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:

• 

  Not enough storage, seat not comfortable - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jackie - June 7 - 4:20 am

  My husband just brought this home for me last week. Because of the jump in gas prices over hurricane Katrina, he traded in my Suburban. This is a very fun, solid SUV. However, if you are looking for storage areas to put your stuff, forget it. The glove box isnt even big enough to hold my few maps, no sunglass holder and the seats are not very comfortable, so I am not sure how it will be on long drives. I think this car would be great for a 20ish year old for getting around town or a quick ski weekend, certainly not big enough for a family, and not comfortable enough for me, but until gas prices goes down, it will do, then it will be handed down to my two boys to fight over.

• 

  Reliable Grand - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 01traildriver - June 6 - 1:52 am

  I purchased my 2001 in 2002 with 13,000 miles on it. The only problem I had with it was the brake rotors warping, and the slotted rotors cured that. I took my Grand to numerous states for Jeep Jamborees and it performed great ! People at the Jamborees were amazed at the capability of the Grand. I had an ARB steel bull bumper, Old Man Emu shocks and springs, and a K&N filter system on it. It was comfortable on the street and trails. I traded it in 2008 when it had over 250,000 miles on it due to an incurable death wobble with the front axle.

• 

  Yuck - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By nomorejeeps - June 6 - 1:06 am

  On the positive side Ive gotten to know the mechanics at the local dealership much better since this ill- begotten purchase. I have an old Ford Ranger with 155,000 miles which still gives me far fewer problems then this money pit Jeep Liberty. Bearings, transfer case, air conditioner, bearings again, and a new vibration just caused me to drop this junk off again. Thank goodness I purchased an extended warrenty for the first time in my life. Averages only about 15 MPG and for a V6 should do much better.

• 

  Fun unless on the highway... - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By erik1493 - June 5 - 1:24 am

  Jeeps are great, fun, and reliable cars. The ride is bumpy, but if you buy padded seat covers you will be VERY comfortable. Dont, and I repeat, do not, get a Jeep with 4 cylinder engine. My jeep has the v4 and honestly, I can barely pass cars on the highway at 60mph

• 

  Italian Job - 2015 Jeep Renegade
  By titan1fan - June 4 - 9:38 pm

  researched before I bought, lots of things the salesman had no idea about yet because it was so new, but I knew. Love to drive it, people love to look at it, I actually have the 2.4L 9 speed auto 4x4 Latitude but that was not an option in the drop down only the limited had it on my choices here so I picked the limited but I actually have the latitude. I wanted a trailhawk but the reviews turned me off with the interior noise, rougher ride and gas mileage so I fell comfortably into a latitude. The design is awesome inside and out, interior is convenient and roomy for a small suv. I got the sand color and love it, lighter in person than on the web site.

• 

  Maybe I got the only good one? - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By minetrainer - June 4 - 2:03 pm

  I have read a number of negative reviews on this car. I bought mine new, in December of 2008. I have been driving it exclusively since then. I log about 25,000 miles a year. They gave me a first owner only lifetime or 1,000,000 mile warranty and I have often wondered why. This car is like the energizer bunny and I love it!

• 

  My Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeeper01 - June 3 - 11:13 pm

  I bought my jeep Cherokee Sport 3yrs. ago and never had any problems with so far and it has 140000 mi. on it.It is a great vehicle for off roading to get to my fav. fishin/campin/hunting spots here in PA..fuel economy is getting better with a Gibson Perf. exhaust and a K&N cold air intake and I just added a BBK 62 mm. throttle.There is so many mods. that you can add to this vehicle. that makes it so fun to own. Looks are great for town and off roading to.

• 

  So Far So Good - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bob - June 3 - 5:10 pm

  This is a solid and very comfortable SUV. The interior is nice and is very quiet. It drives and handles very well too. The stereo is awesome. So far, it is one of the finest vehicles I have owned.

• 

  CJs Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By CJs Jeep - June 2 - 5:43 am

  I love this Jeep! I had my first Jeep back in 1994 and it was an 86 Islander bright yellow. I loved it. Went back to driving cars and realized Jeep is the only one for me. So now I have the new 2004 Unlimited and it is awesome. Girls like Jeeps too.

• 

  Robs Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By the911guy - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 2000 Ford Mustang for my Liberty and havent looked back. It has been an absolute joy to have. The only negative Ive noticed is that gas mileage could be better. Interior room is adequate and Im over six foot. Room for the kids and their stuff too. Peppy six banger and smooth transmission and transfer case make even off road use easy and fun.