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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  My Love For My Overland - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lisa9999 - November 13 - 8:40 am

  Buying my Jeep Overland is no doubt one of the smartest car decisions I have made. Its great for trips, however long or short they may be. So far, there hasnt been any problems with it, except for a minor leak in one of the tires. The only times it has been in the shop ate for the service checks or inspections, which it has always passed. Im proud of my Jeep, and its excellent performance.

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  2007 Jeep Liberty Lover - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Theresa Brown - November 10 - 12:56 am

  I have had my jeep Liberty for almost a year. Its very quick on the highway. I drive from Burlington to Asheville twice a week and I love the way it handles on the drive up to the mountains. I get about 19-20 mph and its ok since gas is $4.00 per gallon. I do have a problem with the electric windows and had to fix the drivers side window twice. It needed to be replaced. My back passenger window has also broke. They seem to not close properly and are not easily fixed. I checked for a recall but none yet. Overall I love my suv.

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  I came back to the Jeep - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Life is Good - November 7 - 5:53 pm

  In 2004 I bought an 2002 Wrangler Sport. I loved it, but in Jan 06 sold it for a 2003 Land Rover Discovery w/ 20K miles. In over a year the Land Rover blew an engine and tried to kill me when the brakes failed. The 15 other annoying trips for service were only minor issues. Now its 2007 and I am back in another 02 Wrangler Sport. Same color, miles and option as the old one. Its simple, fun and always works. Any problems can be fixed by me and internet Wrangler forums can show you how. It goes anywhere, looks classic and is cheap to purchase. Winter or Summer always bring a smile to my face in the Wrangler. Dump your heap and buy a Jeep.

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  Great Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Relentless - November 6 - 1:26 pm

  I have a 2000 4dr 4x4 I bought used with 33,000 miles on it in 2003. This thing has been mechanically rock solid. Its getting older and my cruise control went out on me. But that is the only real problem Ive had and Im about ready to turn 90,000 miles of daily driver torture on this thing. Parts are super cheap and plentiful. Easy to work on. I still like driving this thing, and I look forward to snowy days. If I ever sell it I know I will miss it.

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  8x jeep, love it! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By chloe50 - November 6 - 6:20 am

  My husband and I are on our 8th jeep and I couldnt wait to get the Commander. Trail rated, reliable, large size. I am a total loss adjuster and auto damage adjuster so I work around cars all day long. Wouldnt trade my Jeep for any other SUV. **For 2006-sk.canada...sounds like you got a lemon or someone didnt take care of their vehicle, do some additional research on the vehicles history and mechanical records from the previous owner if available. The Tahoe has a history of issues ,problems and recalls..do your research.

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  Luv my Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave - November 5 - 9:00 am

  From another "saved my life" story. My wife and I were rear ended by a drunk driver. We hardly sustained any damage to the back of the Jeep, and besides a few muscle aches, we came out just fine. The drunk driver totaled her Ford Taurus in the process. I had my Liberty for 4 years now, and other than a few minor cosmetic issues with a new model vehicle in the beginning, I would buy another Liberty in a heartbeat. I recommend this SUV to anyone looking for a good quality 4X4 at a great price. Honda and Toyota price comparables cant even begin to touch the off road capability this vehicle has, let alone their higher priced models.

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  The best suv ever - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By fapdaddy - November 5 - 2:00 am

  i have never had a problem with my jeeps. I have owned them for the last 30 years. It can handle any situation that you offer it. The engine runs great and the interior is comfortable.I love my jeep!

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  Whew - feelin lucky! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ray Bennett - November 4 - 10:00 am

  My 2000 Laredo 4WD must have been built weeks or months after the ones that most of the reviewers here seem to have gotten. Were at 57,000 miles; live in north-central PA, where we get all 4 seasons. On our second set of brakes. Vehicle does local and long-haul equally well; on and off-road equally well. My daughter recently t-boned someone with it, and after repairs, you cant tell. I was bounced off of the guardrails a week ago at 75, and again, you can barely tell. It, like the 93 Laredo 4WD I bought with 90k miles on it 4 years ago, is a tank. The 93 has 165k miles and just goes. Id probably get another one.

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  I love my Liberty! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Ashley - November 4 - 6:20 am

  I bought the my Jeep in 06/08 it has been nothing but great to me. It has 29K miles on it when I bought it and has not given us one problem. It drives great, handles great, looks great, and for an SUV gets great gas mileage. I run in to people who have Libertys all the time at the lake and they love theirs as well! Does great for pulling the jet skis and my husband loves it as well. We actually fight over who gets to drive it.

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  Love the 05 Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kmsims - November 3 - 5:10 am

  I love this truck! It is really fun to drive. The ride is smooth and quiet, and I like the new styling. This is my first jeep; we test drove 05 Explorer, and were not impressed with the sound in the cabin, and the lack of get up and go in the vehicle. Also, the safety of the Jeep is what really sold us. Love the new jeep!