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:

• 

  I Cant live without my JEEP! - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By njacks - December 29 - 12:46 pm

  When I first bought my Jeep, I was so happy and knew that this was the ride for me. I bought it with 22 inch wheels on it. I took them off and put factory on it. I have drove in mud, snow, sleet and the thing still runs like a PRO. I did tear up the differential and I had to replace the U-Joints twice. I have a few leaks and the brakes stink. The body needs paint. But other then that, the Jeep is strong tough and will pull anything. I would buy two or three more if I had the money. But I love my Jeep Cherokee sport, there is no Jeep out there like it. They should keep making Jeep Sports.

• 

  Third Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Wayne Thompson - December 28 - 12:13 pm

  Not a CJ-5 or CJ-7 (have had both) but still basically a Jeep (my third). Took it out last weekend in dirt, mud and snow which it handles acceptably. Would work better with more aggressive A-T tires. The power windows/doors strike me as un-Jeeplike (especially lack of conventional locks on 3 doors & rear tailgate).

• 

  the bomb - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By mauricio - December 28 - 3:03 am

  i love my jeep. it fits me and my personality like a glove.plus its american just like me...

• 

  Love my Jeep - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Idocpr4u - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Jeep Ive owned and I enjoy this vehicle more than my first. Inferno Red with chrome wheels really makes heads turn. Received many compliments. Love the V8 power. Interior layout is excellent. Controls easy to reach. Sound system cant be beat. Climate control system works well. Seats could use a little more bolstering. Ive had a few minor things go wrong but dealer has stood by extended warranty and fixed without question.

• 

  Love it... - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Docsean1 - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this 1993 in excellent condition with only 115k. Truck was well maintained with all records. Despite all the poor reliabity ratings I found, I believe this truck will be a fun and reliable commuter. Proper maintenance and attention is all this truck requires. It has more personalilty than the explorer or import rivals. It looks great, especially in red, and has a sporting firm ride. For comparison, I also own a 2002 BMW M3 and a Lexus SC400, and I still love driving the Jeep. Repairs when needed are not very expensive.

• 

  Rubi-Rocks! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By JBro - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this vehicle! Ive been in Wranglers before, but NEVER one like this! This vehicle is DEFINATELY for the more adventurous driver. Would recommend it to ANYONE! I was in an accident, hit by another driver - her fault, and man did those tires survive a beating! The wheel fenders took the impact, saving me from being smashed in by my drivers side door. I believe the Rubi saved my life!

• 

  Never Again - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Donna - December 16 - 2:23 pm

  Bought this car new 3/2005 12/2005-new mother board-under warranty 11/2006 esm assembly replacement, under warranty 7/2007, new key needed/failed $271.00 8/2007, multiple cylinder failure under warranty 6/2008 new battery $198.00 11/2008- replace electronic shift module $664.00 7/2009-replace turn signal assembly- $200.00 11/2009-failed emissions tcm $599.00 6/11/2010- replace a/c compressor & accummulator-$892.00 7/2010-engine failure light is on and going to dealer tom. Can you smell lemon? Knowing I will never, ever buy another Jeep or Chrysler product ever ever again. Pricelesssssssssss!

• 

  My 2nd Wrangler - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By molly - December 16 - 8:06 am

  I have been a Jeep fan since my first Cherokee in high school. This is my second Wrangler and it is definitely fun. I would however consider another vehicle if it is your main source of transportation! Convenience is not a word to describe these cars. You should also consider safety. Both of mine were broken into and you should never leave the doors locked because that will get your windows slashed! Other than convenience. you should also consider the effort to take the top off when you first buy one. Practice, Practice, Practice. Most of all have fun and remember its the only suv of its kind!

• 

  Fun To Drive - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Brian Usiak - December 16 - 4:30 am

  I bought my Jeep used and I fell in love with it right away. The body style is great and the interior is roomy enough for my 6ft 3in frame.

• 

  Everything is great except the engine - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By aftershock973 - December 13 - 9:56 am

  Ive had my Liberty Sport now for about 3 months. I was first drawn to its rugged good looks and 4x4 reputation. I have to say it the interior is extremely comfortable and the seats are very supportive. Acceleration from a stop is very good, but highway passing... forget it. The V6 feels so sluggish that you have to jam your foot on the gas pedal to get the transmission to downshift into 3rd gear. Everything on this Jeep is great, but they should have revamped the engine and transmission instead of using the version from the old Liberty.