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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  Jeep 4 Me - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By JAS - September 26 - 10:00 am

  First off, let me say that I am really impressed with this Jeep and I do not regret buying it. I wanted a basic four-wheel drive vehicle with true off- road and towing ability and the Liberty fits the bill. I love the ride height, the driving position, the AUX plug-in and the rear seat room. It is a lot bigger on the inside than you would think. I can handle the lack of cruise control, the so-so fuel economy and not having tinted windows or a roof rack. What I do not like is the light gray inserts on the seats (stain magnets) and the cheap hinge on the center console. That is gonna need a fix in the future Im sure. So far reliability has been excellent.

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  Would Not Start - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Michael - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 1 week ago but is in shop today. Wont turn over; dead - nothing. All dash lights and power windows worked. Dealer has not found the problem. My waiting continues. Jeep has only 31,700 miles! I have and have had other Jeeps. Not sure about this one.

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  Love my Jeep, hate my windows - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By SSchulz - September 25 - 7:20 pm

  I love my little Liberty. Its fun to drive, very comfortable, and is handles very nicely. That said, I hate that both rear window regulators have gone out. I currently am holding them up with tape as money has been a little tight. They stopped working within 2 months of each other. They could at least make it where they get stuck closed. I worry someone is going to either rob my Jeep or take it outright when I park it somewhere.

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  Go to another dealer for work - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By nurse - September 24 - 12:33 am

  I bought my Jeep Cherokee brand new and within a few days I had a problem of it stalling and turning off completely (not the added feature already on to save gas). Still does it after three trips to the shop and 10 months of frustration. Then it rained hard and the water came dribbling in the sunroof and now I wait because as soon as I used the elctronics to close it it sounded like it went off track...UGH....I should of stayed away...:(

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  Whats that Rattle under the Hood - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By DBK - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Liberty for going on two years. A joy to drive and powerful. I was totally impressed till the serpentine belt flew apart at 21K miles tearing gash in hood liner, cutting a/c line. That rattle?? according to Chrysler Jeep it is a characteric of the tensioning pulley, I have had tensioning pulley replaced 3 times (twice while standing there as mechanic did it in service lane after intitial replacement)and all of them rattle and wobble. Poor design flaw!!!!! What happens when warrantee expires? a costly repair/service every 20K miles. Personally, I am looking into a different vehicle.

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  Runs GREAT - Gas HOG! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tony L - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful truck! Fun to drive - but terrible on gas mileage. CD player needs to be moved to the front of the vehicle. Not a good place in the back. Also - bad quality CD player...makes CDs skip often - when no scratches on cds.

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  Torque Monster - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Annonymous - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Meanest Jeep every built. Will pass anything but a gas station.

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  Its a Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Skip - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Owned a 97 VW Jetta before this that was fun to drive. This Jeep is fun, but in a different way. For a vehicle with 15 in rims it goes over just about anything, is tough as nails, and I know that I can count on it to get me practically anywhere. Its not the most comfortable thing in the world, but thats just part of Jeeps purpose. My Cherokee actually has more horizontal room than a Liberty, and is definitely built more solid. Gas mileage is horrible (my vw got 26, this gets around 18), but its well worth it for the experience of driving a legendary SUV.

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  00 Jeep Grand; Great SUV! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mwr577 - September 18 - 7:56 pm

  Excellent SUV! I have had very few issues with it. Has much better fit & finish then my last SUV (Blazer); also has better torque & control over the transfer case. Could use a little more power; I tow a 3000 lbs trailer a couple of times a year & it does ok. Ive taken it off road several times & have had no problems with anything I put in front of it. Will definitely buy another Grand or possibly a Liberty CRD.

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  My Tow vehicle - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By dwight - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I originally purchased this vehicle as a tow vehicle behind my motorhome. During the past year I have towed it from Florida to California and back. Of course it does not ride like a big sedan, but it sure is handy for exploring the various areas when we are camping. Mine is a four cylinder model with a standard transmission. Have had no problems. It is very dependable and easy to drive and park.