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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  Very capable Jeep even with the X model - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Squint - August 6 - 8:13 pm

  I have owned my Wrangler X 2Dr for almost 2 months and I love it. I was skeptical at 1st w/ the 3.8L V6 until I racked up about 1000 miles and it finally broke in. It performs quite well now w/ my 33s and the stock 4.10 gearing that come with the Auto. Even the X model is very capable on the trail after numerous outings now. For the interior: the seats are fairly comfortable and modern. However, the dash is hard not to scratch when cleaning dust/dirt; the glove box and center console lock as well as rear floor cargo storage by locking rear swing door. The soft top is definitely quieter than previous models and it secures better around the doors. The headlights and fog lights are improved.

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  need better mpg and scrap the antenna - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Charlie O. - August 5 - 12:43 pm

  Picked the vehicle up on Monday 7/31. I have the 3.7 and so far (3 days) the MPG looks terrible. I read some of these reviews and I see 17 MPG, 20-22 mpg highway...hope to see the same. Also, it is back in the dealer on Thursday 8/3 for installation of Sirius radio and whistling sound that seems to be coming from the dash when car is in motion (read another review stating the same problem). Overall I think it is a quality vehicle offering a lot for the money. Insurance rates are great, my kids love it, Sirius radio, rides smooth, great turning radius, dash is simple yet in line with the times.

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  New to Jeeps - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By BushMan - August 4 - 3:30 pm

  I have always been a Ford guy so when I went to Jeep, it surprised me. I was impressed with the comfort of the ride although riding on the highway is quite uncomfortable. It does have a lot of wind noise but its a Jeep. So far, I havent had any issues with the vehicle yet. I do have minor leaks through the hardtop which I figured was going to happen. I do have some rust spots too but other than that, I hope its a good vehicle.

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  2000 Wrangler Sahara - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeffrey Morris - August 4 - 2:53 am

  Ive owned 3 Jeeps - the others being a 1993 Cherokee and a 2002 Grand Cherokee. The Wrangler is the only one I own now, for almost 7 years. It is mechanically well built, with very little drivetrain repair being needed. I have replaced a starter (warranty) and paid for a new muffler, wiper motor, and various wear items (brakes, serpertine belt). I tend to leave the top down in the summer. One year the steering column filled with water during a rain storm resulting in almost $1K in repairs needed - in the warranty period, but not covered. I have since been more careful to put a trash bag over the column when the top is down. I bought a 2006 Chrysler 300 sedan and kept the Jeep as a fun vehicle.

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  Best car I have ever owned but... - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By billybatts - August 4 - 2:51 am

  Looks sharp, rides like a dream, interior/exterior are fantastic. I have received compliments from people in parking lots who had Jeep GCs in the early 2000s/90s tell me that the new design will bring them back.

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  My Jeep Grand Cherokee Experience - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jose Ortin - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Nice exterior and Interior designs. Currently with a very competitive price. Poor reliability; after 30.000 it has been necessary to go to service several times to repair brakes, steering wheel (column) and other features repeatedly. Poor brakes.

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  Not the Grand Cherokee of old - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By G Laich - August 1 - 4:18 pm

  Ive had this Jeep for 6 years now and I am generally pleased but it falls short of an A. My complaints may not be applicable to everyone since I"m 64". The driver seat is not comfortable. Leather is stiff and the upper part of the seat hits my back wrong. Also, poor lumbar support. My next issue is visibility. Rear view mirror is too low due to the convenience console on the ceiling (garage door opener/Sun glass holder). Rear window wiper assembly is huge and obscures vision. The only mechanical issue I had was failing air conditioning (twice).

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  Future Problems? - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By postalgal - August 1 - 1:40 pm

  Purchased the RHD Sport Postal Jeep with high hopes for a quality ride that could take the abuse I can dish out on a daily basis (all you mail folks know what I mean). Anyway, the engine was making noise from the day I picked it up. It sounded like the valves, but just couldnt imagine how a new Jeep could have that kind of problem, but thats what it was! Dealer had to replace valve lifters at 2300 miles. I also am noticing a loud thunking noise and it feels like it is right under my feet. I hope this isnt an indication of how this vehicle is going to hold up. Maybe I should have bought the extended warranty.

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  Better Than Expected - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By tfiks - July 31 - 8:33 am

  I wanted an economical SUV that was still comfortable for a 63" guy with hip and back problems. The "Clunker" program w/the Chrysler rebate made picking the Patriot a no-brainer. The published reviews made me think I was "settling" for this car; but, after three tanks full, Im very happy with my choice. I drove all day with three passengers yesterday and the guys in the backseat were comfortable. Im satisfied with the engine performance and the CV auto too. I attached a small fish-eye mirror to the corner of the passenger side mirror and that helps w/the blind spot. Im not crazy about the poor angle of upward visibility for a tall driver with the seat up and back.

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  All American Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Gregg Schoof - July 29 - 6:43 pm

  Initially, I had some doubts about an SUV, but the Jeep Liberty has convinced me otherwise. It is a very solid, reliable vehicle. Great in the snow. Nice seating position. Nice feature content. Needs a bit more refinement of materials and ergonomics on the inside. Hidden compartment in trunk area would be nice addition.