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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  Jeep - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By ESB - November 18 - 3:30 am

  Love this baby! Cant seem to want to trade it in. I have put 170,000 on it. Very minor problems such as water pump,starter, and oxygen sensor. Other than that, oil, gas and tires. It gets the gas mileage that it should get for a 4.0 engine. People who complain need a smaller car not a SUV! This baby is fast too.

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  Fun to Drive to the Mechanic!!! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe - November 17 - 10:56 pm

  I can tow anything, drive anywhere, and have a blast doing it!!! The truck has looks, power, comfort, options, everything you would need. I wouldnt go near it again. Its a gas guzzler and spent just as much time in the shop as it did on the road. Mainly axle and suspension issues for me. I did drive it hard but I thought thats what the overland was built for. My mistake, didnt mean to use the 4 wheel drive, or drive through that mud, or pull that wrangler/tahoe/land rover out of the sand. My bad!!!

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  Amazing and Fun! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Brandon Lingenfelter - November 16 - 1:10 pm

  Since owning this vehicle (2 weeks at time of review) I have put over 1200 miles on it including some off-roading. I can honestly say that Jeep has provided a ruggedly refined vehicle with ample room for everyone and the great off-roading prowess we have all come to expect. The vehicle let out a few loud groans but those were mostly due to the engine putting out some more torque to get up those hills. Surprisingly I am getting similar mileage to the Jeep Liberty (14 in city and 19 - 21 on highway). Overall I am very pleased and impressed with this vehicle.

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  Best Ride Ever! - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeff - November 16 - 1:30 am

  I bought my Jeep Wrangler as a demo in 1998. Ive put 188,000 miles on it and have been more then happy with it since day 1. It goes everywhere, from the tropics to winter blizzards. Ive owned many high end vehicles and get more enjoyment out of this Jeep then any of the others!

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  2008 Jeep Commander LTD 4WD, 5.7 Hemi - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By jeep lover - November 15 - 10:43 am

  Solid build quality, roomy, no blind spots, great Boston Acoustics stereo, solid as a tank, very fast, drivers seat moves back when key is removed, nav system easy to operate, rear camera, parking sensors, remote start, great vehicle with many features for the price.

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  old reliable - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jsannes - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Jeep used with 98,000 miles on it (4.0L six, 4x4). It had an oil pan leak, had no radio, needed tires, and had a crack in the exhaust. Once those items were addressed, I have to say that this Jeep is more comfortable and easy to drive than the 1992 Cherokee that I had before. My average gas mileage is 18.5, it doesnt burn any oil, and it always starts. The 4 coil suspension makes driving around town and long distance very comfortable on my back.

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  Jeep Wrangler - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By waltmac71 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I have used my Jeep for around town and out of town trips for over 3 years with never a problem. The only drawback is the noisey drive....but it makes up for it in how enjoyable it is to drive.

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  Could be better - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sunnyd - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Continual a/c problems. Vehicle lurches at stops. Problem when purchased. Repaired but doing it again. Clunking when coming to a stop. Would not purchase another one.

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  Best Jeep So Far - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Ryan - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 19,000 miles and have put close to 19 on it myself. I have it serviced at the proper intervals and have had no problems at all. Looks like I will need my brake pads replaced ssoon as theyve recently been squeaking (37 k miles). The MPG is typical for a 4X4, but worse than my two previous Ford Explorers. Great sound system- I love the 10 disc changer. Power is average. If you crave power, you definitely need to get the V-8. My only real complaint is the A/C-- on really hot days it is terrible! Have taken it off-roading and through deep snow-- goes through it easily. Very good ride on long trips.

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  My first jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Howard Arndt - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Just a few weeks ago I drove a jeep for the first time. I never considered one before because of hearing about how easy they were to tip over. Although after driving it I found that I felt just as safe in it as any other suv.