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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  Lucky # 3 - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By R3DM@N - November 3 - 8:33 pm

  This is my third go-round w/ the Wrangler. I have owned a 95 YJ (College), an 03 TJ(first married), and have now settled into the 4dr JK (w/children). The new 4 doors are functional with the new additions to my family and I do not have to sacrifice driving a cool vehicle. This is not a speed machine by any means, yet is fully functional for on road usage and the offroad capabilities speak for itself. The gas milage is fair given the ride height and lack of aerodynamics. If you own one of these you are in the club. If you want an Escalade experience when driving then keep shopping.

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  1 big disappointment, sky slider roof - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By PT - October 31 - 10:40 am

  When I first seen my liberty on the lot, I had to have it. I loved the looks. Even though it was totally loaded, it didnt need to be. I just wanted the style, so I got it. One of the many features was the sky slider roof. I wasnt interested in the roof style, but it came with the car. What they didnt bother telling me at the dealership is that when you travel at a faster speed limit, like 70-75 on the turnpike or I-95 the roof leaks air so loud you cant hear the radio or hear yourself or anyone talking! Sometimes its not as loud but is still irritating. Not looking forward to a long driving trip with my new Jeep!

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  Well lets see..... - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By danny000 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the Jeep Grand Cherokee for about 3 years. I havent had any REAL BIG problems yet. One major thing to keep in mind: it makes a humming sound in the rear. I heard its a common problem with the JGCs. The cab is extremely noisy, especially in the back seat. The 4WD also takes about a 1/4 mile to pop back into 2WD. Taking corners on the 4WD is also a chore. Overall, I like the Jeep and would consider buying another, just beware of the hum, it will drive you NUTS!!

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  utilitarian but who asked? - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By amandamarsh - October 30 - 2:00 am

  My first Jeep, and why did I wait so long? My commute is fun, and if it snows, my sports car can sit it out until Spring. Sure, it is a bit noisy, but it is responsive, practical, and flat fun. And to add to its pleasure - the dashboard doesnt look like the cockpit of the Space Shuttle Endeavor. Like the old VW Beetles, it tells the driver all she needs to know.

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  02 Overland, Over-rated - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ackdog RI - October 29 - 11:16 am

  This is my 7th Jeep product. The 1st six were great vehicles except for one transmission in a 93 Grand Cherokee. My 02 JGC Overland has had nothing but problems in 111K miles. Brakes, electrical gremlins, heater core @ 99K and now a transmission @ 109K miles. The tech who rebuilt the tranny says rear end due very soon. The car has all highway and some beach miles, so it hasnt been used hard. When the car runs its a dream. Too bad it likes the shop more than my garage. Maintenance is per the manufacturer schedule. Build quality and reliability of the main parts is suspect. 100K miles is not excessive nowadays. This car should go 200K-300K for the price.

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  One big shiny let-down! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dessi - October 28 - 5:23 am

  My husband and I purchased this vehicle to have something safer and more dependable for our future family. We have barely owned this thing for a little over a month and it has been in the shop for its forth time now! After putting the first full tank of gas in it after purchase we got a check-engine light. Was not fixed the first time so we had to take it back in for a second and third visit. Now the lights on the dash panel flash on and off, check engine light still comes on, gauges fluctuate, and the automatic trans will not shift when driving. I am very disappointed. We are giving the dealership one more chance to make this right then we are done with it.

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  2002 Jeep Liberty Limited - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By tom nevins - October 27 - 1:06 pm

  The Liberty is a lot of fun to drive and is a rock solid vehicle. Very quiet at highway speed and a smooth ride. The handling is responsive but could use a little more get up and go when you hit the gas to pass someone ... probably because its a heavy vehicle. Interior is well thought out, practical and finished nicely.

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  Modifications are Fun! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LuckyAZ - October 27 - 9:43 am

  I have the 5.7L Hemi and have added a performance chip and cold air intake. This made the Jeep awesome off-road and fun in-town. I love going on the trails, and then beating performance sedans in town.

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  Refinement and New Technology - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tom Hiland - October 25 - 4:43 am

  This previous Jeep GC owner (1993 & 1996 models) left the fold in 2001 for a Pathfinder. Limited supply on the new 2005 Nissan led me to the new JGC Limited. What a surprise! Nothing like the Grand Cherokees of the 90s. Exterior styling is sharp, the 2005 is feature rich, the 4.7 has more than adequate power to climb the on-road hills and passes in the Colorado Rockies, steering is very responsive and the cabin is quiet. In four words "refinement and new technology" and perhaps influence from the Daimler folks have created an exciting vehicle thats nimble and fun to drive. Interior plastics, backseats and cargo capacity leave room for improvement, but the new JGC is a winner!

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  First Time Jeeper - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jimS from PGH - October 23 - 4:56 pm

  It is definitely a different experience. After owning a Plymouth Laser and 2 Dodge Intrepids in the last 14 years, it has taken some time to get used to my Jeep. I do love sitting up higher and dont have to worry about bottoming out (plenty of ground clearance). Overall build, function and finish of the vehicle is solid.