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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  Great Car - but not the cheapest - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GeoffreyG - November 19 - 10:23 am

  Purchased my 93 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (V8 5.2 L) in the summer of 02 with 96,000 miles on it from Valley Dodge in Boulder, CO. 2 weeks after I bought it, it needed some repairs - the starter and a couple of factory recall items as well. Other fixes throughout the years - Power Steering, Idle Motor, A/C Pump, Coolant Sensor, 4x4 Switch, Power Window Switch, Battery (2x), ext Paint, and other minor interior items, but overall the engine has continued to run like a champ at 160K+ miles now - and not even an oil leak! The interior is loaded (...with things that can break...) and power everything, AWESOME for city driving or off-roading - would recommend the Limited model over other models.

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  Much Better - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ed S - November 18 - 10:20 pm

  This is my third Jeep and by far the best. It is much quieter then my previous Jeeps. It also handles much better on the road (I have not had a chance to get it off road yet). I am tall, 63" and there is less head room in the 05 compared to my 00. I have a sun roof I would suggest considering not getting one if you are tall. I have 10,000 miles on it already and am averaging 17 miles to the gallon. Seats are a little small and flimsy feeling, same as my previous Jeeps. I have had no mechanical problems to date. The Boston Acoustics sound system is great as well as the one year free satellite radio.

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  This is my first car, and I NEVER will get rid of it! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By xrebelx2010 - November 18 - 7:26 am

  I own a two door 1996 jeep cherokee sport (I know it shows 4dr 5 speed) but this thing is AMAZING! My cherokee is so much fun to drive and even though it has street tires and no lift at the moment, it can go straight through mud. I am currently building it up right now. I have a k&n cold air intake in it, brand new tune up kit, and a redone exhaust system. Its rugid, reliable, and can take a beating. I love my Jeep.

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  Getting a bad rap - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jack Nicely - November 16 - 8:53 am

  This SUV does everything I expect from it. I dont get stuck when ever I feel like going over the curb and off the beaten path. It is an excellent car for my wife to lug the groceries or carry her Avon products. It is a comfortable ride for longer trips, 6-8 hours, and plenty of packing space. Pulls my small trailer just fine. Brakes and steering work fine, the ride is comfortable. It still feels new after 70,000+ miles. Interior gadgets are easy, such as the seat maneuvering or seat belts. My gas mileage isnt bad for a 6 cylinder, about 26 mpg. Maintenance has been minimal. It is a pleasure to take out and drive, plenty of pick up speed. The only problem we have is with the dealership maintenance

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  2005 Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Tomk - November 13 - 8:10 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive. I love the size although the cargo space is a bit limited. The rear seats fold down easily for more storage area. The ride is smooth and tight without being stiff. The seats are well padded and sit comfortably, but are very narrow (and Im only 160 lbs). I have the leather trim option which means the seats are mostly vinyl with a little bit of leather on the sides. The back and seat bottoms become very hot and "sweaty" in the summer. The highway ride is comfortable but has a lot of wind noise above 60 mph. I have 7000 highway miles since purchased new in Sept 05. The EPA sticker boasts 22 mpg highway and I cant even break 16 mpg.

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  Jeep styling with great mileage - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By tryan02 - November 12 - 9:16 pm

  I have had the compass for a month now and love it. Although Ive only run one tank through it (its my second vehicle). I got 26 mpg on the first tank and it aint broke in yet 300miles on it total. I bought the plain jane nothing on it to brag about. No problems so far. Great vehicle for the money got the $250 cash back made it a $15,000 vehicle talk about bang for the buck.

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  i enjoy it - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By its a good vehicle - November 12 - 7:06 pm

  My 2002 Liberty Limited has served me well since I purchased it. Only minor (and mostly normal) issues have arisen in the past 40k miles (+/-). Its got great off road ability and its very fun to drive! My only cons about the Jeep are the gas mileage, interior design, and comfort of the ride for the passengers. Overall, its a great vehicle for these 122k miles so far!

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  Very pleased - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By samuraiRSX - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle that feels very solid and has good power. The cloth seats are very comfortable and seem to be made of material that should wear well. I am 510" and 260lbs and have ample room inside. Due to great road height visibility is excellent, and insurance rates are very good. CR gave it average reliability (which is much better than a Ford/Mazda SUV), and I have gotten several comments on the great color (Patriot Blue). I had to go to a couple of dealerships to get a good deal, but 0% for 60 and 7 year 70000 powertrain are hard to beat.

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  Second Time the charm- My Jeep X 4dr - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kim - November 9 - 3:23 am

  Was a wrangler owner in 1996, had tons of issues but loved to drive it. They fixed everything I hated about the old models. It rides smooth, layout inside and out is perfect. VERY QUIET-- love that. Performance is good, could be a tad better but I am happy with it. Get BETTER gas mileage than my 4cyl 4dr Saturn wagon [seriously]. so far 20-21 mpg with mixed driving and it is very new [500 miles] so mileage will improve with driving. I missed my old jeep for YEARS, used to go to the lot and sigh every time I saw one but a two door was too small for me now-- enter the 4door unlimited!!! Thank you Jeep-- I luv you!

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  Good Stuff - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By bundy30 - November 8 - 4:40 pm

  This has been an amazing truck for my wife and kids. Safe, good looking, dependable. We have never had a single problem in 33,000 miles.