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, but expensive to drive. - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dean - June 14 - 3:10 pm

  Everything is great on this vehicle. Drive it without dogging it, or beating the crap out of it everywhere you go, and it will last a long time without major repairs. The only downside is the HORRIBLE GAS MILEAGE! 15mpg if youre lucky.

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  My Third and Last Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bill Wade Sr. - June 14 - 3:00 pm

  My 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is my third jeep in thirty five years. I am in my fifties and I am an avid surf fisherman. I use my 4x4 vehicles extensively on the beach in Hatteras N.C. This vehicle has done wonderfully in the sand on Cape Point. It is one of the most comfortable SUVs Ive ever owned. Unfortunately build quality has been a disappointment. Window fell down inside of the door. I am also having a continual problems with the heat and air conditioning system. The dash has been removed twice for a faulty flapper door. Very poor design with plastic parts that break. Hard to explain to wife why no A/C during our last trip to Outer Banks. Chrome peeled off of two Jeep Rims.

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  overall - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By ANOTO - June 12 - 11:20 pm

  Wanted an suv and loved the Jeep commander as soon as I saw it. Truck drives very smooth and gas isnt as bad as people want to think it is. I am a little disappointed with the design and quality of certain aspects of this vehicle. The side of both passenger and drivers door collects a lot of rain in side and when opened does get all wet inside floor of truck. This has caused my doors to rust and creak. I just had get a new starter after only 40,000 miles. I take very good care of my truck so now sure why I need a new starter already and dealership had no idea either. They said they never have seen it before. Also my back sensors have pushed in and every time I back up it beeps no matter what

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  Its always been there for me - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LizWolf - June 12 - 2:00 am

  It never let me down since 12/00. Roominess: I easily transported 5 large dogs & 1 passenger. Easy handling: Temporarily I could only drive with one hand, it was manageable. Relative to height/width handles well in curves; turns tightly, in small areas. Breaks well – very responsive and tight. Gas mileage (use the vehicle’s weight!): 18.6/city. Highway – av. 72 mph - 24 mpg w/o AC, 22.6 mpg/w AC The cruise control leaves a lot to be desired uphill and downhill, where I saw a gain/loss of 5 mph. Both door locking devices went inoperable within 3 years. (1 under warranty, 1 a week after warranty ran out ($160 ea.)

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  A solid SUV - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave in DC - June 11 - 8:36 am

  This car is very well made. I have had it for almost 4 years and never had trouble with the car, nor has any of the trim fallen off or failed. I would keep this car a very long time if it werent for the gas mileage - not so great. I average 12mpg +/- in city driving. Thats the only negative to a great small SUV.

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  1999 Jeep Wrangler Sport 6 cylinder - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By chemboy74 - June 10 - 4:40 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 3 1/2 years now. Ive taken it all over the place, from the rugged mountains and beaches of the Lake Superior northwoods at the height of winter, to the eastern Kansas foothills. Its a blast to drive and there isnt anyplace it wont go. I started driving it less when gas started to go up, and Ive only put 3000 miles on it since January 05. You wont own a Jeep if youre concerned about ride comfort, and this one begs to be driven hard. Wear and tear has been comparable with every other car Ive driven, So, whether youre looking for a nice ride about town, or trek across some difficult terrain and dont mind high gas prices, buy a Wrangler.

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  Disappointed so far - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By TmDe5 - June 9 - 2:13 pm

  I have had my Jeep for a couple months now. I love the whole Jeep experience but I am a little disappointed with the reliability. In New England weve already had some cold mornings... had trouble starting... then the electrical didnt work until the engine heated up. I bought it from a friend so i know it wasnt beaten on, just normal commutes. Two weeks ago the power steering gearbox failed and leaked every where. Havent fixed just yet. Also a vent line fell out of the pumpkin axle and I had to crawl under and put back in... Im not too happy right now. Puts a bad name on domestic products.

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  Still love it! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By indyCalifornia - June 9 - 9:33 am

  Ive had my 07 2dr Sahara for just under two years now (just over 36k miles) and I STILL love it. I havent had any problems so far. I have a hard top and havent had any leaks whatsoever. Ive experienced "death wobble" in my previous Jeeps, but Ive gone w/o on this one so far. On the 2dr, the entry to the back seat is pretty ridiculous compared to my older models- we call it the "jungle seat" b/c tarzan would probably get in just fine, but every1 else feels outrageous. Passengers complain about comfort, but this is the comfiest Jeep Ive had yet. I receive compliments wherever I go and Ive felt completely confident each time Ive been in a tough spot (lots of snow/mud/dirt!)

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  My Jeep Review - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ble1012 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep after looking at a Ford Explorer and Expedition. Overall I really was looking for a more compact look but yet still a stylish look with lots of features and Jeep won. I love my Jeep it is a beautiful color (pewter) with Slate interior with oh yes a sunroof, it won my heart.

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  Reliable - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By kozmikgene - June 8 - 1:28 am

  I just turned over 200,000 miles and I have only changed the oil about 15 times. My Cherokee Sport still runs strong and if I had been a bit better with maintenance I believe it would easily turn 300k. If you find one of these gems dont be afraid of it if it has some miles on it you will easily see 200k. My mechanic says these engines are bullet proof, and the only reason he has seen it is for the 3 radiators it has gone through. We have recently endured a terrible snow storm that downed many trees, my Jeep got me home safe with some of the nastiest four wheel off roading it has been through!