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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  Money Pit!! Buy something else!! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By agriffin2 - October 29 - 4:13 am

  I purchased my jeep at 2 yrs old with 38,000 miles on it. It was already out of warranty(thanks Chrysler). Two weeks after purchasing it, I had to replace my shifter bezel to the tune of $500. It has stranded me 5 different times due to a starter issue. One year later, I had to replace the starter AGAIN! Chrysler has not been very helpful with reimbursing me for my troubles. Each Jeep dealer I take it to tells me that my car is a heap of problems. Each fix with it costs me at least $400. I will be getting rid of it soon and Im extremely disappointed in Chrysler.

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  Powerful vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Hershel Green - October 29 - 1:20 am

  I have owned my Jeep for almost a year now and I have been very impressed. I owned 88 and 98 Cherokees before this and have loved them all, but this one is the best. I have driven the thing into the ground putting almost 23,000 miles in the first year. One of the best things I like is its towing ability. I moved from Virginia to California pulling a trailer and load of about 4700lbs. I was quite unsure of how it would do but to my surprise it performed great. I have the tow package. The gearing and transmission performance in the tow haul setting was great, even in cruise control. I was able to maintain the speed limit in all areas except some mountains. I was still able to maintain at least 55 there.

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  Its been great! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ksgirl1 - October 28 - 1:12 am

  Wow! I was surprised at so many negative reviews I felt I had to share my experience. I am the original owner of my Jeep and currently have 88K miles. I have had no signifigant problems. At about 85K the liftgate has started to not stay in the up position but the parts online are under $100 and we plan to fix this. We have also had the plastic break a bit on the rear doors behind the handle but I think this could also be due to my kids hanging on it. Again that was over 80K miles. Mechanically it has been great. have the Nav and it has been great to. I have loved it so much that I have decided to buy a Commander since we are outgrowing this. I love it

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  Love it but - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By LOVE IT BUT - October 27 - 10:53 pm

  This is my 2nd Jeep with the first still in the family. My Commander is very comfortable, spacious and quiet. Ive had it for 11 months and the only real problem experienced is with the rear shocks or springs. From the first month, I had the shock replaced, then replaced again, now going back for the 3rd time. The constant squeak is very annoying. Steering wheel has also started whistling - odd? If I can get this resolved, I will be very happy with my Commander.

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  excellent - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By ronangerard - October 27 - 10:00 am

  the best vehicle ever

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  Jeep "ON STEROIDS"! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kenny I. - October 26 - 10:10 pm

  Just picked up my SRT-8 Jeep Feb. 21st. The truck has 49 miles on it. Cant wait to start driving this monster and seeing what this HEMI is all about. Had an E55 2003 Benz, so im all about the torque. My Benz had 516lb. of torque, just a ton. This Jeep just rumbles as soon as i start it. All wheel drive, you cant beat it!

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  02 Jeep Liberty Sport 4wd - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By David Pound - October 26 - 9:46 am

  A very strong and well-built vehicle. Rides nicely and can go off-road easily. Very useful in winter here where we have snow. No problems except ball joint recall.

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  Works for us - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Randy Fox - October 25 - 12:33 pm

  We bought this for the wife so she could have a safer vehicle for our winters. Winter isnt here yet but we sure love how it drives right now! Nimble steering and great highway ride comfort are 2 big pluses in our book. Gas mileage is about what we expected so we cant complain. (its not even broke in yet!) So far, all we can say is: bring on the snow.

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  I can Tow I can Tow - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By TOWBOAT - October 25 - 11:33 am

  Great capability, took it up South Mountain my first weekend, absolutely awesome, drove a 1950 lumber road that was over grown and washed out. Second weekend towed my 17 foot Bowrider up into the mountain roads of Western MD; no problem, 65+ on most hills except the gap. Very steep; engine definitely was working and I heard it. Top down effect excellent with Bikini top; can get blown around a bit at 65, of course I am 63 and I sit higher than most. With bikini top not a problem. Got pulled over for having the doors off in West Virginia. You need mirrors in WV. I got a warning. Down hill with boat trailer wasnt as bad as I thought but it could be better.

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  Fun to Drive - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Firestorm - October 25 - 11:00 am

  I have now had my Jeep for a month with no problems at all. I got this Jeep with 115000 miles and it runs and looks like new. I have heard there are problems with the 1999 Grand Cherokee but I guess by 100,000 miles all of the kinks have been worked out of this one.