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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  BRAKES - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Freak - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I too have had the nightmare of worn brake pads, rotors, etc. about every 5000 miles. I found out right away the dealership is not motivated to fix anything, just replace everything. After numerous attempts to resolve the problem, I took the car to a neighborhood mechanic who simply found the problem. The calipers are not designed well and the caliper pins stick which causes the pads and rotors to wear/warp. When I took the car to him the pads were shot from the previous attempt to fix the problem. This mechanic replaced the pads under the lifetime warranty provision and then cleaned the calipers and greased the pins. I have not had a problem since.

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  Not bad for a 4 cyl. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bigal - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I compared the liberty to the CRV, Rav4, and Sante Fe. I was originally going to buy the Sante Fe, but I had a very hard time finding it w/ options I wanted. The Liberty has a bit stiffer ride than the Hyundai, but that was improved once decreased tire air pressure. Has a few less features (like heated mirrors), but it is nice to know I will be able to find a dealer wherever I go. I dont think this is possible with the Hyundai. Much better headroom in front.

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  The 5.9 lt. edition its the best 4wd eve - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By el_yvan - May 21 - 10:00 am

  the grand cherokee its one hell of a car... Excellent 4wd sistem. i modified my GC, and it looks like no other SUV, im telling you, because i live in Rosarito Mexico, and every weekend i go to the dunes,

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  great suv - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By tim - May 21 - 7:10 am

  I have the 4.7 v8 limited black with every option. Ive had it for 4 months and I still get a lot of looks. I do recommend the hemi if you like driving faster than most. I purchased the chrome side steps and it really fills the look of the vehicle out. This is a smooth riding vehicle and is fun to drive. you will get a lot of compliments owning this vehicle. The great thing about the Jeep Commander is there is no other body style like it.

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  The best Wrangler yet! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By DJ Kelly - May 20 - 5:40 am

  This is my 4th Wrangler. Had a Sport, a Rubicon, and the original Unlimited 2 door. This is it! The engine is the same as my Chrysler minivan engine (has 160K miles on it, runs great). This Jeep is great for camping, gets excellent mileage, the rag top is the easiest to remove (6 minutes by myself), and looks so awesome I have to carry my salesmans business cards around to give to people who stop and talk to me about it. Does ANYTHING I ask it to! This IS the one youve been waiting for.

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  Unlimited SAHARA - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By doom trooper - May 20 - 3:36 am

  I love my 08 UNLIMITED SAHARA it surprised me when I found out how quiet the ride is and how it has completely beaten the older models. I have owned 4x4s before both trucks and full size suvs and I will admit that they all had a good ride and handled well BUT this jeep beats them all. I showed my 08 unlimited Sahara to my cousin who still has an original CJ5 and he told me straight up that it completely beats his CJ in every way. He agrees with me that the removable hard top comes in handy in sunny worm weather.

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  Original Owner - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steve - May 20 - 3:00 am

  Have owned this car since new (purchased 12/02) and overall it has been a very solid SUV. The car is extremely comfortable, offers plenty of room, and has great performance and handling in snow. At 130k miles, I have had only relatively minor issues including replacing the power window motor on both front doors and an issue with the cooling fan. Aside from that, the truck continues to drive and perform extremely well. Gas mileage has been average for this class at around 18 mpg. Well built, solid car, with some relatively minor electrical problems.

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  Great Jeep - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By tmaines - May 18 - 7:43 am

  We got the Limited with the 5.7 Hemi and all the bells and whistles. So far we have been very pleased. This truck will go anywhere and the third row seats, although cramped for adults, really serve our family of 5 well. The powertrain is awesome, although the fuel economy is definitely poor(as we knew before the purchase). The towing abilities are also well appreciated.

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  Bad Designs - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By sandy - May 18 - 12:50 am

  Ive had my 2006 Liberty 6 months; gas mileage is terrible, cannot turn wheels fully when 4 wheel drive is engaged, no storage pockets, all doors are locked all the time when you exit the car, rides rough.

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  Powerful, but for short people - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By roadbeagle - May 17 - 2:00 pm

  I have owned several Jeep Cherokees and was displeased when the new body type came out. My two big complaints: the lousy gas mileage and the low headroom for driver and passenger. We have spent 18 months trying to move the seat and headrest every which way, but it is very difficult to get into the front seats without hitting your head on the top of the car or door frame. Otherwise, a great car with lots of power, lots of features and a pretty good price compared to the competition.