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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  2006-sk.canada - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By lungee - December 20 - 12:33 pm

  Owned my 2006 since jan 07 changed airbag module/anti-slip module, 4 wheel bearings@65,000 kilometers rear pinion seal, rebuilt rear end 125,000 km, exhaust manifolds gaskets, stereo- cd quit playing, wiring harness for Windows had to be repaired and not just replaced (electrical tape), third row seat needs part and not covered under warranty because it is an option also my heated side mirrors wiring problem not covered under warranty (option) replaced muffler with dynamax little bit louder but nice (wife not too pleased) instrument panel replaced-no lighting up, have 160,000 kilometers on this (majority highway) will be looking to replace Jeep shortly (Tahoe), no help from Chrysler when asking them questions,

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  Good Ride - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Steve Hansen - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Liberty in Nov 2001 and I use it for business travel. I currently have 78000 miles and have had not one problem with the vehicle. I do most of my own maintainence and it still rolls on down the road. Great Jeep!

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  ---------- - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By hoy13 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Goes over just about anything. Noisy on interstate.

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  My trusted Jeep - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Will - December 18 - 5:40 pm

  I love my Jeep. Yeah Ive had some normal problems with a car that now has 155,000 miles on it like replace radiator, starter, window motor, and a couple of other things, but thats normal. Parts are really cheap for it and the car is easy to work on. The inline 6 cylinder is virtually bullet proof.

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  Fun vehicle, but frustrated sometimes - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By jeep18 - December 16 - 6:10 pm

  Im a big fan of the Jeep brand, especially Liberty and Wrangler. This is my first Jeep and Im considering buying a Wrangler in the future. What I like about this car is its exterior design, sleek, bold, and different. Its a SUV 4WD but it doesnt look heavy or clumsy. The overall performance is good, but start to have some mysterious rattling sound recently. However, its power window system is a disaster. The regulator for the same window has broken five times and now the door is falling apart.

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  One of the Best - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kitou - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck in 1999 with 45000 miles on it, the only problems I had not counting regular maintenance were a defective crankshaft positioning sensor, a/c gave up at 80000 miles, temp unit not calibrated and a bit of rust but for the most part, thids vehicule as been very reliable, never let me down, did the jeep jamboree this year and went on a level 5 course and believe me i was impressed !!!. stock truck just 30" tires.... I would recommend this jeep to anyone except for the fuel comsumption.... but hey!!, cannot have it all. Jeep Fan.

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  awesome vehicle - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By manollo3 - December 16 - 10:00 am

  After many years I finally bought me the 4.0L, straight 6 cylinder about 2 month ago as a first car. After having sports cars and sedans all the time it was time to have some fun as long as there is no family. Guess I will keep this vehicle as long as possible as it is so much fun and no comparison to our SUVs. Even on long distances (Dallas- Miami) it is a lot of fun and the seat are very supportive.

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  My first Jeep... - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gemini751 - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Prior to my Jeep I had a Geo Tracker... a bit cheaper with alot of options... but after many years of wanting a Jeep, finally a year ago, I was able to purchase a 2000 Jeep Sport, and its been awesome. I love its solid feel, and how it drives like a truck. Its a Jeep, its not going to have alot of pickup, but as mentioned in many of these reviews the gas mileage could be better. Overall... Im extremely happy with my Jeep... and can see myself driving one for a long time!

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  Great Ride - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Paully - December 16 - 10:00 am

  As far as SUV is concerned, the new Jeep Liberty has one of the best rides available today. The ride is supple and soft and it shruggs off road bumps with ease. The over all build quality is impressive. Quite unusaul when we are talking about an American made SUV. Attention to details are nice and over all interior design and exterior design are first rate. Well see how it will hold up in the long term. The engine is powerful and it has a nice growl to it.

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  Ball joints - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By jt - December 15 - 11:23 am

  At the mechanic right now. They say the ball joints have play. The stabilizer was loose, makes rattle noise on bumps. $250 repair bill, only two years old and 45k miles.