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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  Bring The Jeep back - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Moparfan - September 6 - 3:16 am

  I bought my Jeep with 13900 miles and have been working it. From road trips to upstate New York to towing car/trucks. It has never left me stranded no matter what breaks. I could not have asked for a more dependable vehicle. At 171000 miles and a beating that would tear most trucks in half its time to let her go.

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  Best Jeep Ever !!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By biarritz84 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Went to dealership with my mother and we was going to purchase 2 of these new Unlimiteds, thought buying 2 of them we could get some kind of a deal...WRONG!! Salesman said the best I can do is sticker price so he lost 2 cash sales. I went to the Chevy dealer in the same auto mall and got a new Monte Carlo LS. My mother got her Unlimited and is very happy with it and Im happy for her. I loved it myself but not that much.

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  2000 GC a 1st Place Prize - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By geobob - September 1 - 5:40 pm

  2000 Grand Cherokee is our 3rd Jeep. Daily driver and regular offroader, now has 195,000 miles after owning 5 years. Only addition was a 2 inch spring lift with Bilstein shocks all around. This has been a very reliable 4X4 that is used regularly off road for work and vacation off roading camping adventures from the deserts of So Cal to the Rubicon trails of Lake Tahoe. Typically tow tent trailer packed for 5 with bikes. Only disappointment was a stuck park/Drive shifter that would not go into park so we could not remove ignition key while on a 2 week trip to Omaha. Still running original water pump,axles,trans and other items that can typically wear out. Great all around vehicle, highly recommended.

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  First year has major issues - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By b1pig - August 28 - 7:46 pm

  I am in love with the overall design of this vehicle. I considered myself lucky to find a Rubicon in dealer inventory so soon, and in my haste, I bought it. It is a very functional vehicle with lots of thought given to offroad enthusiasts. Within 2 days of purchase, I took it offroad and "broke it in" and I have been happy with it for the most part. While this Jeep rides very well with 32" tall mud tires and is pretty quiet, the power is seriously lacking. The hood lifts when rigs pass at highway speeds. The engine randomly stalls. I submitted my complaint to NHTSA. Hopefully they will pressure DCX to come up with a resolution and get us fixed.

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  Was a nice car - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Melissa - August 28 - 11:13 am

  Bought brand new at the end of 05, and drove it till my teen wrecked it 2010. They really are prone to flipping over belly up. Had it when it first had 200 miles on it till 49k miles. Only troubles we had was with the rotors. Had them replaced,or resurfaced every 6 months or so. It would shimmy as slowing down from high speed. Never had any other mechanical trouble with it stalling, not starting, it was very dependable. Was a gas guzzler, and for me the the windows and top were a pain to take off and remove. Id still be driving it now, and I miss it.

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  unfinished gem - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By teendriver - August 24 - 12:40 pm

  if only this suv wasnt thrown out on the assembly line...has great potential but seems unfinished. it has a lot of power but almost too much. i feel like Im going to tip over every time I turn. The interior isnt much to look at and the radio could be better. It has a lot of power but I wasnt impressed. It stinks on bumps but is great in the snow with the 4 wheel drive on. I would rather have the Escape which feels safer and is cheaper. The jeep is "trail rated" and yet when you look at websites most recommend not to use the Liberty when off roading. Also when I was driving it a little rough it started shaking and the engine light went on.

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  Pimp My Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Ron T. - August 24 - 4:50 am

  Jeep Commander, what can words really say. Ive had my rig for about 45 days. Ive already racked up 1,800 miles. At 41 I feel like a kid again, just lookin for a reason to go crusin. I added 20" Chrome Wheels to my truck which really changed the look of the vehicle, but did decrease my gas mileage considerably. Two trips to the shop already; once a faulty warning light advising me to check 4WD system. Also I had to have one of the computerized keys reprogrammed. Upon starting the vehicle it would run for a few seconds and die. A red dot would appear on the dash along with a message "Try Alternate Key." I was told this had something to do with the security system. Overall I really like my truck.

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  Fun, Gorgeous but unreliable - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By larrym - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Offroad performance is amazing. The JCG can go where only custom 4WDs dare and do so with greater comfort and speed. I cant imagine a better offroad experience. Around town and on the highway the JCGs performance doesnt stand out except for the peppy acceleration from the 4.7L engine, yet its still comfortable and predictable. Unfortunately, reliability is lousy. Ive replaced power window motors 5 times twice out of warranty, 2 side view mirror motors, an engine computer, a fuel pump, transmission leaks, and a radiator! Still, overall Id buy again: the good points far outweigh the bad if you can afford to deal with the unreliability.

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  After all, there is only one..... - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By jmiron1 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  It seems to me that this vehicle is either loved or hated for the same reasons. So either you get it or you dont. All I can say is the only people I see waving to each other as they pass on the road are Jeep owners and Harley riders. Not bad company in my book. Just own one and youll understand.

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  A very satisfied owner - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ccm5k - August 23 - 4:43 am

  If you read a lot of the reviews here, it seems a lot of people have had very negative experiences with their Jeeps. I guess I am one of the lucky ones! After almost one year and almost 20k miles of ownership, I have never had a single problem. Not one! In total, I have 70k miles on the vehicle and it still looks and feels new. And, when it comes to bang for the buck, I could not be more pleased. I was cross- shopping 00-02 Range Rovers when I bought this Jeep, and the Jeep is more comfortable, more powerful, and far more reliable. Find a well-cared for example and you will not be disappointed!