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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  Jeep 4 Fun - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeep4fun - March 15 - 9:53 pm

  This is my and my wifes 3rd Jeep. We love to go 4 wheeling and Sunday rides. Mileage is OK (6 cylinder get 19 mpg, better than a 4 cylinder) This Jeep is dependable; we drive it to work 95% of time m-- we work at same location. People alway trying to buy it, even neighbors. Have pulled 4000 trailer in west NC mountains and to the beach. 140,000 miles, same clutch, same rear brakes shoes, have only replaced starter, radiator, coil, camshaft sensor and front brake pads. Not much for 140,000 miles and how hard we use it. We pull a utility trailer often too. We live in a cove with a steep 20 percent grade and we are almost alway the first ones out in deep snow. Mostly standard from the factory.

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  Good Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Greg - March 15 - 8:13 pm

  Ive had the car for a year now - NO PROBLEMS. Engine is reliable, but the new v6 (instead or straight 6 in the older Jeeps) is less perky, and only slightly more fuel efficient. Comfort is excellent, although full size adults will feel cramped in the back seats - those are for sure for the kids/carrying. Head room is outstanding - Im 65" and have room to spare, and can see out of the windshield without bending. Performs well in traffic and highway - very quiet actually on the road, which is a big change from prior Jeep Cherokee.

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  You really pay for the 4.0 in-line V-6 - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By DWS - March 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, but Im going broke filling it up all the time. Im only getting 265 miles out of a 19.6 gallon tank of gas. It has a ton of power and I can lay some scratch off the line. It came with the pathetic and ugly steel wheels, but I upgraded to the "Gambler" 5-hole style alloy wheels that you see on the upgraded wranglers sometimes. It gives it a whole new look. I also recommend adding side-step bars and a bug shield.

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  excellent! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep lover - March 15 - 10:00 am

  I love driving my Jeep, it is so much fun and so reliable! I drive in snow almost 7 months of the year and it handles great in the snow. It gets me through anything! I have recommended this vehicle to family members and friends and would recommend to anyone. I have not had any problems with it and I dont think that I ever will. It has been awesome!

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  No problems here! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By fretspan - March 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle! I would buy one again. Great fun. Very Dependable. No problems.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By vichang4 - March 15 - 10:00 am

  Limited is fully loaded. More features than the BMW, ML380, or even the Lincoln navigator.

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  Newer Owner - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Satisfied Buyer - March 14 - 3:26 pm

  I am very satisfied to date with my purchase of an 09 Unlimited Sahara. I ended up getting a fairly loaded Jeep, dual top, 6 disk CD, GPS, chrome package. It has a comfortable interior and highway ride. With the hard top option the ride is as quiet as my HD pickup. The exterior look is outstanding. I plan on keeping this for quite a few years so added the additional Jeep bumper to bumper full life time warranty. I never thought that I would own a auto, especially a 4X4, that had a lifetime B-B warranty. This lifetime drivetrain and optional B-B warranty were the icing on the cake that sealed my decision to go with a Jeep over some of the other competitor products that I had reviewed.

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  Built to last - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By J.C. Allan - March 14 - 1:36 pm

  I have had this third Jeep bought new in the swamps of Mississippi to the mountains of Utah. It has been a blast all the way. On one adventure my wife and I challenged ourselves to a 35 mile ORV trail in southern Utah and enjoyed skirting along a few mountains without difficulty. Having owned a few sports cars over the decades, including one with 12 cylinders, there is nothing more exhilarating as the freedom of getting off the beaten road and going were few dare.

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  I miss my Jeep! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Fardog - March 11 - 7:26 pm

  I LOVED this SUV - just totaled it and Im not sure what to do next. I had no problems at all with my car. The mileage was annoying, but better than my big van. It was a comfortable and peppy ride, lots of fun to drive under any conditions. Spend the extra money for the leather seats. Buffetting noise was an issue, but often is a problem in SUVs. I had no mechanical issues at all - just changed the oil and that was about it. My ownership was brief - 2 years - but it was great. Oh - the airbag deployed with force - broke my wrist - but I had no other injuries.

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  Love My Liberty! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Ginnie - March 11 - 4:33 pm

  I am so glad I chose to purchase my 2005 Jeep Liberty! Driving the Liberty is a wonderful experience. It handles very well. With the weight of the vehicle and the 6 cylinder, I feel very safe and driving is a dream, whether going up steep inclines or just touring around. There is a feeling of proud ownership that comes with owning my Liberty. The color (Dark Khaki), is new for 2005 and what a classy color! I have added a few accessories which gives it my personal identity. I am totally satisfied. The dealership, the service, and the sales department have been wonderful. The Liberty is THE SUV!