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:

• 

  Loving it less.... - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Libby - October 11 - 12:40 pm

  The Jeep has been a great vehicle. Its easy to drive, easy to park, easy to see out of, and easy to get in and out of. Plenty of storage and travels well. If you want a plush ride, might not be for you, as its a real jeep. Not a disguised mini van. Its been rock solid except for the window issues. Trail rated perhaps should be turned to Tear rated. I love my Jeep, but I am really getting tired of having the windows repaired. It goes in tuesday for window repair #5. After owning a Wrangler, two Cherokees and this, this Liberty will likely be my last Jeep as the window issues are souring the whole experience. Would give 9s on build and reliability if not for the windows.

• 

  Good, But Not Great - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Samuel - October 10 - 9:03 pm

  Our 2008 Liberty Limited is our second Liberty. We traded in a 2003 Liberty Sport that we drove for 5 years and 50,000 miles without a single problem. We wanted a fully loaded Liberty and the end of year rebates plus lifetime powertrain warranty were too tempting to resist. The 2008 feels a little more "grownup" than our 03 and although it has the same engine does not feel as quick. The mileage, never particularly good on our 03, is even worse on the 08. It has been to the shop for minor things such as a 4WD warning light that wouldnt go off, a defective bow that caused a wind leak on the Skyslider top, and a hood prop rod that came off in my hand.

• 

  1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 6 cylinder - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matt - October 10 - 2:03 pm

  Bought the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4 1/2 years ago, just traded in with 206000 miles. Overall, I was pleased with the Jeeps performance. The inline 6 cylinder, 4.0 liter engine is indestructible. Experienced slipping with the transmission, but such problems are to be expected with high mileage vehicles.

• 

  Nice Presentation, short on performance - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By Buddy Cote - October 10 - 1:30 pm

  I rented a Jeep Commander V-8 for a long weekend of 800+ miles of driving my daughter home from college. If you like the classic Jeep look on outside its appealing, but performance overall leaves much to be desired. 20 MPG highway is acceptable, but 15 city isnt, even for a V8 SUV. Interior has nice storage compartments, but seating is subpar, unsupportive, and DEADLY on long drives. Sight lines and visibility are however an asset.

• 

  A Comfortable SUV - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Nathan B. - October 10 - 6:50 am

  Overall, I have greatly enjoyed my 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee. There are a few annoyances, but it has been fairly reliable and it is extremely comfortable.

• 

  Jeep Liberty 4wd w/ sunroof - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By hbtexan - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I just crossed 1000 miles w/ my Liberty. This is my 3rd Jeep (previous Jeeps were 95 Wrangler then 98 Cherokee). My overall impression is a LOT of thought went into this vehicle. We bought it because it looked to be a good combination of car (ease of driving, safety, sportiness) and SUV (carrying capacity, ruggedness, ability to do some light towing). I think they really pulled it off. I have been very impressed with the quality of materials. So far it seems well built for the money. I put a 100k on my Cherokee and look forward to doing the same w/ the Liberty!

• 

  Happy in My Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Zernitsky - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Enjoy it - confident in its track record - love its performance that Jeep has lived up to for years Confident on & off road Im 53 Outdoor adventurer Outdoor photographer, Hiker, biker Kayaker, xcountry skier I own a horse & have a dog my Jeep meets all my needs! Everything fits in a Jeep - Its durable & yet very stylish - comfortable in the mtns beach or the city - Handles well & gives me the confidence to go exploring in all kinds of terrain & weather

• 

  My first Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By sonsofpar - October 9 - 7:16 am

  Very comfortable to drive and on long trips. Nice styling and features, I thoroughly enjoy driving it. I have mixed city/highway driving and am averaging 20MPG- above estimates. Really nice stereo on my sahara unlimited version. Storage is good. I have a family of 5 with one in a child seat. We can all fit and have room in the back for our gear. On the negative- I have the hard tops and they leak, 4 trips to the dealership for the water doctor and they cant get it straight- 28K is too much for a vehicle that drips water on you . Starter sticks and blinckers will sometimes not disengage. Only 5k and lots of squeeks and rattles. Brakes squeak loudly

• 

  1999 Lemon Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Erik - October 9 - 4:53 am

  Poorly built Jeep. Had to bring to dealer over 12 times in past 3 years for numerous problems or recalls. Major problems with rear differential.

• 

  Patriotic about Patriot - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By bruncrazy1 - October 8 - 12:46 pm

  I just bought this vehicle with the 2.0 4 Cyl. and so my mileage is 32-34 highway, a drastic improvement from my 2002 Ford E150 Conversion van. Great headroom and interior space plus high safety marks made my decision between a Acion, Chevy HHR, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Jepp Compass. A real blast to drive and very comfy. I was impressed with features with a cheaper price than the Chevy HHR and a ton mor room, including headroom. I folded down the seats and carried two end tables, two 25" t.v. sets, and a small dresser.Good cargo space with seats down. Sun roof and Sirius/XM radio add to joy and the nine speaker system is plenty loud and clear.Lot of little extras make this the winner for me.