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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  Not a commuter vehicle - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jim - October 4 - 1:26 am

  I bought my Wrangler used with 76,000 miles on it. It has a soft top, 3 inch lift and 31" Mickey Thompson tires. Looks great. The 4 cylinder has no power and with the automatic tranny and big tires the fuel economy is a horrendous 12 MPG. I bought it as a toy to off road in but need to use it as a commuter for about a month while my other car is in the body shop. I travel 120 miles round trip to work and I have had to fill it daily to the tune of about 40 bucks a pop. Fun to drive but dont use it for anything but a toy or youll be disappointed.

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  After 105,000 miles still no problems - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By mikej - October 3 - 10:56 pm

  Other than the recall, this has been trouble free i have put 90,000 on it myself. bought it with about 15,000 miles. the reliability on this model is great.

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  CRD buyers take heed! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeff Kufalk - October 2 - 1:26 pm

  I have experienced a 50mph shudder which we believe is a flaw in the design of the torque converter, since day 1. DC has finally admitted to me that they know about the problem but can do NOTHING for it. So there, Im STUCK with a vehicle that has problems that I cant fix and will have trouble selling. The worst part is that I LOVE this thing! I just want it to run right. Strongly considering a trade to the new 4-door 2007 Wrangler with the 6 speed manual.

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  Beyond all my expectations. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By pttrillium - October 2 - 11:10 am

  We have wanted an SUV for a while but either could not justify the horrible mileage of a true off-roader or the pointlessness of a "cute-ute". Other vehicles we considered were a close-out Land Rover Discovery or a 2005 Freelander. Also looked at and disliked the Ford Escape and the Mazda/Mercury clones. I actually go off road and this Jeep is a joy to drive. The 5,000 trailer towing capacity is way more than we actually use but since we have been hauling rocks and firewood, we have made very good use of it so far. The fact that it is a diesel makes it all the more unique and fun to own.

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  Love it!! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepster - October 2 - 3:33 am

  Bought this Jeep as a demo with 6k miles on it. Has been a great car since then. I follow the maintenance schedule religiously, and the only problem ive had is the front window regulator, which was quickly replaced under warranty at an oil change. I find coupons on the jeep website for a $21.95 oil change and tire rotation, which is great. I really love this car, it is fun to drive, the perfect size, and i average 17.7 mpg is soley city driving! Runs great on regular fuel. It is the perfect car for me. I cannot wait for the 2011 version to come out, i am hooked on Jeeps!

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  Junk 08 Jeep Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By a - October 1 - 11:33 pm

  I bought my jeep April and it was the worst thing I IÂ’ve done in my life. The transmission went at around 1000 miles. IÂ’m up to 8000 miles now 3 new transmissions in vehicle. The PCM went in the vehicle and the trans still doesnÂ’t shift correctly. When you drive it the engine constantly revs to 6.5 rpm while which gives 16 mpg highway. 23 to 28 mpg thatÂ’s a laugh. ItÂ’s a lemon.

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  Dont Waste your money - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeff - October 1 - 5:00 pm

  I have had nothing but issues with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The mechanics in the automatic windows is faulty, this model has a well documented faulty brake problem, with a class action lawsuit to boot. The transmission is no dream either, constantly slips and has trouble shifting gears. This oversized golf cart is quite possibly the worst investment that you can ever make, save your money and get an Accord. Ive also had issues with alignment on the vehicle, so in short I really dont have anything positive to save about the Jeep Grand Cherokee other than the fact that the wheels have not flown off the vehicle while driving but I must say that is about it. Hope this helps.

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  Money Pit - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bill - October 1 - 3:51 pm

  Got the Jeep with 75k on it; looked great and ran well until 80 k. Replaced struts,radiator, tune up( 16 plugs!) Trans now jumps into 3rd gear all the time-dealer has no idea what the problem is. Dash lights continually flash , not a bad car but expected more from jeeps flagship. Update; This jeep HAD to have been built on a Monday morning by the hungover or still drunk workers from the law. Too many gremlins and expensive fixes to mention. Will never look at another Chrysler product in my life. terrible....just terrible.

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  Love It - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By ATVArcticWolfVTA - October 1 - 8:20 am

  I love my Wrangler! Im 16, and its my first car. When we bought it(for $2000), it wasnt that great, had been abused. But Wranglers are so easy to revive. I put a 3" lift on, 31" tires, painted it silver, new top, new carpet, added Grand Cherokee seats, complete new stereo system(soundbar, 6x9s, 4x6s, subs, and deck), new bumpers, nerf bars, etc. It may sound like a lot, but it is so much fun, and this is a teenager speaking here! I utterly love gonig topless(leave my doors on, have half doors).

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  Ill never buy another Chrysler - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Millaina - October 1 - 2:53 am

  I like most people have had nothing but problems with the windows. I have had to replace all the window regulators and now I have had problems with the sun roof. I have had the torque converter worked on as well as the tranny. The biggest problem now though is the air conditioning only works when it feels like it and no one can tell me what the problem is. And of course I am out of warranty! I only have 47,000 miles on this thing! Oh and to add to all that the gas mileage stinks! I average around 15-16 mpg. Thats only a little better than the husbands 1991 Chevy 4x4!