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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  If you are good at repairing yourself... - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By J.D. - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my jeep for 4 years now and I have had some wonderful times in it. I must say that it has to be one of the greatest things to drive in the mountain with the top off in the summer. The worst thing about jeeps are the mechanics of it. I have replaced everything (radiator, starter, alternator, water pump and the big daddy (transmissions). If you get a 100,000 miles your tansmission did a great job. If you have the money to make repairs, I would definitley buy a jeep.

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  Good Little Jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By boggse - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I have to say that my Cherokee has got to be the best vehicle I have ever owned. Not the most reliable or fun to drive, but simply thie best overall package. While it seems outdated compared to all of the newer small SUVs out there (including the Liberty), it has a charm that is timeless. The biggest problem Ive had has been the power window regulators. Highway fuel economy is great for a 30 year old I6 engine design, I get about 17/24 mpg.

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  A tough Departure - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By pjc - February 16 - 10:00 am

  3.5 years, 4.0 litre, 5 speed and I always loved it, however, except for traveling at speeds under 40, every passenger sees it as a trial of patience. GREAT offroad, but I have that oppty less than once every two months. It is great for a third car, not a daily driver

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  A tough Departure - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By PJC - February 16 - 10:00 am

  3.5 years, 4.0 litre, 5 speed and I always loved it, however, except for traveling at speeds under 40, every passenger sees it as a trial of patience. GREAT offroad, but I have that oppty less than once every two months. It is great for a third car, not a daily driver

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  My Jeep Liberty Rocks! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ItsAllAboutMe - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I love it. I love everything about it. I would like it more if it didnt have the short rear and if it had radio controls on the stearing wheel. Id also like to get about 5 miles more per gallon, and a lower car payment, but its worth it.

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  Review of Jeep Wrangler - 1993 - 4 cylinder - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By wesrick - February 14 - 10:00 pm

  Like the other reviewers have said. Its a Jeep. It can be expensive. But, fixing things and doing regular maintenance right can make your Jeep really last. You must want a Jeep to get one, not just a car. They are not comfortable, they are not cheap, but they are very, very fun. Theres nothing else like it. I am a creature of comfort (also drive a Lexus) however, I cant get rid of the Jeep. Its just too much fun.

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  The Mud - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By ArmyDoc115 - February 14 - 9:43 am

  I absolutely LOVE my Jeep! This is the 4th Ive owned. The 1st was an 85 CJ. There is nothing like a Jeep. Period. Theyre absolutely a BLAST to drive, they look amazing, get attention everywhere, and the 4.0 6 cyl is unstoppable. If youre concerned about gas mileage, a Wrangler isnt for you. The fun factor and satisfaction of the Jeep is a worthwhile payoff in my book. I average 13 mpg, but I dont care because I LOVE my Jeep. I can haul my Harley in the trailer on the highway. Not fast, but I can do it! Road noise, loud top, stiff ride. So what! Its a Jeep, what do you expect? Its all part of the experience. Unlimited possibilities to customize it and make it YOUR Jeep.

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  STILL GREAT - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By mmaggs9187 - February 12 - 7:38 pm

  I have had this car for a little while now, and I have to say I still am in love with it!.... The design, how high up I am is amazing. This is my first SUV and I couldnt be happier with my choice. The 4x4 is great, I love selec tracs, hate when they are all time 4x4. The stearing handles on a dime and so far my windows have not given me and issue but I did get extended warrenty just incase. For how little it looks from the outside the interior gives the driver and all the passengers plenty of leg room. All around I do love this car, the only thing I wish it had was a sunroof.

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  can not be american - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bernie mejia - February 11 - 10:00 am

  fuel pump-transmission-brakes are the worst in the market, I will not buy Jeep anymore, this is my 4 jeep in my life

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  Alpine Navigation Radio Rear Camera Bust - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RobertB - February 11 - 3:50 am

  The AWD has a heavy draggy feel, especially turning. There is no manual switch on the rear camera (unlike RV), so no way to monitor a trailer via camera. Its instant off, so if you pull up, you lose the view. Objects are much closer than they appear. Adjusting the brightness of the nav unit is possible, but no adjust for when in radio mode, except ineffective dash brightness. I have a towel taped over the dash as all settings are way too bright at night. Per tech there is no way to turn off the display. Per dash computer, MPG has been a disappointing 11.5 MPG over the first 300 miles. Roadside coverage is watered down - no coverage for lockouts, flats or gas.