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 love my Jeep but there are a few character flaws - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By drivenlp - August 20 - 7:14 am

  I actually built my Liberty up with a 3 inch lift kit, skid plates etc. and I believe it improved the exterior stance of the vehicle. Jeeps can get through anything (with the right tires, I highly recommend the BFGoodrich All Terrains) The interior is comfortable and there is A LOT of neat storage spaces, fold flat seats including the passenger seat. I have not had one mechanical problem. Very tight turning radius. What I dont like: I bought the skyslider and it is awesome for going to the beach etc, but it leaks water into my headliner which is now stained and starting to smell. Also this causes quite a bit of wind noise. I believe they fixed in 2009 a bit.

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  "Is not for you"! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By rmazzio - August 20 - 3:03 am

  This is my third wrangler and my fourth jeep vehicle and ive had no problems with any of them..If you get hung up about getting dirt,dog hair,lots of water,beach sand, or dirty kids than this vehicle is not for you.The ride is rough -deal with it!You can count on one hand the things you can do with other vehicles as opposed to a jeep wrangler-stop crying and go buy a honda.

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  great ride - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By nick m - August 20 - 2:04 am

  Super dependable fun

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  Great Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By hsowle - August 19 - 9:23 pm

  Amazing Jeep. I have had it for 2 years and have had no mechanical problems, with the exception of a faulty check engine light. I take it off roading and it handles like a dream in snow and rain. There is limited head room, but the front seats are exceptionally comfy (especially with the seat heaters). Not great gas mileage, but you dont buy an SUV expecting great mileage. I would highly recommend this Jeep to anyone who wants a reliable workhorse of a vehicle. By far the most reliable and versatile vehicle that Jeep has ever come out with. I wish theyd bring them back!

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  Get Home Safe - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By Michael J - August 19 - 10:16 am

  I bought this vehicle in January of this year, it wasnt my first choice but it was the right choice. I went back and forth of this vehicle because I do a lot of driving and the fuel economy wasnt great I have driven Subarus prior to my Jeep because they blend fuel economy with AWD safety, but a month after I bought the Jeep me and a few friends went up to the mountains on a ski trip for the weekend and got caught in a pretty bad blizzard with more then a foot of snow on the ground already cars were starting to pull to the side of the road or rather getting stuck on the way to the side of the road. My Jeep plowed through the snow with little effort. I am a Jeep owner for life now

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  first new car - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By kristy - August 19 - 3:33 am

  Went from Avalanche to Patriot, nice, comfortable, caught my eye once I realized I wanted some toys over size. It is easy to drive, awesome stereo, way better than expected. A little road noisy accelerating, but once to speed, quiets down to normal. Turning radius is pretty good, havent tried everything yet. Very happy with my choice, as I was shopping for a Liberty. Definitely worth considering for new family, not intended for real tall people however, there is sufficient head room

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  Skyslide Help - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Scott Garmon - August 18 - 10:43 am

  I bought this truck for long business travel and the awesome skyslide top. I love my Jeep. However, the wind noise is unbearable. It now "whistles" at 20mph. If your looking to buy wait for the next generation of the Skyslide roof. I love Jeep and would love to see this fixed soon.

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  Liberty Sport - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Liberty Sport - August 18 - 3:46 am

  Bought Liberty for my wife. Has been great and fun to drive. She Loves it. V6 got good get up and go. Havent had to use 4x4 yet. Waiting for it to snow. :) We pull our boat without a problem. Has a noise from one of the back seats but other than that good SUV. Gas could be better but not gonna gripe.

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  One Month Old - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dclawyer1 - August 17 - 1:06 pm

  I bought a 2011 Grand Cherokee one month ago. I have the V8 - Overland Edition, Black, w/ Saddlle/Black interior. So far no problems. The V8 has lots fo power and tourque. Interior in comfortable, no issues. Having traded in my Lexus ES 350 for this vehicle, I miss a few minor things. The NAV doesnt automatically change from day to night lighting and it takes three steps on the menu to change it. A bit of a pain and at night its definately too bright. Also, the keyless unlock often taken a few seconds to unblock. My Lexus unlocked any door instantly. On the Jeep it onlu unlocked the driver door and I usually havew to hold my hand their for 3 seconds or so before it unlock

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  Take it back - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mayguire - August 17 - 12:20 pm

  This is my third Jeep but my second lease. This one has fallen short right out the gate. I bought my Jeep in February. The issue is when I tried to put the vehicle in reverse or any other gear, it would snap back into park. I would have to turn the vehicle off and on again at which time it would work but my engine light would remain on. First they said it was a faulty shifter module and replaced it within 2 hrs. One week later, back in, this time they said it is an issue with a transmission part. Two days in the shop. Two weeks later its in again...now it has been in for 2 weeks come this Wednesday and they are replacing the entire transmission. Eventually.