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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  Wow, impressive. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Jeff - September 2 - 4:36 am

  We bought our 5.7 Hemi Overland Commander with about every option available in 08 brand new. I was worried we might have problems with so many options down the road. We now have 180k miles and besides normal maintenance like brakes or tires, we have only replaced a starter motor and that is it. We have it serviced regularly and it has been amazing. More than half the miles are highway, but we also use it to also pull our motorcycle trailer, and a 24 foot travel trailer in the summer. It is starting to use a bit of oil now, about a quart every 2000 miles, but acts like it has a lot more life in it. I have owned Acura, Mercedes, Jaguar, Ford, Chevy, Mazda, Honda, etc. So far this one beats them all for its reliability and lack of trips to the shop for any repairs, or check engine lights like my Mercedes routinely has. My Acura Legend ( a fantastic car) is still in the family with 270k (still original motor and trans ) on it, but by 180k it had a lot more work done on it than our commander, like new radiator, AC compressor, etc. I also had a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 4.7 V8 and it was great, with few problems until I sold it with 130k miles on it. My personal experience is outstanding with Jeep as a brand with reliability in comparison to any brand out there.

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  Its the last purpose built SUV - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepJohn - September 1 - 3:46 pm

  OK this is not a truck for someone who wants to eat a big mac/talk to there boss/change a shirt, as they drive 90mph thu heavy traffic. This is a base model Jeep that can be built up, or left alone and just feed the willing to go where the road does not. Its not a town car so yes its a Jeep that lets you know there are bumps in the road. It has a I-6 so its not the smoothest running engine out there. But it will get you from point A-B and back. High reliability. The 6-speed tranny is fun for around town. Driving down a highway, Keep you hands on the road and do not try to multi task. Its a off road built Jeep. Its not meant to go fast its ment to take a beating. But in high traffic fun!

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  toy - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By c fleming - September 1 - 7:33 am

  Bought it to tow behind RV. Very happy with the quality and comfort. I liked the no hassle buying; all I had to do was pick out the color and options. It has plenty of power and is fun to drive. Our other car is a E320 Mercedes wagon and it is getting lonely just sitting is the garage while we drive this one.

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  Was I Surprised - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By goobie2 - August 31 - 5:49 pm

  I bought this car because it was the cheapest 4x4 with some off road capability on the market. I was not expecting much from Chrysler/Jeep & really didnt want to buy anything from them. I test drove it & was impressed so I bought it. WOW!!! Have I ever been surprised & pleased. I had bought a Honda CRV & a Toyota RAV4 a year earlier & wish I had purchased two Patriots instead. The Patriot has performed better than expected, well under all conditions & is a solid vehicle. The only problem I have had was the transmission overheated, but I blame Jeep & the dealer for not notifying me about a needed update for the CVT. Gas mileage is not great & it is geared low.

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  Perfect for a Tall Guy - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bill in Phoneinx - August 31 - 10:00 am

  Lots of mid-size SUVs have similar 3.6L V6 engines, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is a perfect combination of power, luxury, safety, aesthetics and room. Im a tall guy -- 65" -- and there is plenty of head room, leg room and shoulder room. Good visibility. The electronics work great, and the voice activated radio and phone are excellent.

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  Perfect Description - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By TP - August 31 - 10:00 am

  Yes the exterior mirrors paint comes off, yes the plastic windows scratch, yes the gas mileage is crummy, yes the interior is cheap, yes the sound system is inferior, yes the ride is bumpy, yes the tires clamshell, yes the softop is a pain, yes you need two people to change back the hardtop, yes the cargo room is small, and yes, I have bought two Jeeps in a row, because the driving experience is something to look forward to every time you get into it, from the day you buy it to your last day with it. Open air driving is incredible. Not worrying about every tiny imperfection, getting a little dog hair in it - priceless. Its stress free driving. Every time.

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  Dont buy-transmission problems - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By millert30523 - August 31 - 8:30 am

  Good looking vehicle. Has many mechanical issues. Transmission is crap. Mine went out at 41000 and I had problems getting Chrysler to fix it. There is something horribly wrong when a vehicle has 41000 miles on it and the transmission fails. Dont buy. Cheaply built. I traded for a Honda.

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  My First SUV is a Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Andy - August 29 - 9:03 pm

  I looked a lot of vehicles and then I bought the Laredo with the X package. I drove two Limiteds (one with the Hemi), before deciding that I didnt want all that chrome on the outside with a wood interior on the inside. I got it with the 4.7 V8 and it has plenty of power. Unless you need to tow "bigger stuff" the 4.7 is plenty good and fun. It handles wonderfully well and doesnt "feel" as big as it is. Its very nimble and can make very nice (legal) U-turns. With the cornucopia of a la carte options you can really get the Jeep YOU want. Its both a blessing and a curse as figuring out what you can get and what you do get can sometimes be confusing. Do your homework BEFORE you go out.

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  09s the charm! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Todd - August 28 - 9:36 pm

  I traded my 08 Rubicon two-door for an 09 Rubicon four-door(my family is growing!) about a month ago. The 08 turned out to be a great Jeep, but it had a couple of initial problems with the hardtop leaking and a defective catalytic converter. My 09 is trouble-free, and I couldnt be happier. I used to think the four-doors were ugly, but the look has really grown on me. Theyre only about 20 inches longer than the two-doors, and the amount of extra space you get is amazing. Im not quite sure how the engineers did it, but I sure like it! Plus its a Rubicon. Ive owned a lot of cars and Ive never been happier with one of my decisions.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By can - August 28 - 6:50 pm

  Very pleased. Very light to drive and not too bulky. Interior is very simple. Excellent ride and very quiet. I leased 2000 Grand Cherokee and it was time to give it up. Commander is a great alternative.