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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  This car could be better. - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By the_nme - December 20 - 7:39 pm

  Although, you cant go wrong with a Jeep, this Jeep can seriously be better. First off, how does a small Liberty waste as much gas as a Grand Cherokee? You would expect such a small car to waste so little, but its a gas guzzler. The radio can use improvement. No MP3 input whatsoever. The sound system can also sound a little better. It also wouldnt hurt to make easier cleaning seats. Once stained, good luck cleaning it off. The one thing I do love about this car though, is the way it handles. It maneuvers so smoothly! Oh, and I havent had a problem with the windows.. ever, as I see this is a main issue here.

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  My big bear green Wrangler 97 cyl - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By my bear - December 19 - 11:56 pm

  Had my 97 4 cyl banger for 2 shy years only but its the most fun car Ive ever driven, at 31 it makes me feel, active, Young and adventurer in it like in my 20s. I gave it a 10 in performance not for fast because is not really but because of offroad, flooding and winter capabilities, the thing is extremely slow, the half doors suck, but a set of full doors can cure that, the a/c is amazingly cold and heat is extremely hot, gas mileage isnt good at all due to the boxy shape of the car, so dont buy this truck counting you will get good mpg. When the top is down and put on my baseball shades, its like you have a total different car in the summer and fun factors is higher.

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  Big disappointment - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Rick - December 19 - 10:50 pm

  The rear hatch latch had to be repaired 3 separate time. Now the A/C compressor clutch has gone out after only 40,000 miles. After markets dont even carry the part because they said it should not have failed already. Jeep customer service has been no help in either case. I wont buy another DaimlerChrysler product based on how they treat their customers. Two wheel drive in the snow is terrible. The windows make an awful noise when all are down, it sounds like a helicopter inside the Jeep. The luggage rack makes a whistling sound when crossbars are on. Exterior is a poor design and interior does not have enough room.

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  2006 65th anniversary model - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By ol snowtires - December 19 - 8:40 pm

  Great Jeep. I have a little over 26,000 miles on it. It came with a 6cd changer that plays mp3s. Stereo system sounds great. 3rd row seating is a little small, probably best suited for kids. Be aware that the maintenance services are expensive. That comes with any 4wd system I suppose. Never had it stall on me, however, it felt like it wanted to a few times. Had to replace the windshield because a rock hit it. The windshield is very upright. I drove it from Pennsylvania to El Paso, TX with zero problems. Gas mileage could be better. With everything considered, I am very happy with the purchase. Great ride, roomy, and looks good. Would recommend to others.

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  WIN Module - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 81258606 - December 19 - 8:37 pm

  Ordered my jeep in August 2010 and received in early November. Drove cross country and back and did some rough trails. Very happy with the vehicle. End of June, 2011 I drove a few miles and parked. When leaving, the vehicle would not start. Had it towed (flatbed) to the dealer and they replaced the WIN module. No charge other than the towing fee. I hope this was a one-time occurrence.

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  94 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By johnpog - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car off a year lease from dealership. Ran good for two years then constant mechanical problems thereafter.

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  Waste of Money - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MCPEE - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Unless you are a mechanic and enjoy to get under the hood, do not buy. CV Boots, electrical, water pump, AC and front mirror all had to be replaces/fixed. Costing a bunch as well asthe headaches of taking it in and not knowing if the mechanic is screwing you over or not. I will never buy a jeep again. Like the other guy, Toyota is the next new car for me.

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  1999Jeeep Grand Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Darc - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive really enjoyed my Jeep so far. It has great towing capabilities for towing that boat or camper around.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Roger6855 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle so far has been a pleasure to own in everyway and for a 4X4, it handles great and is very comfortable for short and long trips.

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  Cool looking 4x4 - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By davewilde77 - December 18 - 8:06 pm

  I like the look and ride of the new jeep liberty. I would of not even looked at the old style liberty. I have only had the liberty for about 4 weeks, but have had fun driving it. Plenty of room and well worth the price.