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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  Expected more... - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By rlb4227 - December 14 - 1:31 am

  Was reliable until about 100K. Was constantly in the shop. At about 118K was in the shop monthly. Finally overheated on the side of the interstate and was pronounced dead. I was expecting much more from a Jeep. Previously owned a 93 Cherokee and made it just past 200K before it died.

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  Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4--Gotta Hemi! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By KAH - December 14 - 12:16 am

  The Hemi makes this 4x4 SUV stand out from the other mid size SUVs that I test drove before buying. I like the clean lines and boxy look better than the tack on fender flares and side cladding of others. The interior is functional, the controls are simple to read/use, and the seats are firm -- supportive for a long drive. Im 62" and find it roomy, and my girlfriend likes driving it as well (she is 54"). Weve done mild offroading and towing, and it executes flawlessly. No problems to note in 14k miles, except for a couple of recalls (reprogram fog lights & reflash computer). I chose the Jeep over the Toyota 4 Runner Limited, but you couldnt go wrong either way.

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  Better than the new ones - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By goofyfoot - December 13 - 5:36 pm

  Previously had a 2001, this one rides a little rougher, but the simplicity and better mileage make it much better in almost every other regard. And so inexpensive to purchase as well. I hope to keep driving it for a long time since you cant get a car like this anymore.

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  Disgusted In my Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Disgusted in my Jeep - December 10 - 4:43 pm

  My 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Hemi is a big pile of junk. Ive had nothing but problems with it since buying it in 2008. I had to replace the Starter at 60,000. Fuel Pump at 65,000. Transmission at 77,000. Power Steering Pump and Line at 78,000. 4 new tires at 55,000 miles, battery at 60,000. I feel like the jeep is in the shop more than I have driven it. Very unreliable but have so much stuck into it, feel sick to trade in. Currently my Service 4WD system light came on and I just got it back from getting a new Power Steering Pump. Dealer has been nothing but rude. We will never but another jeep again.

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  Almost Perfect - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Maria - December 10 - 10:00 am

  My Honda CR-Vs performance at 60k miles was getting questionable so I traded into a used Liberty with almost every option. I really love it, as I am very picky. It handles well and has a powerful engine which makes driving it a hoot! It feels like an expensive luxury vehicle though it was quite affordable.

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  Jeeps are a Good Investment - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By micky15 - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I started buying Jeeps in 1980. I have owned 4 Jeeps and I have never been happier. I have owned other vehicles at the same time but none have stood the test of time. I off-road often and have past up and gone beyond the range of the Hummers both styles as well as Range Rovers. They just cannot go where the Jeep can go and I dont give up any comfort in my Jeeps. Fully equipped with leather on the saddels and AC in the dash. My most recent trip into the backwoods of CA found me pulling out a H2 that just could not go where my Jeep could. I literaly was driving all around in the mud and water up and down hills and The H2 could not do it. Jeeps Rule!

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  2005 Jeep Renegade 4x4 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Marc - December 9 - 7:36 pm

  I bought this because of the incentives at the time - 0.0% financing for 5 years PLUS $2500 rebate. Its early miles still and happily no problems to report. After being stuck in traffic for hours the seat became uncomfortable as most seats do. Drove through thunderstorms very confidently - nice to have security of Selec-Trac AWD. There is less road noise than I expected and braking is adequate considering how heavy it is. All that said, if price were the same, I would go for an Xterra for my specific needs, mostly because of Nissan reliability, but also the more aggressive style and the more powerful engine.

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  40K miles and looking to sell - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By justin53 - December 9 - 8:40 am

  I have written 2 previous revies on the patriot, both positive. The last report was around 20k miles. At 38K miles I had to replace the font end lower control arms (ball joints) and the mechanic told me this was not uncommon for this model lately. The repair plus the tires I burned through before I realizes the problem cost $1400! Now I am at 40K and believe by starter is burnt out. When used car shopping I usually consider 40K the break in period. I bought the Patriot new and now think 40K is the life span.

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  Liberty Limited Diesel in WI - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Roger - December 9 - 3:03 am

  The Liberty Diesels handling, design, and fuel economy have been above expectations. Fuel economy dropped off in Wisconsin winter driving, but never failed to start in the bitter cold. During the first week of ownership, mileage hit 29 on highway, otherwise, not unusual to average 24 city. Expect better fuel economy as the engine is broken in. Excellent maneuverability as you would expect from Jeep. Torque on the diesel keeps her steady when hauling uphill. For a diesel, my Liberty provides a quiet ride. Little noisy on warm up and with heavy acceleration, otherwise, passengers sometimes dont realize they are riding in a diesel until told, then marvel at how quiet it runs. Nice ride!

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  On My Fifth Grand Cherokee Limited - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JEEPDOC - December 8 - 2:56 pm

  I have driven a Jeep Grand Cherokee since 1996. Just purchased my fifth! I simply can not find a finer vehicle. The current Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Hemi (V8 package fully loaded) combines the finest in luxury, handling, and towing that I have found in any vehicle. I am a physician and need complete reliability in all seasons. I use this vehicle hard in my profession and for sport. My Jeep has never let me down.The current 2009 is the finest vehicle I have ever driven. Please do compare to any SUV, but truly for luxury, there is no comparison.Packed with GPS/NAV, Siruis Radio/TV, and the Boston Audio my family is constantly entertained. An amazing auto, period. Afford it? Buy it.