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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  Rubicrap - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By mwgiese - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Although the Rubicon looks great and boasts hard-core options such as the 4:1 transfer case, Dana 44s, lockers, etc., I have found the quality of the vehicle to be too poor to justify buying this vehicle (in retrospect). In the three months I have owned the Jeep it has been in the shop five times for transfer-case and rear differential work, including two complete transfer case replacements! Save yourself the headache and buy an old Jeep (before Chrysler got a hold of them), buy quality aftermarket options, and install them yourself.

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  Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By digifine - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I recently moved to colorado and participate in a number of active sports. This vehicle has been the perfect match. I knew what I was getting into buying this, and frankly I expected a much cruder and unrefined vehicle. I have had numerous passengers comment on how nice the ride is compared to older jeeps. But who cares about that? Offroad is where this thing shines, wheter it be a technical 4x4 trail or the deep colorado snow, it handels it in stride. Built very solid, strong engine, can you say torque? Hasnt had a single mechanical problem- Im good with maintainace, but am not shy about flogging it on the trail.

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  LOVE THE LIBERTY!!!!!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By us - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2004 Limited 4WD Liberty 4 months ago... This car is awesome... great for driving in new york city (and can parallel park it with ease!)... the gas mileage is really not that bad for and SUV. The car looks great, drives great and can hold a lot of cargo. And although most people dont like the window controls on the center seat, weve grown used to them and for the drive and passenger seats. I actually like them better than the on the door version. However, for the back seat, I think they should be on the doors.

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  Great Used Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joshy007 - October 4 - 12:46 am

  I bought my 1999 JGC from a friend (third owner in all). Just clocked 161,000 miles. Outside of maintenance items (battery, brakes, tires, shocks, fluid changes, a/c charge) the car has needed to have the steering linkage and front axles replaced for a total of $450. As for fuel economy I am not sure how others are driving but driving like a mad man I am around 17.5-18.5 mpg and reasonable driving I am getting 20-21 mpg. The drivetrain is still strong and all the little things seem to be holding up. Alloy wheels clear coat is faded & flaking. The starter is beginning to struggle a bit so that may be the next thing to get fixed. All together for about a $4,500 investment a great find

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  Good, inexpensive 4WD wagon - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By x_defector - October 3 - 10:28 pm

  My Patriot is a 2.4 Latitude 4x4 but with a manual trans and not a CVT (something the Jeep site says shouldnt exist). There is lots to like here: the size is right, the price is low, the feature content is high for the price, the interior is roomy and comfortable, visibility is excellent, its quiet, the seats are great, the ride and handling balance is very good, and the 4WD system works well and has a locking center diff. I love the simplicity of the interior although the materials could be better, but they look long-wearing. Plenty of cargo room in reality. Looks far better than the soap-bar competetion and remains a true 4WD station wagon. For someone like me, a solid choice.

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  Blast to the Future, Not the Past!!! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dataccordexv6 - October 3 - 7:11 pm

  I recently purchased the GC Overland in late January. I traded a smaller Honda Accord sedan for this SUV and I am loving every second of it. My Jeep is the beautiful gold/cashmere and I received it with complimentary tinting from the dealer since I was waiting for several days for it to arrive. I live in MS and it handles the rough and lower quality roads we have SO much better than my Accord did because of the bigger wheels and better suspension setup. The 20" wheels that come with the Overland really bring the car together and make it look so much more expensive than it actually was for me. The engine and transmission really make the car feel so much more responsive and sporty than an SUV.

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  I love my "Creep" - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sammi - October 2 - 4:40 pm

  I have owned my Creep for 3 yrs. and I have not had any problems. I get avg. 19ish mpg driving 45(avg.)mph. Headroom in drivers seat could be higher for dh as he is 62". I have no problems at 55".My only big problem is water stains the cloth seats and when I try to clean with water it makes it worse. Back seat is not comfortable-quite hard in fact. My only complaints.

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  On the verge - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By one_putt - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I love the way this car drives. It is the best hadling SUV out there and with the power that the v8 rovides it is fast and nimble. But,,,, The brakes were replaced at 20k the tranfer case is leaking and the back windoe leaks water. Asside from this it is a great car. I am gald I have leased it though for I dont trust that this car will last.

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  Loving It - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gary - October 2 - 1:36 am

  Bought this car in June. Had an 89 Wrangler when younger. Traded in my Acura TL and dont regret it for a minute. I was concerned with build and reliability after reading reviews, but so far so good. Jeep is just awesome in the summer months. Definitely get the soft and hard top. Ride is great. Our kids go crazy for this car. My neighbor bought one last week because they loved it so much. You must learn the Jeep wave if you are a first time owner!

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  GREAT - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By BTwisted2Metal - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This is an overall great vehicle. :)