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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  Great vehicle with some exceptions... - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jmh - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I am the orginal owner of my Jeep and after 150,000 miles it still looks and runs wonderful. The interior has generally held up but it rattles more than Id like it to, but this vehicle is 10 years old so its expected. Ive replaced the water pump, radiator and catalytic converter and had the trasnmission rebuilt at about 100k. These problems are typical over the years, however, the brakes have always been a nightmare. Other than that, I love this vehicle and plan to keep it for many years to come.

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  Solid Wrangler - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeep00 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The 2000 6 cyl version has the 190hp (before this was 180hp) engine which has good acceleration and excellent torque. This yr. also allows you to turn off the pass. side airbag. Overall, good engine reliability. Ave. mileage is 18 mpg. Had it back to the dealership 3X for a water leak which dripped down in the driver side area near the pedals. Still not fixed...

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  jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By micscubby - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I think it is a very reliable jeep. The 6 cyl.4.0l engine has enough horsepower and love the 4 wd in wis

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim - May 14 - 3:43 pm

  This is my first Jeep, and now I finally know what Jeep owners have been raving about all these years. What a great truck, from the sharp looks to the fun of driving it. Great on the highway, Ive gotten up to 23 mpg on long trips ( I have the 4.7 V8 ). I dont do nearly as ggod around town, 13- 15 mpg. All on 87 octane. Comfortable on the inside. I live in the northeast and get snow in the winter and this thing is terrific in the snow. Overall a great vehicle. Biggest drawback is the poor gas mileage, but thats the trade-off. Great truck for bad gas mileage.

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  awesome - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By JustinKN - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It is my 4th vehicle, and easily the best. Its not the most expensive but its the newest and has the best feature content and performance of all the rest. The only problems Ive had were an old worn radiator hose that had to be replaced ($8 big whoop), and a tire that fell apart. Not the Cherokees fault. Worn Uniroyal tires...It has brand new Michelins now. Big improvement.

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  Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Crystal - May 13 - 8:53 pm

  I love my Jeep Liberty although it sucks gas at a time when gas is outrageous. I wish it had a left foot rest and that the power windows were on the door but I love the comfort and maneuverability of the Liberty.

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  good car - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By crodog - May 11 - 10:00 am

  excellent vehicle - 6 cyl is a proven block and runs forever with proper care

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  Nice, but could be better - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Ja - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I like Liberty, but I had a lot problems with it in the beginning. Recalls were becoming common. I am concerned about some of the electrical features. My in-dash CD player malfunctions frequently. To be fair, most of the problems I had were escalated by the service I received, not the vehicle. The Liberty has great visibility & handles well. It has just enough power. Controls & functions are easily accessible. But, the gas - WHEW - you have to have a second job just to keep the tank filled. In addition, the miles add up extremely quick - there is no way I have driven as far as the car indicates.

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  Overall very good, despite some problems - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By DR Wilson - May 11 - 8:53 am

  We are very happy with our Patriot, overall. Have had a few problems, such as manual trans synchros (recall) as it was grinding while shifting gears. This was done before the first oil change- 2000 Miles! Otherwise, a great vehicle; great fuel economy, comfortable, peppy for a 2.4l. Also had check engine light on, dealer replaced the O2 sensor and has a rad leak when very cold; will take it in for a new rad next week. The windows are narrow, leaving for blind spots. Overall good quality for the price; small problems easily fixed under warranty. For the record, I am a Journeyman mechanic of 20+ years & a former automotive instructor at a technical school so my technical knowledge is strong.

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  Fun fun fun! - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Purebred - May 11 - 2:00 am

  My jeep is the first and have not looked back. I have enjoyed everything about it and more.