power steering pump 170k, alternator 180k, ignition/steering column problems 265k. Also, expect to have to replace the rubber mat that protects the underside of the engine. I think anyone would agree these numbers are impressive. I am very pleased that I chose a cherokee, it has been relatively inexpensive to maintain.