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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  Over Torqued Tranny for In-line 6 Cyl? - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Drive For 5 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 96 Grand Cherokee Laredo from my folks in April 01. The SUV drives itself about 8 mph without hitting the accelerator. It constantly bangs in gear, especially reverse. It has had these problems since day 1 and the dealership told my folks that its "normal". Im worried, especially since it has only 57,XXX miles on it. I am considering upgrading to a full size SUV for my family. Drivers seat feels tight. Rear seat room is also tight. The childs car seat takes up most of the space. 4.0 In-line six cyl is adequate at best, wish I had the V8. Sluggish acceleration.

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  Fun 2 Drive - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sharkie - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I was impressed how smooth this Jeep drove after driving some of the older models with the leaf springs. Jeep has come a long way. This machine really knows how to handle rough terrain. The top still needs much work to make it easy to bring up and down.

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  SO GOOOOOOOOOOD! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By tamara - February 13 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Jeep Liberty is amazing. The drive is smooth, the jeep is reliable, and the stereo is awesome!

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  Its a Jeep thing - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mazer - February 12 - 5:46 am

  i bought it used in April 05 with 17,000 miles on it. The 4.0L is perfect for highway and city. Love the low end torque, feels like it could pull down a house. Its awesome with the top down.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4X4 - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AJ - February 11 - 11:16 am

  Bought this 4X4 Jeep in 2005 with 55,000 miles. Loved it when I bought it but started having problems about 6 months later. Had to replace output speed sensor, water pump,security sensor, door lock actuators, door checks, cvt boots, radiator sensor all under 75,000 miles. Gas mileage is terrible for a 6 cylinder averaging about 13 mpg. AC is ice cold and heat works very well and quick. Loved the outside temperature gauge with compass, average mpg, and fuel range. Very comfortable and roomy and fun to drive. Just sold it with 85,000 miles. Good fun vehicle if you have a warranty and dont have to worry about these problems.

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  Its a Jeep...what else do you expect - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By runningman - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I am always suprised by some of the critiques on this vehicle, like its fuel consumption, loudness and hard ride. What do you expect from a kick- ass ultimate 4WD convertable. Mind you, it is loud as loud can be on a road trip, but if you plan on making multiple long distances car trips, then the jeep isnt your best bet. If I was concerned with fuel consumption, I would have got a Honda Civic. Overall, I plan on running the wrangler into the ground. It takes everything I give it. Finally, it is just plain fun. From the first time you drive with the top down to every time afterwards, you will understand why you bought the wrangler many years before.

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  Solid vehicle, happy with my choices - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By xsmojo - February 7 - 4:37 am

  I had a 2012 4x4 v8 for a year and it was great overall. The cons: MPG not so good, the Nav system is difficult. I have since fixed part of this by trading for a 2013 v6. Now the MPG is better. The power is acceptable too, I was surprised. I recall the 2011 v6 seemed to lag but mine has done this. Now if we can just get the newer Nav from the 300 it will be a great vehicle package.

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  fix the air again and again - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave - February 6 - 10:43 pm

  Had to repair the air the first year I had it and the 2nd year and the third and 4th year. Warranty ended and I gave up on being cool because repairs only lasted one year. Had to replace water pump, radiater, cat converter and radio around 100,000. But she still looks good.

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  New owner - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mr. "D" - February 1 - 7:43 pm

  I just replaced my 2003 Jeep Liberty for a 97 Sahara and I dont regret it. I enjoy driving a little more and cant wait to find where to store its hardtop so that I can enjoy its soft top and go topless on weekends to enjoy Puerto Ricos year-around tropical weather. I am considering a 4" lift and some 33s, but I fear affecting the MPGs too much. I might just get some traction tires for the Rubicon 16" rims it has now add a header, a KN intake and call it Christmas. Other than that just some TLC a nice carpet and catch me if you can.

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  Loved it except when it rains! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Linda B. - February 1 - 1:43 pm

  I really love driving this vehicle. You sit very high up which gives good visibility. Very roomy and love the rear park assist. Love the look of the exterior. I had a major problem with the vehicle leaking from the sunroof, windshield, and drivers side grip handle. The dealership tried 4 times to fix the issue but were unsuccessful. It needs a better water draining system from its roof.