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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  leaking roof electrical problems - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Skip Bosworth - June 7 - 10:46 am

  I traded my 05 Wrangler for the 08 Wrangler in Oct 07. I like the way it handles and being a Jeep owner for 40 years I appreciate the comfort. Im very disappointed in the roof leaking. I have given up on the dealers attempts to resolve the problem after three repairs its worse than ever. I had to remove the carpeting and replace the front seat covers because of water damage. I have electrical problems resulting in the vehicle not starting, leaving me stranded 25 miles in the back woods.The jeep dealership has been unable to find the problem. I already have over 50000 miles on the car and have spent lots of money attempting to resolve the problems. I wish Id keep my 05 Jeep.

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  problems - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By southtowns62 - June 5 - 7:29 pm

  my gate warning light came on 3 times interior lights also came on. they replaced switch 2 times in rear hatchback. im getting ice buildup inside drivers side door. they lubed area said they could do nothing more. i have to chip ice from inide door hindges. can anyone help

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  Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike Wrayno - June 5 - 2:00 am

  A very good vehicle in the winter. Handles very well. I dont like that the warranty is only 3 years or 36,000 miles. So if you want an extended warranty if your keeping the vehicle longer an extended warranty costs 1500 dollars. GM has 5 years or 60,000 miles on theres warranty which ever comes first but I realy think Crysler as well as Jeep has better vehicles than GM.

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  Jeep Liberty Pray for Low Gas Prices - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By rmhtj - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Jeep Liberty is FUN to drive, especially in adverse conditions, ie. heavy snowfall, and offroad. It is a pleasure to drive onroad, especially with the kids in the backseat. Great view of the road, a breeze to steer and tight turning radius. Breaks are magnificent, I had to lay on them once, and they came through when I thought I was going to end up in the trunk of the car in front of me who stopped past their turn. VERY IMPRESSIVE!

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  Finally bought a Wrangler - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Doug - June 2 - 2:56 am

  I have been wanting a Wrangler since the beginning of 2009, but held off because I expected significant changes to the 2010 Wrangler. The rumor of the Penstar engine was already circulating, plus I was hoping for other surprises. I broke down and shelled out 30K for the 2010 Wrangler Sahara with side seat airbags and every other option you can get. I totally love the vehicle! I do not understand the critics or the people who complain about the ride and performance on the road. The Wrangler is an American icon and I read somewhere that the Wrangler is like a penguin, “awkward on land, but a bullet in the water”. Wrangler may be a little awkward on the road, but a bullet off road.

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  Practical & Fun - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Howler - June 1 - 10:00 am

  My first Jeep. Ive owned other 4X4s. I need one for winter driving in Alaska. My new Liberty five speed with a V6 is perky and fun to drive. It pulls a little to the right, which I dont understand why. I took it to the dealer and they said it was an alignment problem. I got it back, and it still pulls to the right! So... another trip to the mechanic needs to be scheduled. That is a real time waster for me, but Ill get to that before too long. Hopefully they will get it straightened out! Other than that, it handles great, especially on the winter roads in Alaska!

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  ok so far - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By gisco48 - May 30 - 9:03 am

  I have a tendency get into the gas a little. Im not sure the cvt can take it. After a few quick starts, I could smell rubber burning. Fortunately, guarantee is lifetime. Ive backed off the gas lately, afraid to kill this tranny in a few months. I would like to hear from others that hit the gas a little, and have the Patriot with the cvt.

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  New Convert to Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ALLEN - May 29 - 10:06 pm

  This is the first time I have ever liked the Grand Cherokee. I have a Limited Durango as well. My Durango does not have displacement, but gets better mileage than the Jeep, which also weighs 800 lbs less? That is the only draw back. This is a fantastic vehicle and I cant wait to go camping.

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  There is only one - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By John - May 24 - 9:56 am

  I bought a Rocky Mountain edition Jeep Liberty and I love it. I test drove the 2004 Grand Cherokee and I have to say the Liberty drove much better. The 3.7 V6 puts out excellent power and is very reliable. I would recommend this vehicle to anybody who wants to get a lot for their money. Power, versatility, and reliability cant be beat by the competitors.

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  Lexus LS owner Lovin the SRT-8 - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe - May 23 - 1:56 pm

  Bought my 2006 Jeep SRT-8 2 months ago used with 19,000 miles on it. I am in love with Japanese cars and have owned Mazda RX-7s, Toyotas, Hondas and currently drive a Lexus LS. I wanted a fun car to drive around daily, however could not afford the newest high performance Nissan GT-R or Lexus IS-F. I am amazed at this Jeep. Not sure how well it will do in the long term, however this car puts smiles on my face that I have never experienced before. If you need it for a daily driver - I can not say how good it will be. If you need a second car that will make you grin from light to light and may break down once in a while (or not????) this will not let you down!