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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  Is this really legal? - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By georgiadog69 - April 19 - 4:10 am

  I just bought a 2012 Unlimited Rubicon. So far, I love it. Dont get hung up on the reviews. Its a Jeep. It should be no surprise that it doesnt ride or perform like a luxury sedan. One thing buyers should be cautioned about though is that Jeeps do not come with an owners manual. Is it just me, or is it absolutely absurd that a $40,000 vehicle, or any vehicle for that matter would not come with an owners manual. If you want one you have to buy one from the Jeep website for $50.00! How can that possibly be legal? At a minimum it is pathetically cheap. Jeep is cheap!

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  Love the look but it has its problems. - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rodrick gunn - April 18 - 7:36 pm

  I have to say I love the look of this Jeep. It has class and its sporty. I love the way it drives. Its smooth and I get about 23mpg on the highway but in the city it only gets about 13.5mpg so that could use some improvement. What I dont like is when I come to a stop the transmission down shifts very hard and its just annoying. Ive only had it for about 2 months and I like except for that small problem. I really wish they would have kept the old transmission instead of going with a stupid Mercedes transmission because I dont like the feel of it. I havent had other problems with it but then again I have the 100,000 mile warranty and my Jeep only has 23,000 on it so that will work.

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  quick - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TPC - April 17 - 1:53 pm

  noisy while accelerating, wierd shift patterns while passing, fun,fast all terrain

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  Better ride - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Marilyn - April 17 - 1:46 pm

  This my 4th Jeep Grand Cherokee. I find the ride much smoother. The steering appears to be easier to handle. I think the back seat leg room should be widened by moving the back seats back so that a taller person has more leg room, especially if front seats are moved back. Glad to see the emergency brakes are now on drivers side instead of passenger side. Overall I am happier with this 2006 than my 2002 Jeep, hope I still feel this way by this time next year.

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  2006 Jeep Liberty Windows - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By jaime513 - April 17 - 6:50 am

  I have had the SAME problems with my windows sliding down into my doors. Ive had the problem fixed, and it still keeps happening. Right now, I have duct tape holding them up because I refuse to keep paying to have the problem fixed. All of us need to make complaints to the NHSTA - I think thats the only way Chrysler will do something about this, and recall the window regulators. Also, is anyone having A/C problems with their Liberty? Mine stopped blowing cold air and Im praying this isnt the compressor. I cant afford another fix on this car.

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  Goes the distance - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By jsb - April 17 - 2:00 am

  My Cherokee has 181,000 miles on it and has been one of the very best vehicles I have ever owned. Besides regular oil changes and tires it has had 3 front brake jobs, 1 rear brake job, replaced the airconditioning condensor and radiator, 2 exhaust systems, 1 set of front axel universal joints and a couple of batteries. You couldnt ask for better. It handles great, is just super in bad weather with the 4WD and has never let me down.

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  The Brute - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Clarkecars - April 16 - 1:00 pm

  I bought my 4WD Cherokee for one reason, no other small or midsize SUV at the time or now had the reputation and ability to pull my 23 ft saltwater walk-around fishing boat and tandem axle trailer. After 6 plus years of yeoman like duty, hauling that boat on trips as long as 1100 miles. Ive replaced the radiator, water pump and a u-joint in 150K miles. Its amusing to slip into 4Wheel High on a wet boat ramp and walk up the ramp while larger pickups and SUVs spin their tires hooked to smaller boats. I wish they still made them and because I dont I wont be getting rid of mine anytime soon. Its a little Brute!

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  Jeep rocks - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By scott wilson - April 15 - 1:13 pm

  Bought in 98; it has been a solid vehicle. I had 200,000 miles on the original engine.

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  2007 Jeep JK Wrangler Rescue Green - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By skenjr - April 14 - 4:17 am

  I purchased my 07 Jeep JK Wrangler new. It came with a soft top. After 5 years and 105k miles, Ive had relatively few problems. Overall, Ive been very pleased. Its fun to drive, still looks great, & holds its value. My few issues are summarized below: 1.) The highway noise is extreme. To the point, that I cant talk to people in the jeep with me. Its a soft top, so I guess thats expected, and I dont drive on the highway that often. 2.) The soft top leaked above the drivers side door. I took it in and the dealer fixed it. They said the plastic harness warps in the Missouri extreme weather...so they replaced it. 3.) At 100k, its starting to burn oil. No smoke, no leak.

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  Work Horse - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeepfan67 - April 13 - 3:46 am

  This is the 5th Cherokee Ive had. I pulled this one out of a swamp, 3 feet of muddy water, left there for about 6 months. Had about 5 gallons of water in the engine. Engine was stuck. Unstuck the motor with PB Blaster and patience, replaced ALL the relays, alternator, starter, radiator, numerous other stuff. Runs like a champ now. No smoke, no knocks, very powerful and spiffy, the way they should be. Only problem now seems to be the speed sensor, its not shifting down properly and check engine light is on. Will fix this week. Oh, btw, the AC is ICE cold!