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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  reliable is the name of the game - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By stoney33lax - August 13 - 6:23 am

  This truck has been in my family since 98 now has 120,000 miles w/automatic trany truck has been so reliable I just cant sell it it wouldnt make sense. Many great memories behind the wheel truck has kept my family safe and secure everyday never have I found a snow storm that this 4x4 cant handle not the coolest ride on the road but certanly the most reliable one purchase I absolutely dont regret. My uncle also had one w/250k miles same model truck 4-speed auto. Cant wait till my trucks at 200k itll prob. Run the same it always has I love you Jeep

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  love my JEEP - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gene - August 13 - 6:16 am

  Fun to drive, tons of power, quite interior, great stereo.

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  First Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By winter2 - August 10 - 10:06 am

  Bought it mostly for the engine. Excellent fit and finish (near Toyota quality). Amazing amounts of torque. Very wide band of usable torque (1400 - 3200 RPM). Merging onto a highway is effortless, very quick around town. Hills and mountains are no problem. Good handling but tends to wander a bit on the highway. Firm yet comfortable ride. Good seats once you get them adjusted the way you want them. Powerful A/C takes little or no power from the engine. Potent brakes with ABS. Very easy to modulate. Smooth five speed automatic transmission. Shifts could be a bit firmer and bit quicker.

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  Still the best 4x4 on the road - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dathenous - August 8 - 2:00 am

  As a previous Jeep owner, I had an idea of what I was getting into, but after buying and driving my new 2004 Wrangler, I found that it was a whole new beast. The engine feels very beefy, lots of power. I opted for the 4-speed auto, which is IMHO the biggest enhancement of these new models. The interior is much quieter when driving at highway speed. If youre looking for a fun 4x4 convertible, this is your only option. If you need to haul, well, anything, this is not for you (very limited storage space).

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  Fun AND Practical! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Hillarys Hometown - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a Jeep Liberty Limited and, so far, am impressed! This baby has power and good-looks, and is pretty darned comfortable as well! I think its a winner!

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  Glad I bought it - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tripovermyego - August 7 - 2:26 am

  I have had this Jeep for almost a year and no issues what so ever!! It has over 110000 miles on it and it runs like its brand new!!! Very fun off road and on road. Very clean Jeep. Did I mention, no issues what-so-ever? Very happy with it. Mine is a Laredo model and white in color but still looks very good!!!

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  Not Happy! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Girl - August 6 - 11:30 am

  At first things were going well. I have had my Wrangler just under 6 months. and already had an issue. An ice storm hit my house a branch went through the soft top. Next day had a check from the insurance comp. felling pretty good. Took the jeep to the dealership who sold me my jeep they replied no problem we will order one have it here in 2 days. One week later and shipping my jeep 4 counties away still no jeep. The soft tops do not fit. Before the accident great! Do not ever let anything happen to yours because there is no replacement. At this time I am looking to trade it on a truck or some other 4x4. Love 4x4 hate the jeep!

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  Endless reliability internally, falling apart externally - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jack Nelson - August 5 - 9:18 pm

  Ive had my cherokee for roughly 4 years now, bought it used at 120,000 miles, and I have yet to even touch the motor in terms of repairs. It is a modern day sherman tank mechanically. Ive obviously had to replace my share of wear and tear parts such as the alternator, tie rods, brakes, etc. But never anything on the motor, or even the transmission for that matter. Unfortunately, as with all cars, it is falling apart at the seams in terms of appearance. The bumper fell off the other day for no reason, and it has a crackle when idling (most likely the catalytic converter). Its a pretty big gas guzzler as well. All around Id say it is the perfect "point A to point B" vehicle.

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  Great little tank - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By katiec3 - August 5 - 4:22 pm

  I have only had her about a month, and this is my first car. I always wanted a jeep and waited until I found a good deal, and I can honestly say it was well worth the money even though shes 15 years old. My boyfriend calls her "the tank" and makes fun of me for driving it, but he just doesnt get it! Its not the smoothest ride, it doesnt accelerate fast, and she has her quirks, but well see what he says when Im pulling his brand new chevy cruze out of snowbanks all winter, offroading by myself all summer and mowing down zombies during the apocolypse. It runs like a top and so far, I am very pleased. Im officially a Jeep Girl!

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  2002 Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By P.Keith - August 4 - 12:03 pm

  Great all around, Very reliabil on and off road. Tow package no problems. Very user friendly.