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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  First Time,Last time Jeep owner - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SKYMAN - August 24 - 5:13 am

  Purchased Jan. 07. 13 days later Jeep replaced a cracked head gasket. Then the battery had to be replaced, then the ECU, then the gauges would tick & bottom out even with the key out. Then the tach and speedo stopped working. My mechanic & Jeep cant figure this out. Im done with Jeeps after this! I will miss some things like how well it turned! the upgraded braking system I installed, the sound system, the way my baby handled in the snow and the lack of a car payment! Darn Jeep!!! :-(

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  Likin it - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By azrljones - August 23 - 8:16 pm

  Always wanted a Jeep but need an everyday drive vehicle. This feels the order now, rides smooth and low noise. Averaging around 20 MPG. I have the freedom hard top and was in the rain once (AZ) and car washes with no leaks. I was out this weekend and drove 1300 + miles and was very comfortable. Offroad capabilities speak for itself. I did some things that we held out breath. On the trip I drove over a mountain pass with over a foot of snow on the road and I didnt use/need four wheel drive. I love my Jeep.

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  Great all around vehicle - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Bigfoot - August 23 - 3:13 am

  Ive had my Jeep nearly 5 years now. Have put about 50,000 miles on it. Really like this for a hunting vehicle. Enough room in the back with the back seat folded down, and also plenty of room for 4-5 people if needed. The only repairs I have needed to make other than the normal ones are I had to have the front CV joints (thats what I call them) replaced. There is one just inside each tire. Also had to have the passenger side wheel bearing replaced. I have stayed up pretty well on the scheduled maintenance of my Jeep. Im sure that has helped.

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  Diesel Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By hu60931 - August 23 - 12:53 am

  This truck has reaffirmed my faith in diesels. The power and towing capability is reasonable and all with decent mileage. DCX needs to expand the use of diesels in their product line. With fuel prices as they are this would be a great service to the customer and the country.

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  Good, Fun Vehicle. It’s a keeper. - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike Clark - August 22 - 9:54 pm

  Local driving fun. Great in snow. Easy to park and great visibility. Tight turning radius. Bought December 2012. Great for 4-Wheel Down towing behind Motorhome!!

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  Frustration - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By David Sanchez - August 22 - 5:56 pm

  It has had 5 manufacturing recalls. I have had problems with the engine and shifter. The computer system messes up according to temperature.

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  Dangerous shifting lever - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John Connaughton - August 21 - 6:11 am

  Test the shifting lever which is electronic, when shifting from park to drive 90% of the time if goes to "N". When shifting from "D to "P" it will stop at "R" and if you are not careful and double check the shifter and try to turn the motor off prior to getting out the car will start moving backwards. The dealer tells me they all operate this way. I have owned many Jeep Cherokee over the years and this will be the last. Not good at all

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  Good Off Road Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Kinsan - August 21 - 4:00 am

  Bought the Liberty used. After fixing a recall which left me stranded the first week I owned it, the Jeep has provided trouble free driving over 100 miles per day in the blazing heat of the Mojave Desert. The turning radius is TOPS on any off-road vehicle I have ever driven, you can turn this thing on its own radius, can make sharper turns than my wifes Toyota Corolla. If the seats provided more support for long trips, the interior appointed with more of a well built feel and if it was not so bad on gas, I would drive it forever.

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  Great Deal - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By tom - August 20 - 11:00 pm

  I have been wanting a Wrangler for so long, took a while to find the right one for the right price. Got my 5 speed standard transmission, cruise and low miles. I love my Jeep; used to have the Cherokee, but have fallen head over heels for this Sahara. Not the greatest of fuel economy, but its the funnest vehicle I have ever driven. Rides like a Jeep, but is actually a lot smoother riding than others I have driven. I find it comfortable and very reliable with the inline six and the indestructible transmission; definitely one of the more reliable vehicles out there.

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  Best choice ive ever made - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lovemuhjeep - August 20 - 10:23 pm

  I bought my Jeep about two years ago, I had always wanted a Jeep, and had my pick of what I wanted. It was a great choice, I had a few problems right off the bat, I blame it on the dealership not the car! After I fixed those problems (normal problems that come with buying a 10 year old car) I got to enjoy my Jeep like it should be. I take care of it and it takes care of me. I feel extremely safe in my Jeep and have a lot of fun driving it! With the limited, I feel comfortable inside and love how I look while Im driving it! I couldnt ask for a better car!