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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  Get this car if you like driving rental cars - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Phil - August 1 - 12:44 pm

  Many, many recalls and you have to pay out-of-pocket when you get a rental car . I have basically replaced every major item in the car including the catalytic converter and complete $1300 steering gear. Everything made out of plastic so they either crack or fall off the car. Then had to replace the entire cooler and fluid retainer

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  Stalling and turning off on its own - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Glennbob - July 30 - 7:10 pm

  I have 4 times in the past 5 months that the engine will and electrical will turn off without warning. Coming to a stop light, turning left on a roundabout, taking an exit on the right, making a right hand turn and the last one which scared me to the point of needing to sell it if Chrysler doesnt do something about this. I was making a left hand turn off a two lane hwy slowing down from 55 as I slowed down to make the turn across traffic with a car coming at 55 the car died. No power steering, brakes nothing, just as if you turned the car off. I was able to coast across the left hand lane but knew the driver has to slow down for me which I was happy to have happened as I couldnt do anything to get out of the cars way.

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  Headache! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By april - July 30 - 12:50 pm

  This Jeep has been a headache since I got it. My Jeep Patriot came to me from the factory with a faulty crank and sensor, so, every morning I get to hold my breath as I listen to the thing crank for 10-15 seconds before finally turning over. I think to myself, is this the day it is not going to start, every morning! It will be going to see a certified Chrysler dealer for the third time to fix this issue! wish me luck! On top of that, there is something wrong with the gas gauge and i ran out of gas on the highway because I got about 5 miles after the fuel light went on. One headache after the next with this Jeep Patriot and I had such high hopes. buyers beware!

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  ok car - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By noah - July 29 - 4:40 am

  had this car since it first came out in 2007 bought it new. had to replace all 4 of the power window units several times,the ac unit has gone bad twice due to an electrical failure in the switch the first time,the second time the condensor coils were shot,great for road trips just be prepared to make alot of stops for gas.sucks down the battery life really fast,we have to replace it once every year.had a factory recall just 2 years ago due to if it got rear ended it could explode,so they put a hitch on the back thats somehow supposed to help or prevent that .it took them 10 years before they realized this problem and sent out a recall.overall its a great jeep and i highly recomend it.

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  Great Bang for Buck - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By D. Olson - July 28 - 4:56 pm

  I bought a 2005 Laredo 4WD, trading in an old Cherokee. NO comparison - this one is light years ahead. Got a great deal at end of model year. No problems with car in first 4500 miles. Good mileage with V6 ... although it wont win many races. Quadra Trac is very easy to use, but not for off roading, as it is really a highway AWD system. Love this new Jeep, think they got early production bugs out before this one was built in May ... glad I bought American.

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  Nice Vehicle for the $! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Charlie - July 27 - 6:30 pm

  Purchased approximately 1 month ago. Driven mostly in suburbs to and from work. Smooth, comfortable and quiet ride on freeway driving. Like the classic Jeep style (tired of the rolling egg look). Like this better than the Honda CR-V traded in.

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  Freedom Edition is the best. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeramie Murray - July 27 - 12:03 pm

  I love this Jeep, I have always been a Wrangler guy, but they are not the most practical for everyday use. This Liberty fits the bill, seats four comfortably and has some storage; also it is a JEEP. Will go almost anywhere which is the point of 4 wheel drive and the gas mileage is far better than the Wrangler I had previously. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  "Jack-of-all-trades" yet master of many - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Mr. Sam - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Cherokee for almost two years now and I still love it. Only problems Ive had have been the O2 senser and a R134a leak (which is still not solved). No major problems (knock on wood). Bullet proof off-road capiblity. One of the fastest SUVs out there. Buy one and join the family!

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  BUY A HONDA INSTEAD !!!!!!!!!!! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By franco66 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I am trying to think of something good to say about our Jeep, wait "I have it," its for sale in the newspaper. Entire front wheel bearing assembly replaced at 60K. Water pump at 65K. Air signed off at 60K. The interior room in this car is a joke for such a heavy car. Quality throughout is a nightmare. Windows quit working. Hood lifts replace every 40K. Used the 4WD one time in snow and developed oil leak in transfer case 1 week later. I could go on but I know you get the message. Any car out there is going to give you better service than this Chrysler made piece of JUNK !!!!!!!!!!!

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  03 Wrangler X - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By NPFiveAgainstOne - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I got rid of my SE because it didnt have enough power and purchased an X. As expected, the 6 has much more kick than the 4. The fuel economy sucks, but its a Wrangler not a Civic. The rebates were great at this time of year and my dealer had a lot in stock. Black with a khaki soft top, sharp!