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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  Topless in Houston! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep23Girl - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I currently have a 97 Wrangler Sport. I bought it January 98. I just recently went over 100k miles in it on 7/10/03 @ 5:32pm. Since the day I brought my Jeep home, I HAVE NOT had any problems with it. The body is built tough, to over- ome any obstacle. Actually, the tough- ness of my Jeep kinda saved my life! I was into a nasty hit and run accident in April 03, costing $8k in repairs. My Jeep was thrown about 20 feet onto the side walk and into the bushes. If I was to be in another vehicle, Thanks Jeep! -Kim H. Houston, TX

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  Sammys Jeep Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Sammy - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep Liberty has proven to be very roomy for my family of 5. It rides smooth like a car on the road and like a truck off the road. It is has the pickup you need.

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  Big Disappointment! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By paht - May 16 - 7:04 pm

  I purchased a 2007 Jeep Liberty with 29,000 miles in 2010. I had previously owned a 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport and loved it so decided to trade up to the Liberty. What a disappointment! At 33,000 miles (just out of warranty) I had to replace the front drive shaft, all four windows have been replaced, the rear wiper doesnt work, the rear door latch comes apart every 5,000 miles and wont open till we take off the door panel and fix it, the front drive shaft is vibrating again (same as before we replaced it), the transmission doesnt shift properly, and we get a lousy 14 mpg. Our local dealer cant find anything wrong with it. Ill never own another Jeep!

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  Window regulators and water stains - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Skip Smith - May 16 - 8:06 am

  The windows have been a chronic problem since I purchased the Liberty. The first regulator failed within a few months. Since we have replaced the passenger side front 3 times and all others at least once. The last fix being an untinted window, however Jeep has developed a new fastening system for the regulator that should be more reliable. I wish they would recall and replace the others. All replacements have been covered by extended warranty, however another window failed this weekend, Im waiting to hear their solution. Regarding stains on the cloth seats. Since the first week the seats have been stained (rain stained the seat when I opened the rear door to get the groceries).

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  Fun in the sun! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pamela Farmer - May 16 - 7:41 am

  Total Blast but not a great family car or hauling things.

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  The Bumps & Grinds of my Liberity - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom Daykin - May 15 - 6:26 am

  Mostly I have stayed away from Jeeps but I saw a Diesel engine with a 5 speed automatic trans. I should have remembered American engineers cant mate diesel engines to auto transmissions, they do not understand torque. Problems, Turbo, fuel filter housing, trans filters(not covered $285) and a lot of odds and ends, rattles & squeaks. Sounds like a 40 year old station wagon. On trips I can pass some fuel stations but not many rest stops, the constant jarring of the little bumps in the road seem to magnify to my back and bottom. My travel range per day has been cut in half, but I do get a better chance to see America. It will haul a 4200 lb trailer 2600 miles each way at about 19 mpg.

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  A wonderful vehicle - Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jonnieb57 - May 13 - 10:27 am

  I am completely satisfied with my Jeep. I can understand the frustrations of those who have had problems, but I cannot complain at all. I bought the car used with about 35k miles in 2011. I have never had to do anything to it not in the maintenance schedule (which I have followed). The car has 57k today. I find all seating positions comfortable. The controls in my Overland are wonderfully placed. I feel on par with any of the luxury SUVs, other than perhaps the quality of aworkmanship for some of the fitting of parts, etc, when I get really picky. But the price more than makes up for this. It drives a bit like a bit sports car if you trust it. Note:I drive a 3.0L diesel in Germany.

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  Almost a Perfect SUV - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By OIIIIIIIO - May 12 - 4:30 am

  Got the 2010 Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD with 5.7L 8cyl Hemi. Love the manly Jeep body style. The thick, heavy, solid body and all time 4WD make me feel very safe in this SUV. The 5.7L Hemi has tons of power for uphill acceleration. Handling is great thanks to the firm suspension, the 18" wheels and the TRUE all time 4X4 (Quadra-Trac II which splits the power 50-50 front- rear by default). Surprisingly the cabin is very quiet even at 70mph. The dashboard layout is simple and straight forward. The GPS is easy to use without reading the manual. The leather seats are very soft and comfortable. I test- drove X5/MDX etc but overall none of them can compare with the 5.7L 8cyl Hemi Grand Cherokee.

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  From SRT 8 to Diesel, both great. - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Stugoesfast - May 11 - 8:06 pm

  2006 SRT8 marked our return to Jeep. We found it a blast to drive and were completely satisfied with all aspects of the car. It was trouble free and was reluctantly traded for the 2007 Overland diesel. We ran that car continuously for a little over a year , with oil and filter changes the only work required. After 40,000 trouble free miles we traded for 2008 Overland diesel to avail ourselves of the last great meld of German engine and the best of Detroit. We could not be more satisfied, the 2008 is more refined than the 2007 with the feature list expanded and perfected. The reliability and build integrity is something we have remarked from the 2006 SRT to todays Overland. Love it!

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  ALL AROUND GREAT - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By blackmax - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Despite Consumer Reports calling this AN unreliable car, this is the BEST vehicle I have ever owned, incl. Porsche, BMW,Mercedes. The only problems I had were a waterpump that blew after a dealer "powerflushed" the system (their fault), and a noisy differential AFTER the dealer replaced a $5 seal and screwed up the repair. Otherwise, this has been as reliable as a stone. W/ 127,000 miles, Ive had NO other problems throughout the vehicle. Also, AVERAGES 20.4 MPG w/combined city an freeway driving!!!!! Original tires went 95,000 miles and Ive never had an alignment!