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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  disappointed - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By not what i expected - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Well, I bought a 2000 jeep used in August 02 and my story is no different from the others Ive read. First the transmission began to slip, luckly the dealership replaced a sensor and it has been okay since. Then I noticed the roaring in the rear which Jeep said there was nothing wrong with the car. It pulled to the right and a special part had to be order to align the vehicle. Brakes!! Yeah, Im beginning to understand what thats all about. Ive had the car four months, replaced the brakes once and can you guess? They are shaking again. From the other reviews I dont think there is any hope.

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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.

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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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  Buyer Beware - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Bikerdude - May 10 - 10:00 am

  A nice vehicle, however I have owned mine for less then a year, and it has now made 3 trips to the dealership for transmission problems, and is on its way to the 4th trip.

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  Renegade - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By guillermo - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Seats tooooo small. Gas economy a joke. Sticker promises 17-21. You get only13-17. Air conditioners vents badly designed

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  unsatisfied - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dan - May 10 - 7:46 am

  This is my fourth Jjeep and I am not impressed. Vehicle seems to handle poorly on bumpy turns at highway speeds. Also purchased vehicle with 4.7v8 and it seems under powered. DonÂ’t rest your elbow on window when auto locks engage you get pinched. A/C not up to par and windows seem to fog up too much.

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  Cheap materials - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dann - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Change battery twice, the 4 doors panels are made from a very cheap plastic and break easy cost to repair 4 doors almost $2000, front panels each $640 rear each $ 420, factory wont help or accept the bad quality, never will buy a Chrysler again was my first and last.

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  Unreliable - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Michael Howell - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Since my purchase of the Grand Cherokee, I have experienced multiple suspension and steering problems. After the amount of repairs I have incurred in just 9 months, I will most certainly never purchase another Jeep.

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  Reliability - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gnd. Cher.Own v8-LAR - May 3 - 2:00 am

  I suggest that if you buy a Jeep, you also buy an extended warranty. I paid around 1,500 for my warranty and within the last 2 years, my differential went, door locks went, etc... Total repair costs covered by the warranty are approx $3,000. The best thing is that the warranty has another 3 years to it. I will be sure to sell it before it expires.