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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  Jeep cant be beat - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Freedom - June 24 - 1:53 am

  I mean if you read about this Jeep, they make it sound like a bad car, let me tell you, I have owned all sports cars until this Jeep, and this thing can drive. It moves, handles, and brakes fine. Of course it is heavy so it dosent do it like a sports car would, but pretty close. 4X4 cant be spoken for, so unbelievable, it cant be stopped - I tried. I towed an H2 out of a mud pit, I struggled but it is WOW!!! Great car.

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  best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By george - June 23 - 1:06 pm

  I bought my Jeep in 2006 with 26 miles on it and basically have driven it crazy to the tune of 103,000 miles with no engine problems at all. Only negative Id have to say is the Goodyear tires that came with the vehicle were awful, I replaced them with Fusion XTI and its been great since...keep up the scheduled maint. and it will keep running.

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  Not as quiet as I expected - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tom - June 22 - 10:50 pm

  Love my 2004 Grand Cherokee except for excessive road/wind noise. The 1998 model I traded in was quieter, even after 6 years of use and 103,000 miles.

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  2 Yrs and counting - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By pyt212 - June 22 - 8:30 pm

  Liberty CRD has been fun to drive for over 2 years. Fuel economy has been very good (last tank over 27 mpg). No problems whatsoever. Cant get it away from wife.

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  1998 Laredo 4WD Just Right! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By brianpsu - June 22 - 3:56 am

  I have been driving my Jeep for over 5 years with no major problems at 78,000 miles. As some other reviewers mentioned, my main problem has been that the sway bar needing relaced twice. Definitely a weak spot, but at $100 replacement, not worth a slam. Living in Pennsylvania, I love the go anywhere capability of the Jeep. Put it in Full Time 4WD and I dont have to worry about hitting some dry pavement either. If the going gets really tough, there is always the Part Time 4WD. The best part is that Jeep has not sold-out to the button, I know that my 4WD is locked in.

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  Buy a Jeep! - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By atrometer - June 21 - 2:36 pm

  We have the two package and she tows our travel trailer great! (13-15 mpg) Mileage without trailer is 22 on the road as rated. We like this better than any vehicle weve had, and at 70 weve had a LOT!

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  I love my jeep! - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By sandbelle - June 20 - 7:33 am

  This is my first brand new car....i have always had a chevy, but once i test drove this Jeep- it was mine! im a convert for life! I LOVE my JEEP!

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  Big bang for the buck - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Stu - June 19 - 3:50 pm

  My wife drives a Toyota Rav 4 which cost $10,000 more and this is a better vehicle---Nothing fancy-- Jeep more comfortable --Jeep faster acelleration ---better air conditioning-- We love this Jeep--Its the best value out there---Sure its Old school and it looks like a station wagon--Its like my old cherokee that they quit making in 2001--- after an 11 year run its been perfected---

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  Update since 03/02/03 on my 02 JGC - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By xyzxyzxyz - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive not had any problems since my last review. I have 39,000 miles on it now and Ive only changed brakes once, at 33,000. Still my only gripe is that the A/C is not cold enough for the Texas heat. I still plan on keeping it past my 7/100,000 warranty.

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  Driving is Fun Again! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Cheadlem - June 16 - 6:53 am

  Ive only had the Jeep about a month but I am extremely pleased with this purchase. Ive had numerous compliments on the color (Red Oyster) and the style (Sahara 2D) and have taken the top off and on multiple times as the rain dictates. It is easy and comfortable to drive in the city and on the highway. The sound system is fantastic and it gets better than expected mileage (~16 city/21 Hwy). It is extremely maneuverable and I can park it right beside my 03 Suburban in my garage and open both doors. I wouldnt have gone for the satellite radio or navigation system but they came with it and now I wouldnt want to do without them. Im a Jeep man now.