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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  Like my turbo diesel - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Rod Huebner - November 14 - 12:13 pm

  The turbo four cylinder diesel has provided about 25 miles per gallon for overall mileage - 23 mpg in winter. I needed something versatile and with decent mileage and have been very pleased with the diesel Liberty. I like it as an urban commuting vehicle because of the great turning radius and the good visibility makes it easy to drive and park. Mileage is very good for an SUV. Great vehicle for taking canoe and camping gear into the back woods. Very good off road. OK on freeway. Not luxurious, but it looks good and is well made. The bonus is the very good towing ability of the diesel engine. Not sure why Chrysler didnt build and promote this vehicle more. Its a sleeper, but a keeper!

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  I love my Jeep! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cz173 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I think that a jeep cheokee is a great car. I like how is 4wd and the nice body style. Only setback is the gas, it guzzels it. But i do love my Jeep!

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  Its been good to me - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sean - November 14 - 5:43 am

  In the two years Ive owned it, Ive driven only 10,000 miles. I love the look and feel of this car, and I get positive comments too. The acceleration is good for an SUV. Youre not driving a BMW coupe. I have the V8. The ride is incredible when compared even to the Lexus RX. Not bumpy or jerky at all. The seats are very comfortable, even on 7 hour trip, and the high seats are great for driving. The only problems Ive had are the tire pressure lights coming on a couple times and the air conditioning, when all the way up, making a whistling sound over 55 mph. Otherwise, this car has been a gem. I only wish I could get more than 16mpg

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  07 Jeep Liberty 4WD 3.7L - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike - November 13 - 2:50 pm

  No problems yet with windows. But I pulled a car out of a ditch and guess what? No tow hooks or solid bumper to put a chain on! All plastic, this is a Jeep right? Just enough room to fit a nice 8 pointer in! Fun to drive in the woods and mud.

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  Its so much Fun! - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jawz99802 - November 12 - 8:16 pm

  I have had my Jeep Wrangler for about 2 weeks now and it is so much fun! I have the X model with the soft top. I live in California so it is nice to have the top down when its hot. There is lots of room for it being such a small car. I can fit both of my 170 lb. dogs in the back seat. Everyone stops and says how much they like it.

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  Best choice for a second vehicle or fun toy. - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By stimp - November 11 - 1:22 pm

  I have had company vehicles for a long time and in 2011 lost my job and wheels due to this recession. I needed to buy a vehicle. I needed the price low enough i could pay cash. it needed to be reliable and not prone to engine or trans work. I have been a jeep fan for a while. owned two grand cherokee with no major problems. Anyway so I decided on the old school cherokee because I love its looks. its known for rock solid inline 6 cylinder 4.0L and solid transmission. any smaller problems i will fix myself with the help of the many cherokee fan forums. trust me these guys know everything and are very willing to lend a hand. this is the best bargain out there.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lhazie - November 10 - 2:56 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle. Very reliable SUV, although the rear axle was replaced after 2 years but was covered by warranty. It never left me stranded even in the deepest snow of Buffalo. The only complaint is that it is a little "wobbly" for some passengers. Overall it was worth every penny. And what a great re-sale value, if I can ever bear to part with it. (Ive read a lot about the rotors, I have 43,000 miles on same rotors; no problem).

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  Lucky So Far - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lucky Mac - November 10 - 2:36 am

  This is my first Jeep ever. So far all is good, after reading all the reviews on the V6 engines looks like I am one of the lucky ones that does not have too much problem. I guess because my break in period was different. I drove this jeep like a sports car rigth away. I love the AWD capabilities of this jeep. The auto trani is slow when you mash the gas to the floor but thanks to manumatic shift, although there is about a second delay in shifting with a good timing it works just fine. Stability is very good, high speed lane switch is very stable it hugs curves like its on rail. The problem I had with the trani leaks recall was fixed right away by the dealer. I will upgrade to the SRT8 soon.

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  4 wheeling - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ironman - November 9 - 3:30 am

  I bought mine with 64,000 miles on it. It now has 112,000 and is still going strong. Overall dependability has been very good, just regular maintenance. Yes, its loud, mileage is pretty bad & the back seat could be more comfortable, but its also very practical. Love it ! And, it never feels like its going to tip over, like other SUVs. I dont have any modifications made - all stock. I never thought I could have this much fun in an SUV !

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  Theres Only One! - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Fantastic Johnny - November 7 - 4:50 pm

  Those looking for a soft ride and performance numbers need not apply. The Jeep is a harsh ride. Its noisy and brash. But its a boatload of fun in the winter and the summer. I would never recommend the 4 cylinder without the manual transmission. It doesnt have enough ponies for an automatic transmission. I get on average about 20 mpg with 100K miles. I do quite a bit of highway traveling, and as long as you aware of the limitations of driving such a short vehicle at 70 mph, youll be fine. Wind is about the only enemy of the Jeep. Strong Illinois winds bounce the Jeep around like a pinball, but you couldnt pay me to trade it in. This Jeep is mine until she dies. Theres Only One!