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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  Drinks but it Drives - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By N Anderson - April 14 - 11:46 am

  Just recently bought a limited AWD floor-room model Liberty with chrome exterior package. I would recommend the chrome exterior/interior package as it gives the Liberty a more aggressive and athletic stance and separates yours from everyone elses. Plenty of great safety features and enough places to grab onto if you need an extra boost into the Jeep. Traded in a 2001 Ford Focus for the Liberty and amazingly the insurance costs remained the same. The 3.7L engine has very little lag, but dont expect 220 horsepower to be a comet either as the Liberty is no lightweight. Great extras I recommend are the sunroof, satellite radio, Infiniti speakers, leather seats, and rear view mirror with HomeLink

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  Transmission - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By jeep owner - April 14 - 10:00 am

  We have one of the groaning, rattly and very noisy transmission patriots. We were very happy with the jeep until we hit 45,000 km. The noise started, took jeep in several times received all sorts of different comments from the service dept. At one point we were told we would require a new tranny, but it is still road worthy. Chrysler Canada test drove and said no to transmission. Biggest problem, we turn heads when driving at slow speeds and the jeep vibrates. How can we sell a vehicle in good faith when it talks that loud? Not happy

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  Comfort without giving up Jeep nature - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By Happy in TN - April 14 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this 2011 Jeep Wrangler Sahara last week and couldnt be happier with our choice. The traditional Jeep crowd may be put off by the heated seats, navigation system with HDD audio, climate control, and power windows. For us, its a great way to give us the comfort and convenience of a luxury vehicle during the weekly commute combined with a capable off-road fun vehicle on the weekends. The family hasnt stopped smiling since our purchase.

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  2006 JEEP LIBERTY POWER WINDOWS - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Jan - April 14 - 7:03 am

  I love driving my jeep, however all my windows have torn up and the 2 back windows I cant afford to replace because they cost to much. The driver side I had fixed 3 times within 6 mos of buying the car and the passenger car i have had replaced only once so far. The interior or upholstery is terrible. Anything stains it and will not clean. If I had to do over I would not have ever bought this car because it is poorly designed and cost to much to fix the regulators. I also am surprised they havent recalled this jeep and admitted their mistake.

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  best suv out there!!!! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rad4372 - April 14 - 12:33 am

  couldnt be happier with my Grand Cherokee. Looked at Acura, M-Bs, Lexus, and Land Rover. Had a Explorer- hated it. The Jeep is the best price and performance wise hands down!!! Dont be fooled, there really is only one...

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  Dont buy this car - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jsami - April 13 - 6:10 pm

  I bought this car almost three years ago and it operated fine until four months ago. First the car developed a starting problem. I have taken the car in five times for this problem and they still have not fixed it. Then the car developed another problem this time all the cars alarms went off at the same time then the win shield washer turned on and then the transmission began to kick. Apparently according to my dealer the problem was caused by my cars radio which came with the car. Then my cars AC gave out when I took it to the dealer they kept the car for four days and said nothing was wrong. Then a few days later the AC broke down so I took it to the dealer and showed it to the manager.

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  6th Time Back to Dealer for Continued Problems! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jvesci - April 12 - 10:27 pm

  I left a review this summer only 30 days into the purchase of my 14 JGC Ltd. and reported that I was having multiple problems mainly with the U-Connect system. Im now reporting back 7 months later into owning this complete hunk of monkey crap which has now been in the Dealers shop 6X for U-Connect and other "electronic issues/failures". Chryser is so tired of hearing from me that they decided to rip out my Jeeps U-Connect and replace it with a brand new one. They told me "this would fix everything". Continued problems I am facing include HVAC malfunction, no heat, airbag failure, U-Connect black screen, seat belt malfunction, Phone, Radio, Navi malfunction, the list goes on and on and on

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  Great 4x4 - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bradley - April 12 - 6:43 pm

  I love my Jeep! It has plenty of power for such a small SUV. I have not added any custom parts but plan too. It rides and drive great. Gas mileage is not so good.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty - Enjoying the Ride - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Donna - April 11 - 9:53 pm

  I wanted a ride that was 1) economical -- darn those gas prices 2) affordable 3) a small SUV with with big SUV luxuries. Its the 2nd time I have owned a Jeep and gotten great performance.

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  Clean - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By basem - April 11 - 12:20 pm

  It is great car, and fun to drive. It is really strong, and you could rather any other cars with it. The problem that it is going too fast, so you could not feel the actual speed yor are going on, so you think you are going 20 when you are really going 50, so in the curves, you think you will roll over, and that is not something to be ashamed about your Jeep.