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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  incredible vehicle - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By juice1 - March 11 - 7:26 am

  I bought my jeep ten years ago the first day the 2001 models were at the dealership and it was the only smart thing I did in my twenties. In all this time i have only had to invest in oil changes, a new top, and a battery. The top and battery I just replaced last year! It doesnt handle like a sports car but its no supposed to. if anyone is interested in reliable vehicles buy an older jeep and dont let go. It handles great and is a much better ride than the newer ones which I just bought (thanks Chrysler). Its dependable, fun, goes through anything, and it girls love it. What else is there to say

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  Great fun, 4cyl grossly underpowered - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pete - March 8 - 10:03 am

  The Wrangler SE is loads of fun to own and drive. However, the 4cyl motor is grossly underpowered. Lags very badly on the steep California hills with an empty cargo. Fuel mileage should be much better for a 4cyl. I average about 15.7 mpg with the top down and 17.9 with the top on.

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  My Libby - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By CavVet - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Its a great vehicle. Bring a gas card!

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  At long last - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob - March 6 - 1:33 pm

  Ive been searching for quite some time for a Jeep Wrangler. The newer ones are very simple, convertable roofs quieter, heat works well, and has plenty of power with the tried and true 4.0 six. The stick shift is great and gives you that sport car feel. I enjoy my four wheel drive sports car. Spring is just around the corner and the top will come down. I decided to go with the hard doors, for the ease of opening the windows in the winter months. The back seat either comes out or folds forward for the quick shopping experiences. The radio/CD player are more than enough with the sound bar. Over all I love the style the creature comforts, & its simple, & fun to drive year round. Its a Jeep Thing

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  A good purchase - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By ScorpioDude - March 5 - 2:00 am

  when I needed a new car 3 years ago I spent weeks online looking over reviews of the Jeep, the Nitro, the Xterra and a few others. Then I test drove a few and settled on the Jeep Patriot Limited and Ive never been happier. There was one issue with the sunroof leaking but that is all, nothing else has ever gone wrong with this car in 3.5 years. As others have mentioned, this car comes packed with features at a price thousands of dollars less than competitors. The interior styling in Black, gray, and silver is basic but very nicely done. All of the features, from the 4 wheel drive to the heated seats perform beautifully time and time again.

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  Lots of fun, surprisingly practical. - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By helilog - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Downshift the 4 cylinder early for power, 3rd gear is good for 75 mph, dont be afraid to spin the engine up. It is a twin cam after all. Used thusly, the engine is plenty peppy. Expect 20 mpg town, 24 hwy. Five speed tranny is notchy and vague, a real antique. The later 6-speed is better. Ive got aftermarket sliding glass side curtains on the stock low cut doors. Much quieter and more convenient than zipper plastic door windows. The low cut doors make for a good arm rest (since a Wrangler has none). Get a center console for the same reason. Seats could use more lumbar for 400 mile days.

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  First Jeep - I like it! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Coach - March 4 - 7:46 pm

  This our first Jeep. With the year end deals and rebates, we purchased a Jeep GC with the Rocky Mountain package, that include lots of extras. Also included was an option package with heated seats, remote start, and adjustable foot pedals. The high-end sound system with 6 DC changer and Sirius radio provides great sound. The seats are very comfotable and the interior pleasant. The feel of the brakes is perfect. The front wheel well protrudes into the drivers foot area making it a little tight for the left foot. Gas mileage is fair averaging around 18.3/mpg with normal driving. The dark tinted rear window makes it very difficult to see when backing up at night. Very pleased so far.

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  Brakes - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Tari Dec - March 2 - 3:40 am

  I have had concerns with the rear brakes so took it to Codiroli Service department. They checked it out and said they couldnt find anything wrong. Continued to feel something wrong with the way my car was acting when I used the brakes. Also, had a noise coming from the rear of the car. Sounded like something was moaning. This noise is loud when I first start driving and than gets less loud after I have driven it a few miles. Took car in for first service (3,000 mile) and was told there is a recall for the brakes but cant fix them until the recall notices have been sent out. I find this very upsetting.. This problem should be fixed immediately. Why do I have to wait? Other than this I like my car.

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  Dont believe ConsumerReports.org rating - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TheresOnlyONE - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I was very hesitant to purchase the Grand Cherokee Limited due to the low ratings it received from ConsumerReports.org, but after test driving the car and going over the specifications personally, I have no doubt that this is a great SUV. The quality is great, and the value is even greater. I do have to admit that I am a slave to great marketing, but everything a Jeep represents it can do, I now have the option of doing so.

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  Good car needs work - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By akash - March 1 - 2:00 am

  The GC is a great car to have around for the snow. I use to haul around my kayak and snowboard. The dealer is the worst place to go. They dont believe anything is wrong with the car when I bring it in. The air bag light went on and they couldnt figure out what was wrong with and told me the problem didnt exist. I took it to another dealer and they fixes it. They need a training on customer service. I used to have an Acura and they had great service. Next car I want to get is the MDX.