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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  The Compass direction - 2017 Jeep Compass
  By Russell Leach - October 28 - 5:49 am

  The dealers are all over the place on sales price. That was disappointing. When I stood to leave, they finally gave me what they were advertising.

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  Love This Jeep!!!! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zetzsche2002 - October 28 - 12:01 am

  My Mom Bought me this Jeep in April-2011,Has the 4.7V8 powerful engine but Great gas mileage for a SUV.Great in the snow in 4X4 and still gets thought the snow in 2WD.I have put 12,000 mile on it since April-2011 and runs strong and no Problems(KNOCK ON WOOD)....I LOVE THIS JEEP..PLUS EASY TO MAINTAIN.

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  Early review - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Geoff Clayton - October 27 - 11:36 am

  So far this diesel is light years ahead of the old style diesels. Now its a matter of computer controls being reliable for the most part. More and more, computers are the platform that control basically well made engines. If the electronics are sound this engine will last longer than I will.

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  Jeep - Yes, Chrysler - oh no - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Max - October 27 - 12:53 am

  Style: Lucky me - 2000 Wrangler in Desert Sand Pearl (like the one shown) is the best Jeep design ever. Liked by kids from 0 to 100 and up. Jeep did not cut any corners making body panels "more technological". Was it the last steel-grille, steel-bumper in production? Drive: I wish it had an all-time 4x4. Spins at rabbit starts on wet road in 4x2 at once. The rest is - King of the Hill!! Failure: Now, Chrysler steps in to make the beauty of worst ingredients. A rusty piece of door chipped off on 11th month. Front rotors replaced at 9K miles. Rear differential broke at 14K. Front wheel joints worn at 20K. Both front stabilizer bar rods broke apart at 30K, no offroading. Water pump gone at 50K.

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  two years - still goes! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By zero - October 26 - 8:03 pm

  In the two years I have owned my Cherokee, Ive logged 20k on a Jeep i bought with 33k. This Jeep has been a workhorse if Ive ever seen one. Yeah, a few small issues have popped up; oil pressure gauge, new shocks, tires, and the usual maintenance -- but aside from that, this truck keeps going. Im averaging 19 mpg with a combination of 75% highway and 25% city. I needed a reliable vehicle that would endure the beating that roads around the NYC area would throw at it. The Jeep fit the bill. Its great in the snow, the A/C handles the heat well, and long trips with my Cherokee are a pleasure

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  shes been good - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By freak4stars - October 26 - 5:50 pm

  I bought my Jeep when it had 100k miles on it. My only complaint is the transfer case is tore up, therefore I lost my 4x4 capabilities. It doesnt get that good of gas mileage. However compared to other SUVs the same size it isnt too bad. I love the interior and it is extremely COMFY. I would recommend this vehicle to anybody!

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  Turning into a money pit - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cindy314 - October 26 - 11:17 am

  This is my first and only car. Was bought in 2005 or 6 with 40k-ish miles. Since then I have replaced the window regulator SEVEN times. Seriously learn to fix it yourself, the part costs about $70. Costs $300-400 at a mechanic. Fan relay broke once. Now the Throttle position sensor is jacked up and causing me to stall out while idling occasionally. Tail lights are just always out - honest to god I rigged it with tinfoil and that seems to work the longest. Battery seems to need replacing yearly. It has always groaned/vibrated when making slow tight turns no one seems to know what it is. All of the hydrolics for the lift gate/hood dont work. Basically, only buy it if you a fairly handy.

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  Sweet Machine - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jacked XJ - October 25 - 6:50 pm

  This is my 1st Jeep. I absolutely love this vehicle. My friends and I have taken this jeep many many places. From Maryland (my home state) to Fairbanks, Alaska to Tijuana, Mexico. Since those road trips I have put an 8 inch lift with 35x13.50x16 Pro Comp M/T tires on American Racing rims and many extra mods. 4.0 MPI still performs flawlessly after 87,000miles, tranny and transfer case rock solid with Command Trac 4x4 system. I have taken this XJ to Moab and may other places, slammed it up against many other machines never a disappointment.I recently talked my Honda driving wife into an old CJ-7 purchase; she was reluctant at first till she heard that ol 350 purring under the hood. Keep Jeepin.

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  I bought a LEMON! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Kansas - October 25 - 3:06 am

  My Patriot has been in the shop 9 times since purchased just 6 months ago. Everything from malfunctioning wipers, washers, fuel gauge, flashing Traction Control light, loose half shaft, missing brake caliper bolts, faulty motor mounts, rusted door hinge, and now have "hiss" when I go over bumps (sounds like air leak?) and brakes squeal in reverse. I am fed up! Hope to return this and buy something else - not another Patriot!

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  A good vehicle - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By metmaniac2001 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  tough on gas, but a nice vehicle