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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  Could Have Been a Good Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Bud Trevor - August 15 - 6:46 am

  I own the Renegade model with the six speed manual transmission. I purchased this model to tow behind my motorhome. At 35,000 miles I started having problems with the ABS, ESP and related display light. I would be driving down the freeway and these lights would display and force the brake system to respond as if I were on a slippery road condition. I was not in that situation. I live in Arizona where most days are dry and hot. Naturally I took in to the dealership where it was purchased and explained what had happened. The first occurrence was in 2007. Its now 2009. During these two years the dealership has made fourteen attempts to correct this problem. The lights still come on.

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  Beat the Best of the Rockies - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By RoughNeck - August 15 - 3:53 am

  I am a oil and gas rig man that travels from Denver to Farmington New Mexico every 2 weeks. I get paid to drive my 2006 Jeep Liberty to and from work. I go over 4 mountain passes both ways and usually at night. Wolf Creek Pass is 13, 000 plus miles of of constant snow , rain and ice. My Liberty has yet to skid, and corners better than my old Ford Ranger around the mountain roads. I drive a constant 55 MPH the entire way and only use one entire tank of gas and that is at a price of $2.80 per gallon. This is a foo foo SUV but as a heavy duty truck driver I find it an excellent choice for saftey and reliability.

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  Fix the windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Terie - August 14 - 9:20 pm

  Its fun to drive, it hauls lots of stuff in the back, the seats arent comfy at all and hard for a short person to adjust. The gas mileage should be better for the size, but I love the 6 cyl power. Why did my windows break at only 1 yr/6000mi and the dealer tells me "they always do that in Libertys" and Jeep has chosen to NOT address the issues? I will not buy another Jeep. The dealership told me we will continue to have to replace the widow assembly, because they always break. Now my dash is buckling. The dealer says its because we live in the desert. Then why isnt it happening to our 2 other cars that are older?

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  Does not age gracefully... - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By burauhaus - August 14 - 3:45 am

  We bought this car used 07/2013, less than 85,000 mi, no warrantee offered. Within 2 months, we had to replace the trans control modulator; less than 30 days later, alternator was replaced also. None of this was covered by the dealership as we were told this was "normal wear and tear". Before the holidays our Jeep was backed into, resulting in some body damage & a thumping sound in the LF wheel (impact) area. Service says we now need to replace the RF wheel bearing AND the transmission, citing normal wear & tear, not from incident. Looking into lemon law for our state... this is RIDICULOUS! Would not buy this car again.

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  wow, i love the power and design - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By MuscleLegs - August 13 - 3:56 am

  I test drove a Liberty Limited about 6 months ago and fell in love with it; so, when the time came to purchase I knew exactly what I wanted. Am impressed with the turning radius, the cargo space (roomier on the inside than it looks like from the outside), and the look of it -- is truly Jeep with sophistication. Love that on the weekends can take it camping and off road, then wash it up and out to dinner and downtown Chicago other times. Really impressed all the way around ... one minor flaw, the obvious; gas mileage is a little steep for a "compact" SUV. Jeep should be overall pleased with the product they have produced, I sure am!

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  A few issues - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jeff Baker - August 13 - 2:46 am

  Love the vehicle (4.7L), the trips to the service department, not so much. 6 trips for "service 4wd system". Finally fixed by replacing internal switch in transfer case. Occasional horrible noise from driveshaft, cause yet TBD. Windows have a mind of their own and occasionally reverse directions in auto up/down. Slow engagement of tranny in reverse after sitting overnight, sometimes creating a loud screech. Significant vibration from an unknown source when turning from a stop. Has stalled several times while backing from parking place. Hopefully, all the kinks can be worked out. Plus side, Jeep finally did something with the Headlights on their vehicles, these babies light up the night!

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  Love this Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By DrBill - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Great fun to drive, solid feel, easy shifting into 4WD.

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  Not at all Happy Jeep Owner - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DougM - August 13 - 12:46 am

  This is the most uncomfortable SUV that I have ever driven. It lacks any power in the 3.7 liter and fuel economy is VERY POOR due to vehicle weight. Its in for major engine repair now that left me stranded in the middle of the road; it broke three intake springs with only 22,300 miles and well cared for highway miles. The seats you slide around on while driving - no contour to seats, tilt wheel is difficult to operate, doors slam back at you when opening, and major blind spot in windshield at the A pillars. I will NEVER buy another Jeep product AGAIN! Daimler Chrysler/Jeep emergency roadside service leaves a major lot to be desired also. They wont call back when they say they will.

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  Be prepared to be re-repaired - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Snag - August 12 - 4:40 pm

  Jeep has the best TV commercials. Driving through the mud, under the lake, buried in snow, we all notice the applications. Owning 11 of the Grand varieties, and 3 Wrangler/CJ models. my first review. As far as the advertisements. I cant even drive my Overland on a rainy day, without the rotors warping, replaced at 16k, 36k, 47k, and needed again at 66k miles. To date, climate control problems ($900), starter replaced,3 batteries, multiple visits for unclogging A/C drainage onto passenger floor, drivers heated seat , CD changer not working, power side mirrors need exorcist. I have spent a considerable amount of time enjoying the benefits of performance in snow, ice, pulling the boat.

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  Best Vehicle I have owned in 25 years. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Jim - August 12 - 5:20 am

  If you are in the market for an excellent all around vehicle. Do not hesitate to buy a commander. Shop around a little and you will not only get a great vehicle, but a bargain in the deal. Do not buy if you are wanting a 3o mpg vehicle. These weigh almost 5,500 lbs. But the plus side is how well they drive. Quiet, handles very well for its size. Acceleration with 5.7 hemi is awesome. Buy the hemi! This thing can accelerate from 50 to 100 in a heartbeat. And is just as quiet and confident at these speeds. The equipment included is awesome. The sound system ( Boston accoustics ) is audiophile quality. Go drive a limited or overland with a 5.7 hemi for about 100 miles. You will buy 1 maybe 2.