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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  Great 4WD - Interior Needs Attention - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By DM - October 31 - 9:46 am

  Just purchased. In first 1,000 miles back seat sun roof covers create annoying - loud rattle that will require the dealer to remove interior roof cover and repair shade roller - or remove all together. For price tag on Limited, it would be nice if interior materials were a lot less "Durango" plastic and more high end SUV. Although mileage really stinks - it does the job as 4WD (no one should be taken back by 15 miles to the gallon, it is a bug truck after all). Overall I am pleased with this as a replacement to my Grand Cherokee Ltd - It is no replacement for the 740i.

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  Rat_Patrol - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By balcuthra - October 30 - 9:53 am

  IÂ’ve had this ride since 93. My only complaint was that Chrysler failed to implement a recall on the fuel gauge system failure. And replacing it would have cost me $700.00 at the dealer, which I promptly refused to do. I drive without a working fuel gauge till this day. Needless to say, I had that car shipped to Hawaii for three years, and Italy for four, now itÂ’s in Florida waiting to be shipped to Puerto Rico. I will own it till it dies. It went through three transmissions, fuel pump, water pump, two belts, five brake changes, four u-bolts, four shocks, tires, and that about it, aside from oil and tune ups. I have off road several times

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By hoffdog - October 30 - 3:12 am

  I bought this car off a 3-year lease in March 2005, so Ive had it for 7 years. Its been a great vehicle! Ive put little to no money into it, just your normal oil changes, tires, tuneups, ect. The only issues Ive had with it is the AC and the rear window defogger. The AC hasnt worked since about 2007, Ive tried fixing it numerous times with no luck. Same thing with the rear window defogger, no luck fixing it. It has never broken down on me. My only major complaint I have is the gas mileage, I can only get about 17-19 on the highway. But, I knew that when I bought it so I shouldnt complain.

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  3rd Wrangler - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dzurinko - October 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Wrangler. My first 2 wranglers had the 4.0 in them. I think the 3.8 has a little more pep and the MPG seem a little better than my other jeeps(17 vs 19-21). The 4.0 seemed better on the low rpm end. Also, I cant hear the 3.8L so its not as easy to shift smoothly. Not sure why they went from the bulletproof 4.0 to a motor that performs marginally better, if at all... My only other complaint is why not put some BF Goodie All Terrains on out of the factory. The Goodyears are pitiful. They have worked so hard to put out a rugged vehicle, but then put street tires on it. It wont be our last Jeep Wrangler. Lots of reviews on here from multiple wrangler owners. :)

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  The Jury is still out on the JGC - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TJeep - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I have mixed emotions about my Jeep thus far. With only 37000 miles I had to get a new radiator. The a/c is ave. and I think I have a very small antifreze leak and sometimes the transmission seems to thump when I slow down to make a right or left turn. I really want to like this SUV. I have the Laredo with the limited package that includes the two tone leather seats that only comes with the Overland. In addition, it has the 4.7L engine,electric moon roof,second power seat,crome rims, wood grain dash panel and tow package. Its a shame that this SUV has a reliability problem. Because it has all the features and looks to blow the competion away.

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  For Sale - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By No American Cars - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Jeep was my first American made car out of three cars. It was my most expensive and most disappointed investment. It is fun to drive and has a great look, but dont judge a book by its cover. I have had brake problems from day one. My horn use to go off for no reason, my check engine light is on for no apparent reason, and my rear differential is shot! I have fixed most of those things and intending to sell right away for a killer price...only $8K.

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  Good little SUV - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By bharvey67 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The seats could be a lot more comfortable but other than that this is a good SUV.

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  Its a Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JBC - October 22 - 8:03 pm

  Great off road and winter driving vehicle. Have a 100,000 miles on it and very satisified with overall performance, reliability and looks. Brakes were initially a nightmare with front rotors and pads changed three times (once covered under warranty). Cruise control out twice. PCM went bad at 74000. If you buy one of these vehicles, I recommend you get extended warranty.

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  Impressive - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JG - October 21 - 5:36 pm

  Very impressive in the snow. GPS is a nice feature, especially for a Realtor! Heated seats provide steady warmth. A comfortable interior, sleek exterior.

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  Repair Rebuilt - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepguy - October 21 - 6:56 am

  After 200,000 here is the rundown of what has been repair/replaced on my 03. I have essentially rebuilt this SUV, after I "gambled" on the transmission at 160,000 hoping not much else would happen and I could not afford a new car payment. Heads(machined)/Head Gasket and all supplementary gaskets for top of engine Cooling System, hoses, and Radiator AC Compressor Fan and Interior Temp Relay Serpentine Belt (twice) Battery (twice) Regulator Water Pump Transmission Front Transaxle Shocks Rear V Stabilizer Front Ball Joints (recall) Front Control Arm Never mind the brakes, rotors, and tires and I still like the car, sort of.