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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  Great car - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By big D - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle rides firm simular to MB, BMW etc, all wheels stay on ground for better control etc. Great to drive on beach and mountains. Plenty of power to pull my 17ft boat. No problems to date. We feel we got what we paid for knowing fuel mileage is low ave. 18-21 mph.

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  2006 Grand Cherokee Limited - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ken - July 21 - 11:53 pm

  This is my second Grand Cherokee. The first being a 1995 with V8 engine. This 2006 model has the 4.7 V8 and is terrible on gas in city driving ( 12- 13 MPG). On the highway it doesnt do better than 19 and averages around 18MPG. I did better with the old 318 in the 95 model. You would think after 10 years and less engine displacement Jeep could improve their mileage ratings. With only 8,000 miles on it I am beginning to see the telltale signs of future issues...like the outside temp gage display isnt working properly and the engine has a ticking sound like old lifters or someting. If I have the same issues with this Jeep that I had with the old one its good by Chrysler and never again.

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  pretty good truck - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By James - July 21 - 6:00 am

  Jeep is fun. Great to park. Back is very small. A little hard riding but put the top down and you forget all about the ride. I would like to see a little more power out of the engine, might increase gas mileage. 6 cylinder is nice but needs more horsepower. Maybe with a stick it would be better but I got the automatic because of my wife.

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  My Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By MassJeepOwner - July 20 - 1:26 pm

  Great curb appeal, solid build, low road noise, powerful V6 engine, great steering response, good interior design, great 4WD system, poor gas mileage for a V6. Overall I love the new Liberty and would recommend to anyone looking to purchase a compact SUV.

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  Disappointed in east Tn - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By Dstout - July 19 - 2:22 am

  Too many suspension parts becoming rusty or corrosive and having to replace such as wheel barrings for one example and now the axle and surrounding components are worn and corrosive looking. Theres a squeaky noise in the rear and hoping it doesnt fall apart with me. Ive bought this car new and havent been driving it 5 years yet. I would never buy another one...EVER!! Its JUNK!!

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  Disappointed in east Tn - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By Dstout - July 19 - 2:22 am

  Too many suspension parts becoming rusty or corrosive and having to replace such as wheel barrings for one example and now the axle and surrounding components are worn and corrosive looking. Theres a squeaky noise in the rear and hoping it doesnt fall apart with me. Ive bought this car new and havent been driving it 5 years yet. I would never buy another one...EVER!! Its JUNK!!

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  1717 - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By 1717fairmount - July 19 - 2:00 am

  It is a great vehicle that needs just a few changes, see below, that would cost very little, but make the vehicle a 10 rating across the board except for the poor gas mileage.

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  clunker - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lare410 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  The drivers seat is uncomfortable.Jeep could take a lesson in seat design from Honda. There is a "clunk" in the rear suspension. Ive had it checked out several times. Its blamed on a broken shock, but the shocks are fine. The sound stops when there is about 100lbs placed over the rear end in the cargo area. Also if a light duty shock is used.

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  Fair ride if you leave it stock - more info below - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeff - July 14 - 4:41 am

  I have never purchased my jeep, however it was given to me. Several years without an oil change before i was handed the keys. After adding seafoam in the oil letting the jeep run for 15 minutes, drain it out and add new oil. Runs brand new after over 180K miles. Till this day im still driving my jeep! now it has over an above stock. Do NOT underestimate the power of the Inline-6 Cylinder motor. The motors are very durable and extremely hard to bend. I will be writing this review with some small mechanics advice to all of you if you buy a jeep with an Inline-6 Motor. And some advice with the issues of the A/C and Heater Defrost only issue and other things. First off with little motor maintenance. Seafoam is NOT only used for the gas tank. It helps a lot of things out. to keep your motor working in good condition. and decrease daily driving temperature, Put seafoam in the oil when its time for an oil change, Let it run for 15 to 20 minutes at idol after warming up. Drain the old oil. and change with fresh new oil. (Removes Gunk and sludge underneath the pistons, valves, rods, etc.) A/C and Heater Defrost only issue - The cause 10 out of 10 times is a $2 vacuum hose underneath the battery tray. There is a valve that soley works for the settings on AC and heater pannel. The hose is cracked or broken and needs to be replaced with a new 1/4 foot long hose. (1/2 inch size i believe) If you believe this can be the problem. Start the jeep up, pop the hood, and put your head by the battery to hear a hissing noise. Whether loud, or seems unusual under the battery. Radiator fan cooling issue - If the radiator fan stops working it has to do with a Relay. This relay is underneath the Passenger headlight and My advice to you is buy an aftermarket one from an auto store like Advanced auto parts or Auto zone with a couple years warranty. Mine went out too but it was a $60 fix. Replace myself. Never experienced any electrical problems myself. But if this is the case for you. Make sure ALL ground wires are properly grounded. Including for lights, Sensors, and your engine computer. (Secure tight, and make sure there is no metal to paint contact, Metal to metal only) I will advise you that this model jeep includes 2 different types of transmissions. (dont remember the names off of my head) But 1 of the 2 of those has the issues of Electric solenoids overheating or your rear wheel speed sensors are worn out. (Speed sensors are also very important to jeeps) Causing your transmission to shift very ruff with close or above 3000 rpms, making a nasty meddle knocking noise underneath. No matter on how lightly you touch the gas pedal. If it takes for ever to downshift when you need to get on a freeway these can be the same fixes. Even if you made sure properly Adjusting the TV Kickdown cable in the engine compartment. Window regulators do have a tendency to fail. Make sure next time you replace one. Do NOT put grease all over the wheels and cable. This causes your new window regulator motor to end up off track, bind up the wire, and break. This advice is given to you based on self hand experiences and these were all 1 time repairs for me ever since. My jeep is still running strong. and im gaining 32mpg adverage with some weight reduction, and under the hood upgrades. NOTE: A lot of the stuff the breaks on a jeep is actually lest cost to fix than you think, if you know what your doing. If you dont? there are millions of youtube videos for simple fixes that you think could cost an arm and a leg. Jeeps are way more durable than you think. Go Big, Buy a jeep!

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  2007 Jeep Commander Limited V8 Hemi - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By none - July 13 - 12:46 am

  I love this jeep. The second and third row seating is cramped, but Im the driver so it doesnt apply to me. Only comfortable for kid passengers.