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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  Very Hppay with New Jeep - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TCB-2 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Jeep (previosuly had had two Rodeos that were okay). Especially enjoy the leather seats and 10-CD changer. We drove from Okla to LA in December and the drive was great and gas mileage 19 to 20, which was as good as the Rodeos. Had to have a rear-end leak checked in late January, but the dealer fixed the problem immediately. Already have 6,000 miles and couldnt be happier.

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  Amazing in every way!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By colorado1974 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  The build quality rivals that of Acura. The looks are better than the rest, plus I had it through 3 feet of water and not one drop leaked inside. I get 23 mpg on the highway at 70mph and really couldnt be happier. No wonder this was the number one seller last year.

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  Only in a Jeep - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By AndersonMichael - February 7 - 11:40 am

  I bought this Jeep after driving a Mercury Grand Marquis for several years, at 28 years old i knew it was time to start living some. I saw my future Jeep advertised by standing on top of a rock. Once i figured out how to remove the soft top and doors i was amazed at how fun it was to cruise in the summer with such freedom. The Jeep has been extremely reliable through all harsh conditions. There is a certain toughness that goes along with a Wrangler. I added off-road tires and fog lights. THe 2.5 litre has 125K on it and is still going strong. A Jeep isnt for everyone and the ride is pretty rough, also the soft top makes for a pretty noisy ride however i enjoy it overall.

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  Best Year - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dale - February 7 - 4:47 am

  The style and reliability are the best in the market. You must get the 4.0 and you should get 500 Thousand miles plus. The real reason they quit making the 4.0 was it will not die..Updated 12/16. Still driving it. Will not die so I put New Tires on it and probably couldnt get a New one this reliable.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lynn - February 6 - 4:26 pm

  Ive had my Jeep for over two years now and have had no problems. Im so impressed with Jeep. Reliability is a must for me and this has been an excellent vehicle for this military single parent. Im a Jeeper for life!

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  Excellent value - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By luke wilson - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a great experience - this is my third jeep, and Ill get another after this one.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By patriotAZ - February 5 - 4:40 am

  Ive been driving the Patriot for 3 months and 5000 miles and so far have been very pleased. Gas mileage is around 25 mpg combined which is amazing compared to the 16 mpg I was previously getting from an old pathfinder. Very good vehicle for the price. There are a few areas for Chrysler to improve this car but for a vehicle that has only been on the market for a couple years, its fantastic. Would recommend to anyone who wants an affordable SUV that is fun to drive good on gas.

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  Jeep Liberty CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By John - February 3 - 4:50 pm

  Ive only got 1000 miles on my CRD but know its very solid and rattle free. I also love the ride -- firm; feels more like a Lexus 300 to me. I had an Escape and it was "tinny" by comparison. The Liberty quality is much better than the Escape. Turning radius is unbelievable! My diesel mileage to and from work (mixed highway and town) is 23 mpg. Looking forward to road trip this month.

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  Love My Overland - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By BillF - February 2 - 6:16 pm

  I traded my 2006 Commander Ltd (HEMI) in for the 2008 Overland HEMI. It has all the bells and whistles so I dont see myself trading it in after 2 years like I always do. Got it with backseat TV. Ive driven from NY to VA twice since August. I find that the gas mileage is close to the 4.0 and 4.7 engines that Ive previously owned (Grand Cherokee). I arrive at the Maryland House (I95) with an 1/8 of a tank. Driving in the city and Long Island I do use more gas. Im comfortable while driving. The only problem I had was an inefficient catalytic converter which my dealer replaced and no problems since.

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  Best auto I have ever owned! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By old_marine - February 2 - 4:54 pm

  We leased this car in 1997, drove it till the lease was up then purchased it in 2001. Without a doubt the most reliable car I ever owned. It now has 387,000 miles and running strong. The only things I have had to do to it was the AC compressor which died around 360K, and the muffler/plumbing. Crankcase sensor, had to replace it 3 times, but not for 3 years now. An idiot (last cc sensor failure) convinced me I needed a valve job, so OK, 270K, go ahead. He called me to come look at something. I went, he showed me the clyinders, and you could still see the original cross hatching, and no ridges! AMAZING, that 4.0! PLESE bring it back with the 4.0 and Ill buy till I die!