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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  Quite Satisfied - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By 71charger_fan - July 17 - 9:13 pm

  We bought this Jeep from a young lady who took almost no care of it and it still ran great after changing the fluids and tuning it up. Its not the vehicle for a long commute and the top can be tedious to put up but its a great deal of fun and you cant beat the way these things hold their value. Very rugged and very easy to work on. The short wheelbase is a detriment to a smooth highway ride but makes for almost unbelievable maneuverability. I couldnt afford a TJ but this has served me very well.

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  Liberty 4x4 Limited - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Brent - July 17 - 3:06 pm

  I have owned my Liberty since April of 2007 (used of course). Purchased with about 51,000 miles. The only complaints that I have about it is that the stock tires on it are terrible even when the ground is just slightly wet. It is very dangerous and I think Chrysler shouldnt and should never again sell any of their cars with these tires. Im having the tires replaced with Bridgestones, a much better tire than the Goodyears that come on it. In addition, when you are coming to a stop it is almost as if the car sputters or clunks Im not too sure how to describe it. Im thinking it is coming from the transmission and I hope this isnt going to turn into a problem. Overall a very stable vehicle.

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  Great Ride - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Jeep Fan - July 17 - 2:46 am

  2007 Jeep Commander Limited 4.7L V8 Flex Fuel. This vehicle is very fun to drive and the kids love the middle row Command View windows in the roof and back rows with their high seating position. I feel good knowing that my wife and kids are in this vehicle. You feel like youre driving a luxury tank. The vehicle gets its share of looks and comments. Love the option of running E85. Reviews say that 3rd row is only for kids, but Im 6 and have ridden on short trips. You wouldnt put grandma in the third row, but its fine for adults. Handles Colorado mountain roads with ease. I cant wait for its first big snow! 5th Jeep vehicle that Ive owned and I love it!

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  Another improvement - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob - July 16 - 4:16 pm

  I have owned Wranglers before this and all of them have been very good to me. This one will hopefully be no exception; so far all of the bells and whistles are great and I love the new ride.

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  Does the Job - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Loadtoad24 - July 15 - 9:50 am

  Well had the jeep about 89,000 miles now, never taken under warranty, except for a recall on the ABS, no trans problems yet, replaced all front control arms, tie rod ends and sway bar links, shocks and all the rear control arms, at 88,000 Illinois roads are so wonderful!, i to have had degradation in my fuel economy, good vehicle, no real complaints, oh and seems if you have sunroof they just leak!

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  hmmm... - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeepdriver99 - July 15 - 9:06 am

  I bought my Jeep with 66k miles on it. It is now 9 months later and I have put 3k miles on it. My Cherokee is a lemon! I purchased the extended warranty which would cover it fully until 2009 or 100k. I have had to bring it in to be serviced 6 times and only 2 were covered under warranty! Thankfully the REALLY expensive fixes were covered under warranty: driveshaft and transfer case cracking which would have set me back thousands of dollars. Three times the check engine light came on with the dealer telling me that the vapor canister was cracked, the gas tank was cracked, and some issue with my transmission. The other was when the crankshaft broke causing me to be stranded!

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  Stay Away from the 2001 Grand Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Never, Ever, Again!! - July 15 - 6:33 am

  Bought this vehicle new. I have replaced almost everything including the transmission at 103,000 miles. Jeep/Chrysler should fall off the face of the earth. Im waiting for my 3rd window regulator to break. I have a standing appointment every two weeks with the repairman to have my Jeep fixed. I will hold my head up high as I return to buying vehicles from Japan and Korea. Chrysler should give up making automobiles. It is embarrassing to the USA!

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  A satisfied Jeep owner - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By frank - July 14 - 6:23 pm

  I purchased my Jeep for three reasons: 1. To be able to travel the roads during any weather conditions. Except for icy conditions, nothing has stopped the Jeep. 2. Towing: I tow my 4000 pound boat/trailer without concern and do not worry about being able to get the boat back out of the water. The Jeep brings the rig right up the steep, nasty public launch that I use. The only problem here is that the weight of the boat tries to drag the Jeep down the ramp, even with brakes locked. 3. Durability: My family has owned numerous Jeeps and they have always served us well (except an early 1980s 2.8L Cherokee). This Jeep is the best I have owned so far, even with putting 15K/year on it.

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  SRT* Cherokee - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By D.Brisson - July 13 - 7:13 am

  Sold an Escalade for this SUV. Superfast, Car and driver reviews say 13.40 in the 1/4. Sounds great, spotty build quality with paint and plastic. Great performance, great handling rides like a performance car should, not for the person who wants to ride on an air cushion. Gets a lot of attention at lights and parking lots. Stops on a dime with the huge brakes.

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  Still good for the money - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By ksherinian - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The negatives first: - noisy - poor ride - horrible gas quality Positives: - excellent, bare bones, interior design - superb off-road performance - superb winter (snow & ice) performance - 112,500 miles and still no major repairs