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:

• 

  Good looking jeep, Exc. design & perform - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bas - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Exc. design & performance

• 

  Almost a year later... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Willie - April 29 - 7:36 am

  After almost a year of owning this Jeep, I an still really happy with it. The ride with the all terrain tires is good once vehicle is broken in. Forward and rearward visibility is good, with the exception of the D pillar on the passenger side. Seat comfort up front is good, plenty of cargo space...even though less than its competitors. Like the washable cargo tray, good for when camping or doing other things. Base 6 speaker stereo is good with great bass. Have almost 14,000 miles on it and no major mechanical problems, just oil changes and tire rotations. Handles great in turns and stays planted on the ground. Brakes are excellent. You can really see and feel Mercedes-Benz in this Jeep.

• 

  Grand Cherokee Hemi - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By garsarno - April 28 - 9:06 pm

  The Hemi engine option is the way to go. The power is smooth along with the ride. The ride is very car-like and the end of the year deals made it a great buy. It is slightly lower and less roomy than our 2004 Mountaineer but the redesign in 2005 improved the Jeep. Handles well, gas mileage down but that is because I like the exhaust sound and the ability to go with it being new and not broken in yet (only 300 miles on the odometer). The navigation system and Sirius radio helps along with the standard remote start system makes this SUV a standout. Drive the 4.7 V8 first and then drive the Hemi - you will be sold.

• 

  4th Wrangler - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepsrfun - April 27 - 12:58 am

  Just picked up my 4th Wrangler over the past 10 years. I keep thinking Id prefer a car, but the Wrangler keeps calling me back. By far the most comfortable one yet. My previous editions were all Saharas, but decided I wanted a different look. LOVE the Sport model, looks "tougher." Got it with Auto, Satellite, Infiniti stereo (highly recommend if youre keeping stock stereo in car), tinted windows and supplemental side airbags. New models soft top is different, no side drip rails, interior is much more quiet. Better interior materials than 2009, comfy arm rests. Seats are more cushy and supportive. Happy to be back in Wrangler, makes me smile when I do "Jeep Wave" w/fellow Wrangler owners.

• 

  power windows stink - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By TerryP - April 26 - 11:36 am

  I actually love our jeep liberty diesel, except for one stupid design flaw--the power windows that constantly fail. Chrysler should be ashamed of themselves given that it is clear this problem has been present for years. The problem is they havent fixed the problem, even with replacement parts--I had all four regulators replaced, and now (after warranty) another has failed.

• 

  Impressed - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepinkansas - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Have had very few problems in the past 1000 miles of ownership. Better than an RX300 by far. They have a "ghost bump" in the driveshaft in this year but that has been rectified through a Tech Bulletin I will have done as well as many of the other complaints here. Do your homework and your problems will be fixed. Mine a 10/98 build and beside the ghost bump and a leaky rear hatch window I have NO problems. Dealer himself replaced a bad window regulator also. Just like everything else theres good ones and bad ones.

• 

  Good Off-Road - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By pgardner - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Good off-road performer. My 6 cyls gas mileage has been 15mpg off-road(4- Low), 17mpg city, and as high as 21mpg highway. For more ground clearance, Im running 33x10.5x15 BFG MT/KMs on the stock 15x7 wheels, had to do a 2" spring spacer lift to fit.

• 

  A great friend - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Joe - April 22 - 2:10 pm

  I am retiring my 99 Jeep Cherokee Classic. I love this vehicle!! It still looks great after two wrecks and a 150,000 miles. I plan on having a little work done on it and then putting it in storage until my son turns 18 (18 years from now). It will be a hell of a gift for him - this is truly a classic vehicle and, in a way, I wish Jeep would bring the XJ style back but in another way I love the fact that I have one and they are not as easy to get anymore.

• 

  "Nice Jeep!" - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ramses - April 20 - 8:43 pm

  I knew this Jeep was on the way for a couple of years from reading the magazines. I was finally able to get the one I wanted on Dec. 15th, 2006. Great vehicle! Always wanted a Wrangler but they where only 2 doors and the ride was harsh. This one is perfect, except for gas mileage. Ive got the red rock pearl with soft top (Sunrider). It rode great in the snow and now I have sunburn from having the top down. Do a search on the net for aftermarket stuff and youll be blown away by everything that is available! If your riding around New York City and see a 4 door red rock X with the top down and a red faced man in it say hey!

• 

  roll-backs - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By southmax - April 20 - 12:50 pm

  I thought i loved the jeep compass, until i came to an incline, the truck goes backward instead of forward. Has anyone else had this problem with the 08 COMPASS? Other than the roll back, it seems to be a great little car. I reported the problem to Chryslers headquarter, they had the car picked up about 20 minutes after i called.I am waiting to hear from them.