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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  Ive always loved JEEP - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By smartautoguy - September 19 - 11:49 am

  I bought my standard v6 4x4 commander used around 25k (v6 comes with all wheel drive, althought it says 4x4) feels a little heavy at first but on the high way, going 99mile per hour is easy. Super quiet for a Jeep because of longer and wider body that isolates the engine sound and the price was just right! Ride quality is very stable and nimble, almost feels like honda minivan. Handling is very light and sharp for a 7 passanger car. Ive drove other SUVs but I love the BIG JEEP COMMANDER! My wife drove this to 80K and only one issue was oxygen sensor which comes on and off time to time - dealer guys said it is very common and some dealers reset is for free.

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  Great Vehicle, But - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JerreLS - September 19 - 12:36 am

  This is the best on/off road vehicle I have ever driven. I also own a 2002 and it does not begin to perform like the 2005. The problem I have is that this vehicle needs at least 2 to 3 more inches of ground clearance to make it the leader of all off road vehicles.

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  I love the old girl - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Its a Yeep, Yimmy - September 18 - 11:13 pm

  I have had my 03 GC Laredo for about 3 and 1/2 years, and I love it every second. I blame the Jeep for 1 incident... The coolant sensor went, which left the coolant fan running after I shut the car off. I came out the next morning to a dead battery. I have also fixed the front 2 power windows, but I cant blame the Jeep. I locked my keys inside and tried a jimmy, but I think I messed something up. I also need to fix the power seat switch. It works in all directions, except backwards. Again, I think it has something to do with the snow I had to scoop out of the inside of the car when the window was broken in the down position during winter. I love my Jeep!

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  Hhhhhmmmmmm. - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By The P family - September 18 - 2:26 am

  I did buy my Jeep Commander used, I should have looked it up first i bought in 2007 and it had 10,000 miles. Of course the salesman "fibbed" and of course i bought the vehicle. REGRET! since i had bought it in October of 07 it has been in the shop over 25 times! seat belt problems, slow pickup, wind leaks you name it. Though i never have had as bad of problems as the others i still definitely regret this purchase! I will always research a vehicle first from now on. The body style is awesome and i have never been a red fan until i saw the Inferno and red rock reds they are gorgeous, But, When you think Jeep you think dependable, durable and long lasting this jeep is none of the above!

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  whats not to like? - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Donh36 - September 17 - 6:50 pm

  Cashed in a Ford Explorer for the Patriot and could not be happier. After 2 tanks of gas I am averaging 27 mpg and am very impressed with the performance and how quiet the engine runs. I went with the 5 speed and it has great pick up I had not heard great reviews about the performance of the cvv automatic.

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  1994 Reliable Grande Cherokee - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Christopher - September 15 - 5:46 pm

  My jeep currently has 236,000 miles and nearing 237k miles. I dont see how it still runs and is very old, but it is reliable and runs very strong. this thing has been thru rain, and much snow but now in florida. Other than the fact I have had to replace a few front end steering parts, 2 fuel pumps, battery, and tires, the jeep is very honorable. It lets nothing keep it from running.

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  Windows are horrible! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Windows are HORRIBLE - September 15 - 6:43 am

  The window issue definitely outweigh any good that the car has! I bought the car after having so many issues with a Chrysler Sebring and even asked the dealer about any problems this vehicle might have. It is clear I was not told the total truth. I will be taking my car in again for window repairs. This makes #4!

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  The Ultimate Vehicle - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By CScott - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Some folks like to smoothly glide over small road irregularities without feeling them. The Renegades stiff suspension lets you feel these, but when it comes to potholes, railroad tracks, etc., it handles these like they are nothing. I LOVE going over parking lot speed bumps ! Fun to drive, very solid feel. I dont get the body-flexing feeling of others like the Ford Escape. Comfortable, high ride. Going down a dirt road regularly...dont hear near as many stones hitting the vehicle bottom. And a really macho look.

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  second jeep purchase - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tillie - September 14 - 10:00 am

  this 2004 seems lighter and eaiser to drive,only problem is a little noisy when accelerating

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  jeep sport - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By hummerh5 - September 12 - 6:40 am

  Best 4 wheel I ever had for off road. Great grocery getter. As lite as it is you would expect better highway mpgs