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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  Love it...but worry - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ben - October 9 - 10:46 pm

  This is my 4th wrangler. I have had this one for 2.5 years. Maintenance so far is 2 recalls, rear brakes at 18,000, electrical problem with ESP light, new exhaust, wheels are starting to rust, and a mystery rattle from under the jeep which took 4 trips to the shop to fix. I absolutely love driving it, but going to the shop so many times has become a bit tiresome. I have thought about getting rid of it for something of better build quality, but then I get behind the wheel and I just cant do it. I do worry how much this thing it gonna cost me once its off warranty. 31K miles so far, I hope the kinks have been worked out. Gas mileage is about 19MPG, and that is mostly back road driving.

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  Best Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Grand Cherokee and its the best vehicle ive had with 57000 and no problems i will be driving it for many years to come

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  Nothing like a Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Frederic S. Gionet - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This thing has a personality like no other, and makes Canadian snowstorms a really fun experience. The mechanical aspects are pretty rudimentary, as the inline 6 growls without putting much power, and has a drinking problem worse than some of my party buddies (from 11MPG in winter to 19mpg in a smooth highway drive). The 4.7 V8 or new Liberty Diesel would most likely be smoother, more powerful and probably better on gas. Both Hardtop and Soft top are fairly quiet and insulate from the elements. Heater and AC are powerful enough to counter the elements. .

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  Do Not Buy!!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By badness - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Do not buy a Jeep Wrangler! Most importantly, do not buy an X model with half doors! Especially do not buy one in silver with black soft top! And do not even think of buying the Columbia Edition! Its all mine and you cant have any! You would be happier with an SUV of some sort (its a jeep thing).

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  Cool Truck - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NV - October 8 - 8:56 am

  I just got this Jeep about a month ago with 150k miles. I had to have some long needed maintenance done, but aside from that its been great so far. It has about a 4 inch body lift with mud terrain tires and nice rims. It also has great power and it does extremely well offroad. Gas mileage is bad, but that is just a price you have to pay. Overall it seems great and handles well.

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  No confidence - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Toler - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This car left me stranded the day after I brought it home from the dealer...bad battery. Both the driver side and passenger side windows have broken. It rides like hell. The tires wear unevanlly. Mere puddle water saturates the engine compartment all the way to the valve cover. The brakes are horrible. The left front grabs when the rotors are cold. It has done this since the thing had 8000 on it. Bad re-sale.

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  Pleased - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ramboxman - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Moving from a cadiliac eldorado, Ride is confortable and visablitiy is great. Drives much smoother than Fords SUVs. Infinity sound system could use a sub-wover. Air condition is by far not cool enough. Lots of complaints about A/C also could definetly use rear vents like every other SUV. Other than that very fun to drive Quada Track is very responsive as well. Tried my hardest to get wheels to break and could not. Locking gas cap could be nice as well.

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  Fun SUV - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Becky R - October 7 - 6:00 am

  I have only had this =SUV for 2 days but I am already in love. I have never had an SUV but I was never very impressed. To be honest, I purchased this vehicle strictly on the great styling inside and out. Ours is a 4x4 Limited and I love the ride, the handling and the looks. This is the most fun vehicle I have ever had.

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  Its a Jeep! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Marco - October 7 - 2:16 am

  I went from a Jeep Cherokee to a Wrangler. Wow what a difference. The Cherokee was bigger but lighter than the Wrangler (because of the unibody) The Cherokee was quicker but not nearly as fun to drive. The paint is horrible. Its so peeley but overall its built well. The 4.0 is a very very solid motor. Other than a cracked exhaust manifold, there is no problems. Sadly this will be my last Jeep. The 4.0 is no longer made

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  Off-road beast - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By SFC EDWIN RAMOS - October 7 - 12:03 am

  The Jeep is not fast and the fuel economy is poor. But the Jeep wrangler, regardless of the trim, is the best off road vehicle that I have ever drive. My first experience was in the jungles of Panama. I saw a Jeep wrangler assigned to the us embassy negotiating hard terrain. After that I promised I would get one.