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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  7+ years & still going strong - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By naatz1 - June 8 - 12:10 am

  We bought the 01 JGC new and now with 86k miles let our college age son buy into it. Loaded Laredo w/leather, 4l i6 with Selectrac. Its been very reliable: of course we replaced the brake pads/rotors @ 35k and 85k mi (2nd time was planned). Also did seat heaters 3 times but under ext warranty. (liked it enough we just bought a new 07 similarly equipped but 4.7v8 for towing). I follow sched a maintenance & have not had problems, our mechanic says the i6 Selectrac is best SUV ever. I would have rated this one higher except its now compared to the new 07, not really fair.

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  Our 04 Liberty (Libo) - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Randy - June 7 - 5:16 am

  On Sunday May 30, 2005 after 4 days of online research I found the Jeep Liberty. I thought it would work for our situation. I test drove an 05 Sport on May 29. It was a basic model and those seats were flat and hard. Not to mention the price without 4WD or option even with discounts and low interest & incentives. I continued my research. I found an 04 Liberty, Columbia edition 4WD on an internet special & $10K less than a new one and it only had 12,900 miles. It was put in service March 04 and traded in on May 5th of 05. Lucky me. I walked out the door with the Libo for $17,000, warranties and ttl included. Shop the internet the deals are out there. We luv the Libo.

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  New Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steve Rossi - June 6 - 12:13 pm

  Great new ride -- clearly major German influence in build quality and state of the art features.

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  Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rick - June 5 - 5:00 am

  I enjoy driving my Jeep Grand Cherokee through the mountains of Colorado and having all time four wheel drive for the rough terrain and snowy weather. The interior uses advanced technology and is very comfortable.

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  Terrific fun - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By mom of 3 - June 1 - 8:16 am

  As a mom of 3, I insisted my husband buy this Jeep! It is the only convertible on the market that has 3 seat belts in the back seat. It wouldnt be a great every day car for me and the kids, but when it is a day at the beach--LOOK OUT!! Throw your boards in and who cares about the sand--its a Jeep! Its fun and makes me feel young. Living in southern California means the Jeep is topless all year long.

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  Blown Engine,sick sad and miserable - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Irene - June 1 - 3:33 am

  I loved the Jeep. It was driven less than seven thousand mi per year and had regular maintence. With less than a hundred thousdand mi on it, the engine threw a rod through the block on the freeway on the way home. Needless to say I am heartbroken. I am a grandma and this vehicle has seldom been in 4x4, never beat or abused. within 2 years of being new, paint was flaking off and the dealer got that problem fixed, One new set of Michelin tires, brakes,and power steering hoses were the items that had to be replaced. Now it is sitting in the driveway with me griping away.

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  Good SUV - 2010 Jeep Commander
  By melissa12493 - May 31 - 4:44 pm

  Im a huge fan of Jeeps and our Commander is no exception. We took it to Tennessee and with 6 passengers for 14 hours it wasnt too cramped. The legendary Jeep 4x4 has saved us during harsh NJ winters with a lot of snow. The seats are decently comfortable and the center stack is easy to use. Only complaint is that the blind spots are huge and with the third row up it is almost impossible to see out the rear window. Hasnt needed any repairs yet. Good reliable truck over all.

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  look elsewhere - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jeff - May 30 - 9:00 am

  This car looks cool is fun to ride and everything would be great but ... it has died on us while driving 5 times! I know of two other people this has happened to with this car. Chrysler even is giving us a new car due to the fact it has been in the shop for so long. They are not admitting anything that is wrong. I can see some kind of recall happening soon...go elsewhere!

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  Great... not so much - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By t_zayas51 - May 30 - 4:48 am

  I bought this car prior to winter two years ago. I live in Wisconsin and the winters here are just terrible. I bought it with about 160,000 miles on it. The 5.2 V8 was an absolute beast. Put a K&N Cold air unit on it, and Flowmaster 4 series exhaust and MAN did this jeep go! Started running into problems around 170,000 miles, Fuel pump ($400+ Just for parts), Crankshaft position sensor, Throttle sensor, security system. The problems ultimately led to the sale of this car. Sad day.

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  JK is unbeatable - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mick - May 26 - 2:16 pm

  Long time Wrangler owner and just upgraded to an 08 Rubicon Unlimited in black, all I can say is this is not the Wrangler of yesterday. Space is respectable, surprised that it is bigger in the interior than the Commander and the GC. My only complaint to date is lack of storage pockets in the dash area and the mediocre power. Jeep should have at least put the 4.7 v8 as an option with the Rubicon having an available Hemi.