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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  beyond dangerous - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By antonia nin - August 25 - 10:00 am

  In the past eight months that the Jeep has been with me it has had and still has these problems: abrupt vibration of the steering wheel and dash board. It feels like the Jeep is going to fall into pieces. The Jeep till this day accelerates on its own. Water gets in the vehicle and the rug smells afterwards. Under carriage is cover with rust. Rear seat would not fold down. Air conditioner vents stop working. The Jeep has been in dealer to resolve these problems but till this day most of the problems still exist.

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  2004 Liberty Columbia Edition V6 4WD - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By RCC - August 24 - 11:33 pm

  Got it new. After almost 6 years and 80000 miles I still love this thing. Its a "trucklet", not a flimsy crossover and its the best Jeep Ive had out of 2 CJs and a Grand Cherokee. Ive replaced the crank position sensor, the crappy Goodyear tires, air filter, brakes and heater fan switch. I change the oil at 5000 miles and have never touched the front end. I wash it by hand regularly and wax it twice a year. It still looks, works and feels like new. It has part time 4WD, 3.73 axle with Trac Loc and since I put mud/snow tires on it, I hardly ever need 4WD, although my highway MPG dropped from 22 to 20. Its a cute, nimble, tough, fun little beast and I intend to drive into the ground.

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  Woo Hoo!!! - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Marie Izoco - August 24 - 7:51 pm

  Well have always thought of buying a Jeep and now I finally have. Was not really sure about it, but Frank Carbone was quite helpful in helping me come to my decision. The Jeep drives like a dream. With my children grown, I am looking forward to a vehicle for my husband and me. My Jeep is fully loaded and am sure Ill be riding around in comfort and style as soon as I get accustomed to all it has to offer. Heres hoping to to long time of fun and comfort.

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  this is a tough vehicle - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mr mgoo - August 24 - 12:10 am

  Im the 2nd owner. Overall a good vehicle. The only major issue has been front and rear axle bearings; also ABS is touchy. The performance of the Jeep has more than made up for its mechanical shortcomings. This thing is a beast in the mud and snow. Ive taken it into some very sticky situations and it has never let me down. Also, it was rear-ended by a 2001 Jimmy. It came out with relatively minor damage, while the Jimmy was trashed. I would strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a vehicle that will stand up to its reputation: a bit quirky mechanically, but great off road.

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  Its a Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By X-man - August 23 - 9:43 pm

  Bought used in 2008 with 66000 miles. Had my X for over 2 years now and never a problem. My wife says it rides rough but its a Jeep. Cant think of anything more fun to drive than a Jeep Wrangler X with the top down, except in a rain storm (had that happen) and here in Texas its often too hot to keep the top down. This is my first Jeep and its a great vehicle! Id recommend a Wrangler X to anyone who wants to have fun while driving, you wont be disappointed!

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  Great Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Great Jeep - August 23 - 2:43 am

  Have had my Jeep for 10,000 miles so far. So far It has just needed routine oil changes, a battery, and some tires for the winter. Very reliable and dependable vehicle. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable SUV. It gets decent fuel economy; probably get around 320 miles on a tank of gas.

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  I Love My Jeep - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By crystak - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Living in colorado this jeep has gotten me through plenty of snow storms, when its time for a new vehile it will be another jeep grand cherokee

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  Too many shop visits - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lespos - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had more problems with this vehicle. The a/c went out. Ive replaced 3 sets of front brake rotors, new front axles. Now its making a loud noise in the front end when you get to about 20 MPH and up. The dealer told me it was the transfer case. Someone else told me its the front differential. The door locks failed. Im getting rid of this one and wont buy another.

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  love it - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By wvjeeper - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my third jeep(cj then yj then tj) and they keep getting better. The ride is much improved and it is much quieter. Some people who complain about that are in the wrong vehicle-it is a rugged off-road vehicle after all. Of course the mileage is not great- no real 4-wheel drive vehicle gets high mileage. There is nothing like the wrangler on the road today. If you want a unique and fun vehicle, this is it.

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  Jeep Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jhony - August 21 - 10:00 am

  this is an awesome car. Although, it is a bit loud with the soft top on at high speeds and the handling is pretty bad at high speeds as well. This car is very fun to drive on and off the road. Great for anyone.