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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  Wow! a Jeep! - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By Dylan - January 17 - 11:33 am

  I love driving this Jeep. i drive it everyday. it drives in awesome in the snow an ice its really good off road. its really good to drive in the city its small enough to fit in a parking spot that is hard to get to. makes turns easy.

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  I love my Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Javier Andrade - January 17 - 2:16 am

  I had my Jeep for over 2 years and I still love my vehicle. Its fun to drive and very powerful. I like the way it looks and the seats are very comfortable.

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  Transmission problems - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BC - January 16 - 7:43 pm

  Watch out on this one. They changed transmissions this year and they had a seal problem. I took mine in twice with water in the transmission. All they did was flush it and seal it with sealer, no actual repair of seal or new transmission. After the second visit, we told them it was still acting sluggish but they told us the machine could find nothing wrong. Long story short, the transmission went out yesterday while we were traveling. Had to creep home in a low gear. Now trying to get it towed. The alignment also went out at 10,000 miles and ate into the tread wear. I will never buy another one.

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  Liberty doesnt measure up - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepster - January 16 - 6:53 pm

  We had 7 flat tires. Recall on ball joints and transmission turbo charger. Have had egr airflow control valve and gasket replaced. Now it is leaking power steering fluid. Flat tires occurred with bad tire sensor valves and inferior equipped tires. The automated tire sensor system needs some work. If you buy this vehicle, purchase the extended warranty. You will need it. Also brakes make grinding, moaning noise. Friends who own Liberties have this problem also. Safety commission is investigating fires in dashboard.

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  Wanted one for 10 years. - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By W - January 16 - 4:10 pm

  I have been wanting a Jeep for 10 years and now finally I have my own. I have had it for 2 weeks and I love it! The feeling, the community, the Jeep life. Yea it sucks gas and it takes 55 dollars to fill up. Who cares? Its a Jeep! i just love it! It is one of the few convertibles for men

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  Still rolling - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chucksizzle - January 16 - 9:56 am

  Bought new 1n 1999, all options available including 4.7 ltr v-8, have driven it all over. I have about 160,000 miles now, most miles in cold weather climate., am now in south, ac just went out, not compressor but a couple smaller parts., been repaired along with vent door problem, had 100,000 mile warranty, so all minor problems were taken care of by dealer then. Still a daily driver. My 4th Jeep.

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  I Will Always Own A Jeep - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepguy - January 15 - 5:30 pm

  This is my second Jeep, I leased a 2007. This one I purchased. I have the same complaints as before: Terrible mileage, performance, wind noise, even low highway speeds can be a test of will. Did I mention an interior that is 20 years out of style and very poor handling as well. All that being said, this is still the best car I have ever owned since my last Jeep. I still can not explain it. I can only tell you, you must own one to understand. They really are the most fun you can have driving short of a Ferrari.

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  2015 Summit luxury - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dan - January 14 - 10:22 pm

  The car has all the bells and whistles that other vehicles charge lots more money for. Its a great car. If the following were addressed it would be tops! For a vehicle that has a window sticker price of $54,000 the seats are very uncomfortable after about three hours of driving. The steering could be better sport tuned like the competitors vehicles. And finally , the navigation system could be improved to give to options For the route to take and other simple improvements.

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  Excellent SUV for the price! - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chicagofan00 - January 14 - 8:00 pm

  Picked up a JGC Overland Summit edition just last week. This is probably one of the best SUVs for the price in its class. The Overland Summit trim level is fully loaded with all kinds of technology and features and competes with the likes of the BMW X5, Merc M class, and the Audi Q7 all for several thousands less. The fit and finish both inside and out is perfect, the ride quality is great especially with the quadra lift air suspension, the tech inside competes with the luxury foreign brands although the UConnect interface does look a bit date but very easy to use. The 5.7L V8 engine has plenty of power for this beast but is very thirsty and Im only averaging about 13.8 MPG.

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  I got a "Wednesday car" - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Mary Kohrs - January 14 - 4:06 pm

  Except for my 77 Camaro which lasted 15 years and over 100,000 miles, this is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. What doesnt hurt is that my son is a master mechanic. He predicts it will last 250,000 miles. In 14 years Ive only replaced a water cooler, an AC compressor, and an oil seal, and am on my 11-year old Bridgestone tires (another son). Had vent windows installed, which I consider a necessity. Except for a few parking lot scratches, it is in mint condition inside and out. Has factory radio with cassette player.