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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  Problems Still Exist - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AussieBuff - August 1 - 2:30 am

  Overall, the Jeep is beautiful! Plenty of power and it gets me where I want to go. Now, if Jeep would fix the brake problems and get that stupid clicking sound out of my steering column I would be happier. I still think I will take my business elsewhere for my next vehicle...GERMANY!

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  Its a truck! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By contino - July 31 - 2:54 pm

  I have been a car car critic since I was 16, or 32 years...One thing I can tell you its very sharp, inside and out. Its great in the snow, fuel economy with the V 6 ok, the stereo system sounds good, but FM reception is not great, even with local stations. Whats not great: the ride is a not like a Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator which I have owned, but its much better then a new Toyota 4 Runner. Steering is good under 65 mph, over that its not secure, its feels like a boat with many steering adjustments which gets frustrating after an hour of driving. Also, lane changes over 65 are very floaty. The worst thing is the seats, very hard and you feel the bumps.

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  Feels pretty good - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By herzart - July 31 - 1:00 am

  This is our first SUV purchase and so far so good. The Jeep feels like the real McCoy. Beside the overall complaint of gas mileage, everything is as good as it gets for the money. Practical and simple interior design. Exterior looks great too, especially in the new dark khaki color. This is one fun to drive kind of truck. Nimble with tight suspension and a good seating height above most cars and SUVs. We live on a steep inclined hilly road that is a problem to deal with in the winter and Jeeps reputation for off roading won us over from other crossover SUV car based models at the same price.

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  Pretty good asides from the MPG 3.7A4 - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Zeferam Cockran - July 30 - 5:50 am

  I have had this Jeep since 2004, used to be my fleet truck and purchased t for personal use since knew history, no problems to report until recently an electrical short due to water contact on an electrical plug on the floor under the back seat ( what was jeep thinking when they designed this??? ) cost 500 to fix otherwise good ride and with my three huge dogs no torn seat fabrics , impressive compared to my previous cars. Could say a lot about gas mileage however well worth to visit dealer for CPU updates, the one to reconfigure tranny is well worth it, no more hard shifts and bit better gas mileage. All around good performance, noise level a bit high inside but acceptable.

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  Bad jeep - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By t - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought on 06 one problem after another not sure why. Replaced the whole car etc brakes brake line wheel bearing alternator 3 times ecu water pump transfer case three time new viscous coupler radio speakers tires ac compressor drive shaft cv boot three times 2 tune ups trunk lift gas is anywhere from 9 mpg to 13 mpg this Jeep only has 100,000 miles on it I dont off road or drive like a crazy person just to the store and school and the problems never end I have been fixing things every month for a year now and I do it myself so I saved a lot if money it would have cost me 10,000 to do at the dealership if I would have knowing this was going to happen I would have never bought it. Do not buy

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  My Commander - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By Rodwg1 - July 25 - 9:53 pm

  Since driving the commander Im very please with the ride very smooth. The accelerating could be better and the mpg needs to better. currently im getting 18-19 mpg an thats taking it easy.

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  A reliable, practical workhorse. - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By JD Adams - July 25 - 3:46 pm

  Jeep Wranglers fill a unique niche that seems to have no competition: a no-frills, no-nonsense practical, utilitarian workhorse that will easily take you to hell and back without complaint. Turn the key on that noisy, rumbly straight-6, and all becomes clear: this isnt your average foofy, grocery-getter SUV. This truck is strictly business. In the Unlimited, all the amenities are present: cruise, CD stereo, airbags, A/C. However, underneath all that fluff lies one of the toughest trucks ever produced. Jeep Wranglers off road prowess is legendary, and now with the longer Unlimited wheelbase, ride quality and cargo space is very easy to live with.

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  Best of U.S. - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By gcorey - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I just sold this rig a year ago(needed the cash), but it was probably, of all the cars Ive owned, the most fun to drive. Very quick and agile. You dont need a 6cyl if you can get a 4cyl with fuel injection. The gas mileage sucks. Best I got was 18mpg. But, its great in snow, and will fit in any parking space. The seats are simple and incredibly supportive...but lets be honest - its easier to change a tire than put up a soft top. Unless you live in the sunbelt, buyer beWarned.

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  Short time review. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By DEW - July 24 - 2:00 am

  The appearance of this new design fits very well with the intended use. It is designed to be a very addequate off road vehicle and in my opinion it does this real well. The ride is not as good as a car but very good for this type of vehicle. Handling is very good overall. The control panel is easy to visualy figure out and use. The 4wd function is well suited to most off road uses and easy to use.

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  2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Review - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By VTHockeyDad - July 22 - 2:03 am

  Overall, we like our Grand Cherokee. The car has a nice, though soft ride. It is great in the snow and is well built. Our only complaints we have are the gas mileage which averages around 11 around town. Most of the driving is around town with trip of approximately 3 - 5 miles. On a trip, we get approximately 21 babying the car. The heating and air conditioning are both excellent. It is a nice vehicle and we are pleased with it, though we will probably try another vehicle when the lease expires.