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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  Just bought the used 06...its 2010 now! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Melissa - June 10 - 3:33 am

  I just purchased the Laredo 65 yr anniversary edition. Its a great looking car. I like all the features. Ive heard jeeps drive rough so I didnt expect to much comfort before test driving. Im pretty content with it. However, Ive had it for 2 days and Im noticing some no-nos already! The problems Im seeing already is the low tire pressure light comes on at random. But the big thing is the seat belt light comes on and chimes through out the entire ride even with my seat belt on and nooo weight in the passenger seat! Im in the process of getting it fixed (hopefully), but I just wanted to put those problems out there just in case somebody else had the same issues

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  Finally... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mf012e - June 9 - 7:30 am

  A Jeep with some luxury. Ran my 97 into the ground with 200k+ miles and finally upgraded to the LTD with Hemi and all the options. Smooth, smooth ride for this heavy SUV and great power. All the features such as smartbeam and rainsense work surprisingly well. Very impressed.

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  3rd JGC & 1Jeep Cherokee - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By glenn donald - June 9 - 2:00 am

  My first was an 88 Jeep Cherokee Limited, the next three were JGC 94, 96 & 2000. Only problem with any of them was AC coil on 96 at 65,000 miles. Had one set of rotors go bad AFTER I had a tire company turn them(ground down). If the rotors warp or need turning, just purchase new ones instead. $10 to turn and only $40 for a new one. Rotors never seem to last after having them turned down, just spring for the new rotors and new brake shoes. Their easy to put on yourself and the entire job will cost $100 and a couple of hours for one set if wheels...as opposed to paying a mechanic shop $300-500.

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  Great Multupurpose Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By DAC - June 7 - 5:43 pm

  I have owned other Jeeps but this was my first Wrangler. I promised my wife a convertible some day and she loves the Jeep. Great purchase. It is not the most comfortable ride for long highway drives but it is acceptable. It is hard to get the kids in their car seats. The fuel economy is not what it should be based upon existing technology. IT IS a fun vehicle, and a great short distance commuter. It handles the back roads and off-roads with equal ability. If youre afraid to get a scratch on it buy a Lexus and stay on the highway. IF you want a ride for bad weather, hunting conditions, and off-roading recreation...the Wrangler is a good fit.

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  Review after 2 years (27k miles) - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Mait - June 7 - 10:00 am

  First, this vehicle came with a poor choice of tires (Wrangler ST) so I upgraded after 18m miles to the larger, fatter Firestone Destination LE (yes Firestone) tires. For $350.00, it TOTALLY changed the way I feel about my Jeep. I love it. My family of just 3 went out to AZ with Seadoo in tow in June and the Liberty did just great up and down hills and through the desert from South Texas to Lake Havasu City (1200 miles each way). It carried all our luggage, lake gear, vhs, toolboxes, chests, etc. with no obstruction in back window and 60/40 back seat flipped down. Absent "slippery in rain" tire issue, this Jeep has given me zero problems. As for gas, its an SUV!!! Great towing capability!

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  satified, for lack of a better word - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Seth Wangler - June 7 - 10:00 am

  theres nothing like driving a jeep, and this is the best, looking, rideing, feeling, offroad capable jeep ever made. hands down.

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By OOJack - June 3 - 2:00 am

  There is seriously nothing like a jeep. I bought mine new in 1998 (Green Sahara Hard Top), and have put 75,000 miles on it. Other than basic service and minor warranty work, I have had no real problems. If your considering buying a Wrangler, make sure you comfortable with the expected wind noise, bumpiness, fuel mileage etc. Wranglers are just plain fun. You get looks all time, jeep drivers usually wave at each other, and this thing turns on a dime.

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  Great Small Truck - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By river rat - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Its great on the beach in sand, I have no problem towing a small boat anywhere. It handles much better on the road than reviews would lead you to believe.

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  12 months and no regrets - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By krisiam - June 2 - 10:24 am

  First and foremost I love this car because of the value -- an unbelievable deal at the time I got it at the end of 11 taking advantage of mfg. incentives left me with a 4x4 with popular option group for 22K. Thats so low for a 6 cylinder 4x4 SUV its unreal. Front seats are supportive and would be comfortable except for the placement of the drivers side seat belt the metal part digs into my hip and becomes painful on long rides. Stereo has decent sound and the output to hook up the mp3 player is a nice. Have had some electrical issues which affect the horn and audio controls, have had it in 4x for the same problem(s). Holding out hope theyll resolve it, want to keep it forever.

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  American Classic - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By UncleMark - June 1 - 6:20 pm

  Im in Colorado. Guess what, the 3 speed auto on my 2002 Sahara does a better job than I can on our inclined "roads." Im very tall and though the comfort level is far better for me than I thought it would be, its no car. Gas mileage is actually good for hauling around that heavy transfer case all the time. Excellent seat comfort and support. Impressive fit, finish, build quality. Bad: lousy soft-top, but I run around in a safari or bikini and dont use it; hardtop when its on is DELUXE. Outstanding air/heat (no wonder Mercedes uses the same). There are years of off-road features and refinement in the design of this outstanding vehicle. You should buy one before the 4.0L is gone.