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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  No more Jeeps for me! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bard123 - August 11 - 9:20 pm

  I will NOT purchase another Jeep Liberty - NO WAY. Cruise control is terrible (+/- 5 mph!), seats are extremely uncomfortable, engine is under powered, and gas mileage is 16 - 19 mpg.

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  05 Jeep Lib Sport 2WD - Too many problems - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By hate - August 11 - 7:57 am

  I purchased my 05 Jeep Liberty Sport new and for the first 2 years it ran great. After that, its been all down hill. Since, Ive spent $1,300 for a new A/C compressor, $300 for new brakes that still squeal, $2,800 for a rebuilt transmission, the CD player wont eject my CD and havent gotten that fixed, a fuse that keeps blowing out my brake lights, a passenger side automatic window that cost $400 to fix, and now I have the rear latch that wont open that I need opened to get to the brake lights that have, once again, blown out. Im told this will cost $500 to repair. I am FED UP with my 05 Jeep Liberty!!!!

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  Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By planekeeper1 - August 11 - 6:43 am

  I bought the 99 model after testing it Carmax. So far we have had 2 power window motors replaced, the water pump, the door lock system failed, 2 speakers and the brakes twice. I cant keep front brakes on this thing. The good news is that we bought the extended warranty ( the mechanics have no clue what they are doing by the way). On the bright side, it is good for long trips and has enough room for my family of 4 and all our stuff. The four wheel drive works well also. As soon as we can afford it, I am trading it for a Ford F150 pickup.

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  Many Problems - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MLVteach123 - August 9 - 10:20 am

  I am a five time Jeep owner. I test drove the new Grand Cherokee and fell in love with how it handles. After owning the car for one month, I began to have problems. The interior vinyl on the doors rips when bumped and I dont have kids! The car had four rust spots on the interior door frames. This problem had to be addressed twice. The exterior rubber molding was loose. The keys were not programmed correctly to my car which enabled the anti theft deterrent system. The car would stall over and over. My Laredo has been back to the dealer several times and has been kept up to two weeks for repairs. I suggest waiting to buy this new model until all the problems are corrected.

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  Roof leak - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By george - August 8 - 1:40 pm

  This Jeeps top leaked since day 1. It has been in to be repaired 6 times and out of service more than 30 days. I have filed under lemon law /and was given a mediator /with no resolution. 5 months later I was forced into buying a foreign used car so I could get to work. I do not recommend this Jeep to any! Chrysler does not back product, they sure can sell you a car, but service is not there anymore. Stay away

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  awesome. - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dangerxx - August 7 - 10:16 pm

  My Grand Cherokee has about 170,000 miles on it now and its still going strong. If youre looking for a vehicle and youre afraid about high mileage, do not dismiss the 96 Grand Cherokee. Its powerful, its comfortable, and it rides well for an SUV. Gas mileage is not great though. Weve only had a few problems with it- anti freeze leak, bearings wearing out in rear. Other than that, its a good, solid, reliable vehicle that you can take literally ANYWHERE. Thumbs up

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  Its a JEEP thing - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Andie - August 7 - 6:33 pm

  I love this rig! I have actually taken it to a JEEP JAM in Maine and it did great with the stock package. The only flaw in the interior design that I see is the cupholder placement.

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  Got What I Paid For - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SCB - August 7 - 10:26 am

  Wanted a Jeep, got a Jeep. No major issues over the last 11 yrs and 125000 mi. Trying to make it last through all 3 kids and their early driving years - four yrs to go! Radio doesnt work well, tape deck(!) quit working, back lift gate is frozen in place (window works). Mechanically sound. No rust. Gave it tender loving care every 5,000 miles. Wish they hadnt discontinued the model...or the Cherokee Sport. Wish Id spent the extra $ and gotten 4WD.

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  my baby - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By delidel66 - August 6 - 4:36 pm

  This the best small suv I have driven. It looks small but is very roomy. Drivers side floor area is too small for someone big like me but I still can enjoy long rides and short fast breaks. I am at 62,900 miles and never a problem except mirrors. Power mirror has a short occasionally. It sometimes wont work, but only for a few minutes. I dont know why, I just accept it. I highly recommend this Jeep.

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  Only Jeep - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By teamcolvin - August 5 - 6:10 pm

  I traded in a 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with 130k miles. I looked at Lexus SUV, Cadillac and 4 Runner. None of them compared to the Jeep. Rugged, as always, but very refined compared to older Jeeps. Variable displacement is crucial. A big improvement from my old Jeep. Extremely fun to drive. If you are worried about fuel economy, buy a car. If you are looking for a class ride with a whole lot of muscle, drive this beast!