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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  Jeepers creapers - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By cheri key - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Minimal upkeep w/ care over 6 years. No rust, original exhaust, replaced shocks at 35k, wheel bearings at 42k. No smoke or oil. Solid vehicle - shame Jeep dropped this model in 2002.

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  Jeep Wrangler - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Greg 0603 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Overall good experience. This is my fourth Jeep, and the first one that had the six cylinder engine. A drastic improvement in pickup and a more relaxed ride on the highway.

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  Great Jeep - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Happy Owner - March 29 - 10:26 am

  Overall, this has been a great Jeep. The 4.0 is one of the best engines ever made, despite some ancilliary equipment that was poorly designed (water pump, exhaust manifold, crankshaft position sensor). Ive got over 130K miles on it and it is still going strong. I am a fanatic about maintenance, and changing fluids before they are due, which is why all my cars are good for 300k miles.

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  Extended Warrenty Was a Waste of Money - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dylan - March 29 - 9:16 am

  I bought my 04 G.C. in 07 with about 63k on it. I now have just over 100k on it and havent had a problem that I would consider to be beyond routine maintenance. Dont let all these people scare you talking about the window regulators going bad, it is a problem but not a big deal. I had 1 go it cost me $90 and put it in myself in 30 min. What do you want- stuff will go bad on any car. The 6 cyl. is a bit sluggish when pulling a trailer but I doubt any other 6 cylinder in the same class could fair much better with 3000 lbs. behind it. You look at 90% of the complaints on here and there just a bunch of people that expect a vehicle to never have a problem. I would recommend a jeep to anyone.

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  Still Jeepin after 11 years - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By wulfcity - March 28 - 11:36 pm

  I bought this Jeep new in 1994. Overall, it has been a great vehicle. It is a little underpowered with the 4 cylinder engine. The 5th gear was replaced at around 75,000 miles. It does handle its own off-roading.

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  Ultimate reliability and practicality - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By JD Adams - March 28 - 11:00 am

  Great around-town SUV; its small, maneuverable and fun to drive. Off pavement, its as tough as a 4X4 can get. The Unlimiteds ride is excellent, and upscale options now make this a very civilized choice for people who want a no-nonsense, ultra-reliable vehicle to get around in. Plenty of cargo room. Back seat folds down and is removable for extra storage. New 6-speed transmission is a breeze to shift; clutch pedal is light, and the 4-wheel disc brakes are excellent. Not your average SUV - far more practical and useful, especially off-road.

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  Run fast from this LEMON!!!!! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By LEMON ANYONE!?!?! - March 27 - 8:03 am

  I fell in love with this truck immediately but after 2 weeks it was in the shop 4xs. 1st the 4x4 needed replacement, 2nd-tire was leaking- pressure light consistently on, 3rd & 4th windows wouldnt stay up and the navigation, cd player and tv all died out and needed to be replaced and STILL was not working! I had the truck for 3 1/2 weeks and it is now back on the dealership lot under the LEMON LAW act...THANK GOODNESS for that! I loved driving it though even if it was only back and forth to the dealership to be fixed! I knew the gas would be an issue but it was worse than my husbands full size Silverado Pickup. Run from this truck. If you decide to go for it get the extended warranty!!

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jackson Lawless - March 26 - 4:20 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 40k miles (currently has 91k). It has needed some small repairs (Idle Control Sensor $127 w/labor, Trasmission Gasket $223 w/ labor), but I drive this vehicle in some very rough conditions.

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  miss my liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By stretchlp - March 25 - 9:49 am

  i bought my liberty used with 140k on it. put 34,000 miles on it in one year (90% highway miles). it always gave me a smooth ride. she was so fun to drive, and so reliable. i had to replace the transfer case, as well as the front differential, but considering i drove in one year what most people do in 3, it was well worth it. sadly, a week after getting it back from the repairs, i flipped her. she did a complete barrel roll, and kept me safe. didnt have a scratch on me, though i wish the same could be said for the jeep. in any event, she kept me safe and was a fun, reliable vehicle, who was capable off-road. i will miss mine dearly, and would HIGHLY recommend one!

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  I Love My Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Grank Cherokee - March 25 - 8:43 am

  I am proud to say that my 2004 Special Edition Jeep, is the 4th Jeep that I have owned. They are reliable, dependable and safe to drive. In 2001 a deer ran in front of me as I was driving 60 miles an hour. If I wasnt driving a Jeep, I think it may have killed me. My Jeep had a lot of front end damage, but my passenger and I walked away fine. My only complaint is the gas mileage.