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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  Used ex-BLM Rubicon - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By timbob55 - January 31 - 7:01 pm

  I bought my Rubicon two years ago with 50k miles. Ive since put 49k miles on it. I found a couple receipts in the glove box that indicated it was owned by BLM. If Id know that ahead of time I may not have purchased. but Im glad I did. In the two years of heavy use I have owned it there has been no reliability issues. Performance: The 3.8 is a dog! Maybe its better with a manual tranny. Comfort: This is the Cadillac of Wrangers. Very comfortable, car like ride. Value: expensive, but well equipped. Fun to drive: If it had more torque it would be great. Interior design: Its a Jeep Exterior design: I like the removeable fenders. Build qualilty: Its a Jeep Reliability: Great

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  First Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By cskiwild - January 27 - 9:23 am

  We bought this Jeep to replace our ML 320 and because we where planning to move to NH and there where no MB dealers where we were going to. Bought it right of the lot, wife loved the color and I loved the looks. Had leather,sunroof and sky ports, roof rack trailer hitch 6CD,rear heat/air. loaded. I take care of my vehicle and do the regular maint. I tow a small motorcycle trailer and have just driven to Fl for bike week. I have 54000+ and got 15 mpg pulling trailer. have gotten 22mpgs with out trail on long trips to Ohio. It has performed great. Will most likely getting another if they stay in business and dont drop the model. Cheaper to service than my MB

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  2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4X4Laredo 26X - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sam G - January 27 - 12:50 am

  I love the way this Jeep handles, and looks inside and out. It is a blast to drive, I feel like a kid again. The V6 3.7L is fine for my driving criteria, however, if you plan on pulling big loads it ainÂ’t going to cut it, go with the V8. I have been averaging 12.7 around town and 20 on the highway. The front compartment is very comfortable. The back is average in the comfort department. I love the leather seats and all the other options that go along with the 26X pac

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  Still Kicking! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By TheNotoriousBLA - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 2 years now and I absolutely love it! I dont ever want to sell this Jeep. Its so dependable, yes it has some drawbacks, few options and not that comfrotable but you never have to worry about it tearing up.

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  Great vehicle, but high maintenance - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lovemyjeep-o - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I special ordered this SUV in 1999. It is so comfortable and wonderful to drive. Fortunately, however, I purchased an extended warranty in 2002. There have been air conditioning problems. The starter went out at 42,000 miles. Occasionally, there is a strange noise from the right rear when cornering. There have been other minor problems. The rear end replacement issue was brought up with my Jeep. The dealer had replaced some others but apparently had done so unnecessarily. Bottom line: yes it is worth the aggravation and yes I would buy it again.

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  A solid vehicle - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By New Jeep fan - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my GC for almost one year, and it is as solid as the day I drove it off the lot. It has proven to be reliable in all weather conditions, and the V8 power is ample. The cold weather package has proven to be my favorite amenity. It is a good size vehicle for city driving and parking, unlike many of the behemoths out there.

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  Elect. Horrors - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rol - January 15 - 2:00 am

  sun roof drains right unto fuse box of 5.9; causing horrendous electrical problems! dealer will not honor extended zero deductible warranty and I bought there!

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  Bad Brakes but Good SUV - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Scarey - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD, I really like the drive and comfort but I am totally irrate about having to get 4 yes FOUR sets of front brake rotors. It started at about 7000-8000 miles and has happened about every 6000-8000 miles. The front brakes pulsate. I spoke to the dealer and they are aware that the problem is common with these SUVs, I also spoke to a customer service directly from Jeep and they said rotors are a wearable item and it must be my driving although a few months later Jeep issued a memo to all dealers informing them that this issue may be happening.

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  Like the vehicle, but not the service - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By kevin _123456 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  At first I was very happy with my Liberty. It had okay acceleration, roomy interior, a great sounding stereo, and a nice over all look. Then I took my car to have the oil change. Chrysler service departments are the worst I have ever experienced. They nickle and dimed me every chance they got, tried to rip me off, offered to do work that wasnt needed, were very unprompt, and rude. It took one hour just to have them start on my car, and I had an appointment. This was at a 5 star service department.

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  I sure miss it! - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By I M Wonderful - January 14 - 10:00 am

  A little over a year ago, I bought my 1993 Jeep Wrangler S from my parents; who bought it from my brother. What a fun vehicle! In Texas, you can almost live year round with the top off - and what a better feeling that riding around town with the wind blowing in your hair. Unfortunatly, it was wrecked just a few weeks ago - Im going to miss it. It wasnt the "family" type vehicle Ive always wanted, but it was in wonderful shape - was garaged since day one, never seen an ounce of dirt or mud, and wonderfully maintained. I couldnt have asked for a nicer Jeep. I will definately miss it.