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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  Oil Pressure Beware - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DCFS - November 3 - 10:53 pm

  I purchased the 2001 Grand Cherokee Laredo in May of 2001. About one year ago my oil pressure began to drop to the point the check engine light came on. I was told by the dealership the oil pressure gauge stopped working. I replaced the gauge and the issue continued, this time they told me the oil pump needed to be replaced. Replaced oil pump and issue continued again. The Jeep dealership after the third time in is now telling me this is a internal engine issue and replacement of the engine or total rebuilding of the engine are my options. 76,000 miles and my engine has a death sentence. If you have oil pressure issues with your Jeep start looking for another vehicle now. Avoid Jeeps!

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  Windows for Suckers - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By sha2tia5 - November 2 - 10:43 pm

  I too had issues with Windows I was lucky enough to get rid of my Jeep, all in the matter of two days the ac goes out and the two rear Windows would not go up after just getting the front driver side window fixed beginning of this year and and year before that the same rear window that just went out, I will never again purchase a Jeep!

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  Watch out for fender defects on new 2017s - 2017 Jeep Wrangler
  By Betty - November 2 - 10:24 pm

  I ordered a 2017 Jeep Sahara. It came with defects in the paint on the fenders that look like scratches. "Chrysler Care" offered no help, advising me to work with the dealer under the warranty. The dealer didnt build or paint the Jeep. Chrysler Care just closed the customer complaint number and moved on to their next complaint not resolving anything for their customer. So far the dealer has offered (through the warranty) to repaint the fenders on my brand new Jeep. Not happy. This is my 4th Jeep.

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  Why did I buy? - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Junk - November 2 - 2:56 am

  I bought this Overland used with 44,500 miles on it and I have had it for 2 weeks. The first day the heat stopped working on the drivers side (Im told is a common and EXPENSIVE problem) $680 I had that fixed after much yelling and screaming at the dealership. Now in the second week the truck gas mileage is down to about 10 miles to the gallon and is bogging down. I think it might have an upper intake gasket leak. It bucks when under power. I have put about 300 miles on the truck and this is the second time it needs to go in. What a piece of junk. I was warned about Chrysler products and wish I had took the warnings more serious. Next truck will definitely be foreign. Sorry USA.

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  American Icon Reborn - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By johntesh71 - November 1 - 10:55 pm

  Ok first off I would like to congratulate Chrysler for finally fixing the Wrangler...and ridding the world of that POS 3.8L V6 it had previously....Although I really wish the 6Speed in this thing didnt sound like it was on its last limb with only 22 miles on the odometer.....Other than that a very pleasant and comfortable ride on or off road.

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  Tough Enough - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By BD - November 1 - 1:06 pm

  What a great little truck. Itll do everything the big SUVs will and still fit nicely in your garage. My wife was t-boned in it and the full steel cage was the reason she walked away. Very safe, very comfortable, do anything, go anywhere vehicle.

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  Moms Day Gift - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Cormic97 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  My husband bought me this year for Mothers Day. I had done all of the research and looked at all of the SUVs out there. I trust the Jeep name, so went with the Liberty Sport. I LOVE LOVE LOVE driving it. It took a while to get used to being a bit higher up than I was in my old car...but so far so good. It is a HUGE gas hog...I am most suprised by how little a tank of gas goes. It steers easy, the CD player plays great...no skips over bumps. Love the tinted windows (and I had to be talked into that!) Kids seem to like sitting in it too. More room inside that it looks. Cant wait to take a road trip in it!

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  So far so good! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By spd1136 - November 1 - 8:53 am

  Ive only had my GC for a few days but Im very impressed so far. The ride is outstanding and quiet, the gas mileage averages over 20mpg in mixed driving and the engine has plenty of power. The ONLY option over the base model I opted for was 4WD; everything else comes standard! It has leather wrapped doors and steering wheel, touch screen everything and Bluetooth, satellite radio, automatic headlights, paddle shifters and steering wheel controls, auto climate control and much more. Im really not missing anything!

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  This is a great SUV - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By LongBeachCA - October 29 - 10:06 am

  We love our Jeep Liberty Sport. It is fun to drive, has proven reliable over 12,000 miles (not bad for an American car), and has a powerful engine. I like the styling, sound system and rather understated interior. This is a truck and has gutsy truck-like qualities. CRVs are slower and a little too wimpy. The RAV-4? Please, thats for sorority girls. Get the Liberty. Chrysler builds quality vehicles. My only complaints: the gas mileage is pretty poor and the seats could be slightly more comfortable.

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  no more Fords - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By BOB NOLAN - October 29 - 7:13 am

  I just purchased a brand new 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade. I needed a 4wd as Wisconsin winters are tough. Never had a 4wd; traded off my 2001 Sport Trac 2wd that ate up front tires and ball joints - was sharp but had to go This hopefully is the answer for my wife too. I like the 70,000 power train warranty . Rebate and trade allowance was good to put me behind the wheel.