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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  coolcat - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By TP - November 2 - 1:50 am

  I have driven two sets of tires completely away on my Wrangler and it has only been to the shop once. Its a great run around vehicle and fun to drive on country roads on the weekend. If you need a smooth ride for long trips, dont go in a Wrangler. It wasnt built for trips. Nothing beats taking the TOP off and cruising on back roads and to the lake or mountains. Great second vehicle to drive and get out of the everyday rut.

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  love the new jeep, but - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rocketman28472 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought a new JGC in May 2011, the limited version with the hemi. Love the look of the new jeep inside and out. fun to drive with the power of the hemi. Have had one problem with it so far. went out to start it the other morning and it was completely dead. called roadside assist and they came out and jumped started it. but then all the warning lights stayed on and the gauges did not work. took it to the dealership and they told me your not supposed to jump start the new jeeps because they have a AGM battery in them. it turns out when they jumped it a computer modele was fried. not sure why it went dead in the first place, waiting to see if it happens again.

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  Its a Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By lock3056 - October 31 - 8:36 pm

  Bought a 2008 when it was new, Ive had it 3 years and have no complaints yet. I think people seem to be confused about what under powered is. Its not a power thing its a gear ratio thing, I have a 6 speed Manual, its a Torque monster. While it may not run 12s in the Quarter mile it will pull a stump out of the ground. Love the Hard top, It is Quieter than our 2008 Cadillac CTS on and off the freeway. Great Family Vehicle. If acceleration is an Issue you can purchase a Bully dog tuner/gauge it makes a world of difference.

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  Love it! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By caligirl - October 29 - 2:13 pm

  I was worried the 3.7L engine would not have enough power but it is adequate. I have 2 children in car seats and an 8yr old and there is plenty of room. We are talking large Britax car seats and I was still able to pack my 3 kids and my friends 2 elementary aged children in the Jeep including her with no problems. I love my Jeep, I wouldnt trade it for any other vehicle out there! The stereo is great for not going with the upgraded system and the rear ac/heater and reverse sensing are wonderful.

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  Not to bad so far - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pennst - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I got this Jeep about a year and a half ago. Im sure I am not the only one experiancing a little rust around the hinges, thats about it. Ride quality is o.k.. I marked gas mileage a 2, I think a 1 would be reserved for the H2. I really like it, never any problems with the Chicago winters. The only thing is that the stock GS-a tires arent to good in the snow.

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  Everything is great except powertrain - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TFrey - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This has really been an excellent car, except for the recent transmission problems Im having now. This SUV drives smoother, has better interior, and more power than even some of the V8s in its class (Ford, Nissan, Toyota, etc). But the transmissions are notorious for going bad soon after 50K (Im one of the unlucky ones). It slips when shifting between 2nd gear and drive...it either hesitates between gears, or wont shift out of 2nd until the rpms are way high. The new tranny is costing me $3000. If you notice any weird sounds or shifting behavior...dont delay...take it in asap.

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  Sporty and Affordable - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By BHSA24 - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my Jeep Liberty! The Liberty has all the room, performance and style I was looking for, without having to go much over $20,000. The gas mileage could be better, but it has a solid ride with excellent acceleration and a look that turns heads! The interior is spacious with a more refined look than that of some of its similarly priced competitors. A smartly designed tailgate allows me to pop open the rear window with one finger.

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  Rugged - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By EMTSquad51 - October 23 - 9:40 pm

  I always wanted a Jeep Cherokee growing up, finally got one and Ive been loving it ever since! With two kids and a wife, this is a very comfortable ride on the 450 mile round trip to the in laws house we take about 4-5 times a year. Goes excellent in the snow and mud. At 100,250 miles, still going strong and havent had any problems.

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  Original Owners Issues - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By wllmmddltn - October 22 - 4:03 pm

  OK, the Jeep looks fantastic, drives solid, stable and lots of power, theres plenty of options, just a sound design, could get better mileage. But now that Ive had it 7 years and 95,000 miles things are breaking. Weve had the window fall off the mechanism, and the heavy shudder in the breaks but electrically, no issues and had a tow hitch added. But the AC system melted and was $1500 to repair. Now the steering box is out and another $1200. So yeah, Id call this a higher than average vehicle to maintain cost wise.

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  2001 Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ryan Wells - October 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a good vehicle. I wish it was a little more quiet. Also, it is rough, running and idleing. Power and handeling is wonderful.