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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  Liberty is a good all rounder - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Chris - July 25 - 6:20 am

  We bought this Jeep when it was a year old with under 20,000 on the clock. We initially had problems where the speedometer stopped working; this was fixed under warranty after the 3rd attempt. Since then the Jeep has been very reliable and is now approaching 40,000 miles. Its been excellent in the winter with the snow and is a true SUV. The engine is smooth and quiet and its nice to drive on long trips. My major complaint is the gas mileage is poor. If Toyota/Lexus can manage to produce excellent mileage from the Highlander/RX330 from a 6 cylinder engine then surely Jeep could improve in this area!

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  its a [non-permissible content removed] good jeep - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bajbaj - July 24 - 7:43 pm

  i have this jeep with now 120,000 miles on it withe 4.7 v8. its been very reliable so far just the regular maintenance. my only complain is the passenger side airbag sensor light is on for a long time now. i drive it like crazy everyday. im lead foot driver so i only average 13 miles a gallon doing 60%city and 40% highway. by lead foot i mean full throttle while accelerating if you want this vehicle to be reliable put castrol synthetic oil every 3000 miles or 3 months whatever comes first. jeep pulls great with a lot of low end torque. i will say i does got some minor electrical issues. dah!!! its a jeep it gonna always have some of those.

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  Good Choice - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe Koski - July 22 - 6:33 am

  I bought the Jeep used with 18,000 miles. This is the fifth Jeep Cherokee I have owned, the second Grand Cherokee, and is the best. The interior fit and finish is exceptional; the car is very well appointed and rich in its presentation. I have had no repairs to date, with the mileage now at 64,000. It has been an excellent car. It gets approx. 16-18 MPG around the city, and 20-22 MPG on a straight highway trip.

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  So Disappointed - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By rhondajones - July 20 - 5:50 pm

  I traded my 2004 Jeep Cherokee for my new 2010 Jeep Liberty hoping for better gas mileage. The back hatch sensor has been replaced, the hood sensor has been replaced which caused the remote car start to fail. And now at 42,000 miles my heat and a/c is stuck on defrost even when the a/c and heat is completely shut off. The "auto" light position on the headlights is broke now (after warranty is up of course) and the dash reads "Low Spare Tire" which Ive had checked numerous times and the spare is not low. So that sensor is faulty. Im told the computer software needs to be updated, but cant afford to take into a dealer.

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  Soft Tops Leak Badly - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Zzooom - July 18 - 10:00 am

  I want to love this Jeep - the sunrider top is awesome - in 1 minute you can take off the top half doors and fold back the sunrider top and essentially be completely open air - its supposed to be my all weather vehicle, unfortunately, the top leaks so bad both driver and passenger foot wells fill up with water in even the lightest rain. This is a $26K vehicle that will be ruined in no time by water intrusion!

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  Great so far - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By living42 - July 18 - 1:20 am

  All new style for 2005. Wife as always picked this model and color out but I said it had to have a HEMI (GUY THING). We havent even filled up the gas tank yet and judging by how quickly the gas needle sinks Im not looking forward to it. Leather seats are nice and seat heat is a favorite with me. We have had it for only a short time but I feel this was a sound investment.

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  Love my Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By edman - July 17 - 10:26 am

  First time owner of a Jeep, test drove the Wrangler but the ride is too much for daily driving. The Liberty gave me a great alternative. I have a Honda CR-V w/ AWD but I missed the control of a manual true 4WD. Bought the car used as a second family car but loved it so much it became my primary form of transportation. I love this SUV, my wife drives the Honda now.

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  1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JStu - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Car has run strong all the way up to its current 98,000 miles, even with aftermarket performance parts whose added power puts more strain on the drivetrain. Car has also been off- roaded a couple times and has had no repurcussions as result. Brakes seem underpowered and no improvement kits are offered in the aftermarket. Only major problems have been that the rear- axle had a serious malfunction at 70,000 miles and had to be replaced. Also, the seat warmers broke after just four years of sparse use. All said a well made and reliable vehicle.

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  Daves review - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dbash - July 14 - 2:00 am

  A fun vehicle to drive. Can go anywhere. I have over 130,000 miles on this one. With only routine maintenance expense

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  my grand cherokee - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mattruby13 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  so far i havent had any problems what so ever with my jeep before i goit this one i owned a 1999 grand cherokee ltd with the 4.7l V8. i was surprised about how this truck performance off road and on road.