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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  My Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ram1681 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Great Suspension. Fun to Drive. A real eye catcher

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  With TLC and will last 200Kmi - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 5SPZJ4x4 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this 93 ZJ Jeep as well as an 88 XJ. Both really have given me good service. ZJ handles and rides more confidently than the XJ(as well as Explorer, Blazer,..others in its class). At 150K have had some high maintenance bills but due to neglect of poor upkeep by prev. owners not the product itself. Happy w/ my 5-SPEED ZJ (1 of apprx. 1400)...just ashame there wasnt a demand for more of them!

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  Jeep - Its whats for dinner - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Hodson - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. No problems with this at all. My only complaint is that I have put 3 windshields in it. They catch everything! Perhaps if they were slanted back a bit more it would help. Took it up in the mountains last summer and did all kinds of trails. Its a blast! Go topless in the spring summer and fall. Its just a cool vehicle!

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  She sure was a good ship - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By A great ride - February 23 - 6:26 pm

  Always wanted a Wrangler, and I got one in 1996! Had it for 14 years. She was the Millenium Falcon to my Han Solo. Sure there were problems. All cars have them, but my love for the car outweighed any daily annoyance. Its the kind of vehicle you either love or hate. What I liked: Tight turn radius, no bells or whistles (Im old school that way), , various top/no top options. Didnt like that you felt every bump in the road. Mechanically it didnt really give me too much trouble til the last several years. I didnt miss a day of work for car trouble. Met its untimely end early 2010 when it flipped on its side on an icy highway. Green w/ tan hardtop.

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  Beware! Poor quality + poor customer service! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rlarocca - February 23 - 12:30 am

  I purchased my Grand Cherokee new in September of 2014. As of today, it has spent over 35 days at the dealer for numerous issues - transmission, radiator, gps, bluetooth, brake recall, electrical recall, rusting of tow hooks, water pump, interior door panels broken from the factory. Jeep has refused to negotiate under the New Jersey Lemon Law and has kept me waiting since August. I was also promised that customer care would call this week after my Jeep spent 10 days waiting for a radiator and water pump. Still no answer. Fiat/Chrysler/Jeep have the worst quality as per the latest Consumers Report that came out last week - and the worst customer relations in the business!

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  Love the Sahara - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dan - February 22 - 8:10 pm

  I bought my first Sahara in 1998. I Put 100,000 miles on it with no major problems. Just bought a 2009 2dr Sahara...absolutely LOVE IT! I must admit I test drove other SUVs before making my purchase. The others just dont compare. The Sahara is solid, rides great, is quiet (with hardtop) and is a very reliable, fun vehicle to own! (and, if you have to, you can go wherever you want!)

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  2006 Jeep Commander Hemi Problem - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By pcjeepowner - February 22 - 11:08 am

  Since buying the 2006 Jeep Commander in 2007 I have had to spend major money on repairs. I have had to replace the battery three times already, I have had to rebuild the transmission, and now worst of all I have to replace the whole engine that is going to cost me $6,000. I have around 75,000 miles and this was the most expensive vehicle I have ever purchased and I am so upset and I dont know where to turn.

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  Favorite vehicle of all time - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Carolina Jeeper - February 22 - 2:00 am

  My Jeep was a 40th birthday present to myself. Its a great vehicle. My favorite of all time. Has been reliable, is rugged, and there is no shortage of ways to upgrade and make it better.

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  Love this car - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Leesburg Guy - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my second GC (had an early 1992) and my most recent SUV was a MB ML 430. I have had a range of cars in my life (Peugeot, Jaguar, two MBs, and a number of Big 3 vehicles). I am semi-retired and dont drive a great deal and my ML had only 90,000 miles. I liked that car but love this one. Extremely solid, very comfortable, well equipped. Love the seats (the previous rater who gave comfort a 1 must have a butt the size of Texas). MBs, Jags and particularly Peugeots all have great seats and the Jeep is every bit as good. The ride is great so something good came out of Daimlers little money dump into the US. I consider this to be a Jeep refined (not designed) in Stuttgart.

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  Jeep! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By thennig - February 21 - 6:53 pm

  I bought this vehicle about five years ago and still enjoy driving it! The inline six is a tough and reliable engine (original AMC engine design with some Chrysler modern mortifications). The vehicle is truly a SUV, it’s nothing to brag about, it’s very thirsty, and it’s very versatile. What can I say, “It’s a Jeep!”