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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  I gotta a Hemi under there! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Oly - October 18 - 2:40 pm

  I love my new Jeep. Its loaded with everything I want in a car. And it still rides like a car. I also own a 99 JGC Laredo with almost 160,000 miles on it. It was hard to give it up and commit to the new Jeep, but after doing so, my kids are now enjoying an everyday Jeep themselves. I guess you could say I love my Jeeps.

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  I like it - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JimOH123 - October 16 - 3:06 pm

  I have a BMW with performance tires, so I needed a vehicle to drive in the winter. Purchased this car with about 85k miles on the odometer. I love my Jeep and drive it more than the BMW. Love the driving position, looks and its maneuverability. Very few service complaints. I have never owned a vehicle with so many miles, yet it is still very tight and rattle free. Would consider buying another Liberty like this one with fewer miles if this one ever starts giving me trouble. A great value for a used vehicle.

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  A Good Start - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By scla - October 15 - 8:36 pm

  Traded a Lexus LX470 for Commander Limited with 5.7 Hemi. Have been on two road trips totaling over 2000 miles. Has performed without a flaw. Ride is better than Lexus. Appointments are inferior especially the navigation system. Commander has blind spots on both sides when driving. Rear seat positioning is unique and comfortable especially for taller people. The Commander in black with chrome wheels is an eye catcher. Have had no negative comments except most think it is a new Hummer H3. I suggest getting the Hemi for both performance and fuel economy. You will feel the shift between four to eight cylinders on highway driving but it is minimal.

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  Very Nice for $19,500 - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Charles - October 15 - 6:23 pm

  For the money you can not beat it. 4wd, very good mpg plenty of room. Looks pretty good too.

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  A Jeep that will command a a second look - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Marlowe Achanzar - October 15 - 6:16 pm

  This Jeep Commander Sports 4 x 4 3.7 engine is really a fun SUV to drive. Comfortable enough on a bumpy road and never could you hear any squeaking or rattle after a 3400 mileage accumulation. One problem is the backrest, it is too high for women with a height of 5-1/2 feet like my wife. The headrest is tilted downwards at its maximum down level and very uncomfortable for her. Fuel consumption is 17 miles a gallon, a gas guzzler ha? Thank God gas is now $1.87/ gal. here in Chicago. No leaks or water accumulation on the doors as noted by previous 2007 Owners. The 3.7 6 cylinder is good enough for the size of the body. Third row seat? Thats a plus for an outdoor sportsman like me.

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  Fun Ride - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kurt - October 15 - 5:40 pm

  It is nothing fancy but what a fun car to own. Have both a Wrangler and BMW 750i. Would much rather drive the Jeep. Nothing better than cruising around with the top down on a Saturday afternoon. I highly recommend this vehicle. Get ready to wave at all the other Jeep owners. You are part of a family.

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  Worth the Purchase - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By natestj - October 15 - 5:03 pm

  This vehicle is awesome! Fun to drive, especially in the summer with the top off. I bought it with 74K miles and now have over 98k. Every time I change the oil it looks exactly the same as when I put it in, clean! No problems with engine or transmission. Excellent capability in the snow, never stuck once. The 6 cylinder is a must, despite poor gas mileage. Comfort isnt too bad, but the ride is that of a Jeep, its supposed to be a little rough. Right? The only minor problems Ive had is replacing the sway bar brackets and bushings. Also the universal joints on the drive shaft seem to wear out quick. They make a very annoying clicking sound when you take off out of first gear.

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  Fun..READ - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Frenchy - October 15 - 10:00 am

  This jeep has good gas comsuption. Performance 0-60 is really good for its weight/power ratio. The factory says 8.7s to 60. I beleive it. But with 35000 miles and no tune up, it will decrease dramatically. I timed it to 60 w/ 35000 miles: about 10.5s. Oh...it goes 115 no problem. After 60mph, the acceleration is so- so. Their is plenty of cargo space in the trunk. read the rest....

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  Poor Quality Parts and Build - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jkim500 - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I was warned about the poor reliability but thought Id take a chance after reading about improved quality. HA! I was very unhappy with the cheap parts constantly breaking and TERRIBLE transmission. Two power windows went bad, the steering wheel radio controls got stuck, the power locks went bad and the arm rests cracked. Dealer was familiar with all of my problems. Transmission was extremely clunky: car would buck when switching from first to second; when I stepped on the gas after stopping, it would act like it was in neutral for a few seconds before making a loud clunk and lurching forward; dealer said this was normal!

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  Jeep Thing - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By chas0037 - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Each day I love my Jeep more than the previous. In a word...Incredible. There is NOTHING like a wrangler...NOTHING