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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  Misled - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Derek - May 28 - 4:23 am

  2006 WK not with 60,000 miles. Besides the hard seats poor MPGs and electrical gremlins. My door hinges on the front doors are failing and are hitting the front fenders. There are only 2 bolts that hold the hinges on and they has tons of slack. The cost to fix the problem either $400 for new hinges or $1,000 to have new ones installed and to have the doors rehung. Engineering and build quality is pitiful. I will be trading in this piece of junk ASAP for something foreign. BTW I am a jeep fan with an old wagoneer that is absolutely bulletproof.

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  First Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By James G - May 27 - 1:10 pm

  Smooth is the operative word when describing this vehicle. The suspension dampens imperfections in the road well, and the rack and pinion steering provides a solid and responsive road feel. The all-wheel drive grabs pavement with gusto and on tight roads this SUV is very nimble with minimal body roll. The Grand Cherokees seats are firm and supportive, and the two-tone perforated leather looks quite contemporary. Wood trim on the center console and door panels is very upscale.

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  Repeat Liberty buyer - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Gerry - May 26 - 8:46 pm

  I bought my 2005 Liberty in Dec.2004 to replace my 2002 Liberty. I did not expect to do this since I had bought the 2002 as a compromise vehicle because my Audi could not navigate a rough trail to a cabin in New Hampshire due to low ground clearance. To my surprise, I got to like the Liberty (although not its thirsty habits) and once the brakes and tires were upgraded in the 2005, I could not resist renewing the experience. The lights are much better in the 2005 also. Some say the cargo volume is small. However, I got a full dresser, nightstand, mirror and various other bedroom items inside the Jeep with all doors and windows closed and put the two headboards on the roof. No problem!

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  Great car if it were reliable - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By diesel guy - May 26 - 4:10 pm

  We have owned several diesel cars and had hoped this car would perform as the others. It has a lot of nice features. My wife loves the heated seats and the 6 cd changer in the dash but the cup holders are awkward. Our trouble is with the engine reliability: Turbo boost hose, EGR valve and the numerous recalls. The transmission is now making noise and popping out the dip stick. The sevice engine light is always on. Im thinking of trading it for a VW

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  bad cyclinder heads - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By al - May 26 - 10:40 am

  At 14000 miles 3.7L needed new cyclinder heads due to use of regular gas. From 2006 forward Jeep decided you need to use higher grade (more expensive) gas! How could all the geniuses at the Billion Dollar design center not know they designed an engine that needed Hi-Test Gas?

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  FYI all 2007 jeep owners... - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By fafe013 - May 26 - 10:14 am

  We all know the problems with the windows are terrible. Luckily I recently received a letter in the mail saying the windows will be warrantied for 7 years from the break date! YAY, I got all my money back from the 7 times my 07 jeep liberty has broken. I hate this car so much. It is a nightmare. Water stains the seats, they hold absolutely no value what so ever. NEVER BUY A JEEP! The gas will also break your wallet, I am lucky if I get 5 miles to the gallon. No joke, I work 7 miles from my house and it costs me 10$ a day there and back! AHHH

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  Trouble, Stay Away! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By mottea97 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car until it started to leak from the rear dome light. No one at Chrysler can seem to figure out why. It has been to the Dealer 5 time and the leak still occurs, not to mention the horrid brake scream that has been cleaned 3 times and returns. Great on space, Seats need work and form fitting for comfort. The 2.4L engine is way underpowered for moving a vehicle like that. Sometimes you have to pray that the car will make it passing and not end up in an accident.

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  Red, Racy but Rough on the MPG - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By D Cowan - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Reasonable cost to buy and maintain, but mpg is only 12.5 avg. spirited driving in town traffic. With care, can get 23 hwy. Visibility is great.

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  Great car so far - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DINLONG - May 26 - 10:00 am

  My 06 HEMI now has just over 90k on it. Has had no real issues. My only complaint about the car would be the awful Goodyear tires Jeep decided to use. I recently swapped them out for Firestone Destination ATs - what a difference! I also installed Bilstein shocks and SRT front and rear sway bars. This Jeep will go through anything now, and is very controlled and comfortable doing it. People complain about gas mileage on the HEMIs - are you kidding me? Coming from a F150 with the 5.4 I am completely happy. The Jeep weighs about the same, has way more power, and is way more fun to drive, yet I get about 5 more MPG - what is there to complain about?

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  I love it! - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepLady - May 26 - 10:00 am

  They did a wonderful job redesigning the interior! I love the style. Also it is so much more comfortable to drive then my 2003! I would recommend this Wrangler to anyone whose interested. I have a soft top, and its not cold and noisy as people said it would be! Everyone should join part of the legacy and buy an American made Jeep!