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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  I want another Grand Cherokee! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Bart - April 16 - 11:06 am

  Around town, the Liberty rides quiet and smooth. It has good brakes and heats up quickly. Pickup is okay. On the downside, this vehicle is very thirsty. I havent been able to get better than 16mpg. With that kind of poor mileage, I should be driving a V8. The leather seats are of lesse quality, and they dont support my legs at all (Im 62"). Driving my Liberty at highway speeds does not inspire much confidence. Also, the interior glass fogs too easily.

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  LOVE THIS RIG - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Yakamom - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 19,000 miles on it and now it has 58,000 it runs better than ANY car I have ever had.

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  Dream Jeep - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By fathergoose4 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep off a lease with 36k miles. I now have over 92k with very little trouble,Only wear and tear stuff.The biggest job was I had to change front axle due to a broken cv boot. Overall it is an excellent experience and I am very happy.

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  Samis review - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sami - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!!!!!!!!!!

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  I like it! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MP - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Not sure what everyone is complaining about - I really like this SUV! We used to have a Pathfinder and that was definitely more refined inside and drove more like a car, but the Jeep is great too. It is a bit more "trucky" than the Pathfinder but it is a lot of fun and looks better in my opinion (less sporty, more classy).

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  I love my Jeep...kinda - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By scrane48084 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Its got just about every disadvantage going for it. Mediocre to poor gas mileage (especially for a vehicle this small), bumpy/bouncy ride, noisier than a motorcycle, no cargo space, not a highway car AT ALL...despite all those things..its got one huge ADVANTAGE...ITS FUN AS HELL TO DRIVE.

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  Known Transmission issue that Jeep denies exists - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zootstinsky1 - April 16 - 6:23 am

  first 3 gears shift so hard that it will snap your head back. Took to dealer 3 separate times. They all say there is no fix and that it is normal. Google this issue. You will see that a lot of 2014 jeep grand cherokee owners have this problem. It feels like the transmission is slipping in the fist 3 gears. Even the service guys at 2 dealerships admit there is a problem but no fix and Jeep says its normal. Ive been driving cars for 22 years and I travel for work and rent cars every week. This problem is like no other Ive ever experienced in any other car. The GPS with voice controls is also worthless and system also does not work with messaging and iPhones. The most popular phone!

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  made in Toledo Ohio - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Rob - April 15 - 11:13 pm

  Jeep is a great make. This is my fourth; had 94 and 96 Cherokees and a 98 Grand. My 2008 Ltd Liberty is the best. Driving position is excellent. Interior/exterior design is superb. Daily commute mpg is 19-20 mpg. Steering was a bit over-responsive at first, but I like it after 2000 miles. Get the cargo area plastic tray from Mopar; fits perfectly and it can be easily removed to shake out dirt/mulch. Braking is sure and even. Outside mirrors are overlarge - great for backing-up. Recommend the sun-roof, no problems with leaking in car washes. Sound system is best I ever owned. Get inferno-red, looks great! Transmission can be a bit growly when accelerating uphill, must be the gearing.

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  I heart my Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By mkinthecity - April 15 - 8:20 am

  With the continual climb in gasoline prices & my need for a 4WD vehicle for the wintry conditions of New England, I needed a rugged yes stylish car to get me to & fro work & play safely. After searching the market for a compact SUV, I stumbled upon the Patriot. I couldnt be happier that I did! The price was right and the design is classic Jeep through and through. The heated leather seats, moon roof, and standard Sirius Radio on the Limited Edition, it was love at first test drive! Easy to maneuver around town and in tight parking spaces, but surprisingly roomy on the inside... couldnt ask for a better combination. A definitive mix of spunk and sexy...WARNING: Cute-utes beware...

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  Liberty driven from new to 101000 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By danzjeep - April 15 - 1:26 am

  Front Drive Line problems - Speedometer fluctuates and even stalled the car - idler pulley went out - AC failed 2 times. At 101 cruise control is not working and the drive line is thumping again. Not a great car.......