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 Liberty Limited Edition 2005 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jojotexas - May 9 - 9:46 pm

  I am not impressed with the gas mileage (15 mpg) in the city. The leather seats are comfortable, but I tend to slide a bit. The leg space is limited for a 58". A couple of glitches happened, my 6 CD changer failed only one week after I got the car, and ate 4 of my favorite CDs! I also had to have my car towed because the gas pedal cable was missing a clip, the car wouldnt move... Still love the car. The AC works great. I recommend you take the maximum care warranty, Jeep service was really great when my car got towed. The look of this car is so great, I felt in love with it. Lots of space, the back seats fold nicely.

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  Chrysler worst quality interior parts - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By kinace - May 7 - 10:56 am

  I bought a Jeep Liberty 2006 brand new, I have replaced the windows regulators about 6 times for the rear windows, spending about $200.00 each time, and still Chrysler do not have a recall for the cheapest windows regulators ever made out of plastic, then the gear shifter light went off and I thought I could fix it replacing a fuse. The dealer told me they didnt have a fix for that so they have to replace the whole shifter. WHAT? I just leave it like that and then the interiors handlers in each door came off when I tried to close the door that after several months of use. It runs great and I havent have any major problems with the engine but Chrysler used the cheapest materials ever.

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  Colorado Jeep Feedback - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ColoradoJeepster - May 7 - 7:30 am

  This is our third Jeep and (marginally) the best of the three. Experience with it includes 11,700 miles over 10 months (including two 3000 miles trips). Its fairly comfortable for a 4WD and is looks good. Gripes include transmission shift programming (underpowered, even with V8), form and fit (rear doors dont meet body well), periodic maintenance "forces" you into Schedule B (any driving in freezing weather) which includes changing front rear axle fluid at 12000 miles at $140 an axle, etc. Also had to change leaking pinion seal at 6000 miles. Gas mileage computer is erratic, even over long trips -- not accurate. Overall reliability is questionable; well see.

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  Happy Jeep Owner - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By ColJessepUSMC - May 6 - 11:43 pm

  Bought this Jeep Wrangler X with special Rocky Mountain package right out of showroom. Never been sorry. This is a head turner,all silver w/black accents. Matted to 6speed Mercedes trany,cant beat tourque. Soft top still in great shape after 4 1/2 years.Take the doors off and you never want to get out of it. Took it to Camp Jeep 2006 in stock mode. Over 3000 jeep owners and there families. What a great experience. Drove thru mud,creeks,and trails. I drive this as a daily driver,average 18mpg(mostly hwy). Dont like it??Buy a hybrid! This is for people like me who on a snowy NYC day,dont want to shovel. Engage 4wd and blast out of the parking space! Bury me in this when i die.

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  1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cristen - May 6 - 2:10 pm

  I got my Jeep this year, of course used. It is a great vehicle. I have had no problems with it at all, it runs very well and I love the power with the v-8. I was very surprised about how well it turns in tight spots. It maneuvers like a car. The interior is very comfortable, and it has power everything. I like that the seats move up and down, because i am only 4 foot 11 inches tall. And it is no problem to drive. It has plenty of space to haul just about anything, and the back seats fold down. I like the navigational system. All in all it is a great vehicle, the only bad thing I can say is it gets 15 mpg in town and 18 on 4-lane, and I was used to a Geo Tracker that got 35 mpg.

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  The best Jeep ever - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Brandon - May 6 - 2:40 am

  My Dad bought my Mom this Jeep 11 years ago on Valentines Day. Its elegant red paint still shines with an ocasionnal wax. Only miner work done except for a radiator and a new A.C. It shakes at 45- 50 mpg but its still a prety good Jeep.

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  Solid as a rock - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By E.Roberts - May 5 - 7:37 pm

  I would like to say that we have owned our jeep for six years. We bought it with only 30,000 miles and it now has 112,000. We had to replace the heater core about 8 months ago, but this is about it. My wife travels a lot, and has not had any issues at all. This vehicle, has been a great purchase for us. I will say that the interior colors arent the greatest because the seats are stained and will not come out. Other than that, no problems.

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  Performer, Sad to see you go - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Roman - April 28 - 9:46 pm

  Funny to read the reviews below: A/C gone at 100K, back wiper gone at 120k, cant keep back door up, 4 Wheel drive shifter not functioning properly, gas tank gauge gone at 110k, changed air sensor 2x (causes engine light to turn on) and looks like it needs a third swap, muffler change at 160k, front wheel suspension needs alot of work... still Im going to miss you! After the long hauls, major home renovations and 4WD to ski slopes the Jeep performed well. The motor still feels smooth, quiet and should support future use with some major work on the above requirements.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John Broyles - April 28 - 9:26 pm

  The most fun SUV I have ever driven. Nice interior, very stiff and sporty suspension. If you are looking for a high performance vehicle that can be driven year round, this is the one. Very nice interior and exterior design.

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  after 80 days stilll not very happy - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By vlowe945 - April 28 - 9:44 am

  bought w/ 2 miles on it, 2nd day wouldnt start, been in the shop 6 times & towed once, transmission malfunctioned the ck engine brake & esc light came on then rolled forward down the driveway in reverse, it said service transmission & needed computer updates. when started it idles high then acts like its gonna die & smooths out, taking off from stop it shimmys from side to side. on the interstate with cruise @ 70 mph rpms are 2200 but plus or minus 1 mile the rpms drop to 1850, I resorted to video recording every time I got in it as evidence of trouble, have a active case with Jeep but if there is a issue and it doesnt throw a code its not fixable! but I did get a 6/60k free maint.