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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  Its a Jeep Thing! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By louise27 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive always wanted a Jeep Wrangler, so I finally bought one. This is my toy. I also drive a Grand Cherokee Limited, but Im always in the Wrangler! I LOVE IT!! Its rough riding, small, but handles well, its a great little do- anything go anywhere truck.

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  jeep liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By tanmommom - June 19 - 10:00 am

  just bought it new to me but if feels great love it only thing doesnt have sunroof next time i know my husband loves it

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  The perfect 4x4! - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chris Hull - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This truck rocks! I have owned it for 6 years and never had any problems. Performance is outstanding with the v8 and the full time Quadra-Trak is by far the best on the market. Owned a Range Rover during this same period and it was the most unreliable POS compared to the Jeep (not to mention costing much more)

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  Jeep Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Bill - June 16 - 12:40 pm

  I bought my Jeep in Dec, 08 it rides very good in bad weather conditions, but the previous owner must have went off roading with it, cause the ride was very rough, replace shocks and struts an that helped alot, it had 110,000 on it an now has 123,000 been having electrical issues as of late, this is a suv that I wouldnt hesitate to buy brand new, am looking to upgrade to a 2001 with less wear an tear! Gas mileage isnt a problem as has been reported by other buyers!

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  Nice to look at but terrible computer system - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zulk - June 12 - 3:41 am

  I fell in love with the 2014 Grand cherokee limited. Loved the style and the features included seemed like it was well put together. Sadly that was short lived. Mechanically the car has been good but the electronic head unit is a complete nightmare constantly freezes reverse camera never works heating/cooling radio anything controlled through the head unit including navigation cant be changed when it freezes until you get out of the vehicle make sure the fob is far enough from the car for the computer to reset. 5 attempts so far to fix latest is a head unit replacement we will see

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  Air conditioning - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Dawn - June 10 - 7:33 pm

  I own a 2006 Liberty which was the first new vehicle that I have purchased.I have many of the complaints some of the other owners have such as, the windows falling. Three times for me too. The seats staining are unbelievable too. My most recent complaint is the air conditioning. I was just told by my dealer that my compressor is shot. I have found no complaints or recalls related to 2006 Jeep air conditioning issues. This will be costly as my vehicle is also out of warranty like many other consumers who are faced with the same reality. What a disappointment Chrysler has been for me with this one. I plan on issuing a complaint. Maybe they will surprise me.

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  Problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Joseph - June 9 - 12:16 pm

  Like my truck but now I hit 50K miles on my 06 Commander and here come the problems. It is all electrical. It will shut off all dash lights make a lot pop and come back on. took it to the dealership and they cant find anything wrong. Then the way home from the dealership it happens twice. But the dealership said everything is fine... Yeah right!

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  ONE TUFF JEEP - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By ONE TUFF JEEP - June 8 - 6:36 pm

  Ive owned my jeep for about 8 years. Ive had no major problems to deal with since. Ive got mine hooked-up for off-road(4" lift w/32s and some bolt-on engine mods) its literally a beast on wheels. I can get through anything I want. I pass 50k$ SUVs going up the slickest of roads on my ski trips. I highly recommend to any one looking for an affordable off road vehicle. Gas-mileage stinks--- 13mpg combined, but its been very good to me, plus its paid off...

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  No Longer a Jeep Fan - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By No longer a Jeep fan - June 7 - 3:56 am

  This purchase was our fourth Jeep. The first three were about perfect, and this Jeep has cured me from ever buying another. The car needed to be painted five times and had to be done by area that failed as opposed to painting the whole car at once. The computers have been unreliable, the radio failed, three of the four window actuators have failed, the condenser and evaporator and vent doors have failed, and it had fuel tank issues. The engine and tranny are good but the rest of the car falls apart around it. Nice comfortable ride but you always know its never for long. Oh, and the car leaks like a sieve when it rains. Im headed out to buy an Acura next. Good Heavens!

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  Love it! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Laura - May 31 - 3:36 pm

  I have the stripped down version; no A/C, no power anything, manual transmission. However, 3.7liter V6, is great. I have no engine or transmission problems at all. Gas mileage could be a bit higher, but ... its a Jeep which also accounts for a bit of a bumpy ride. Unlike other small SUVs this one can go off roading a little better and I feel safer to get back home ... its a Jeep. One problem I had is the back window will not open sometimes. Since I do not have power anything, the only way to get it open is with the key on the handle. It stuck on me several times, intermittent though. Kids fit great in the back seat, plus I can haul stuff too. Overall, great vehicle for the price.