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:

• 

  2004 Bundle of FUN - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DPSKI - February 15 - 6:06 pm

  Recently purchased a 2004 Grand Cherokee Columbia Edition from a friend. It is my second jeep and is in very good condition. It drives and handles awesome and handles the trails wonderfully. In addition, Monday - Friday I commute 40 miles one way to work and love the handling and size of this vehicle. 24 MPG would be ideal on the highways as I only get 21 at 70 MPH. Upgraded to Bridgetone REVO tires and the ride and handling is much better yet! Awesome truck will never sell!

• 

  Jeep Rocks! Best Wrangler Ever! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By JJ - February 14 - 3:23 pm

  This is my 5th Wrangler and its leaps ahead of my last Wrangler, a 2000 Sport that had a higher sticker and less equipment. Im totally impressed with the new exterior and interior design on my X-S, Dark Green, 2DR, soft top. It handles great on the highway, is quiet and the 6 speed manual helps the fuel economy but it could be better. The Daimler quality influence is very evident.

• 

  Best Kept Secret - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By happy camper - February 14 - 8:20 am

  Bought my Jeep Patriot in Nov. and at 6,000 miles it has been great. Just as tough as the old Cherokees with same styling outside but updated "under the hood. Great gas mileage and performs better than most SUVs in snow. Very little wind shear on the highway when its windy unlike many others. Bit of noise from smaller engine but plenty of pep. Only dislike is Jeep/Chrysler playing the "maintenance" game and requiring plugs at about 30,000 miles when many makers go 60,000 plus. Also use of a timing belt rather than a timing chain like Suzuki is an expense at 60,000 miles that could cost $$$. It boils down to Jeep/Chrysler wanting more bucks for the dealer to do more frequent work.

• 

  Great Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By joshr502 - February 13 - 1:46 pm

  My wife and I just bought a 2006 Commander LTD. We love it. It rides and handles like a dream. The interior is great and the outside still has the rugged Jeep look. There are only 2 downside to the Commander. First of all, its a gas guzzler. But, what large SUV isnt? Second of all, the 3rd row seat is a waste. Luckily it doesnt really affect us because we just keep it folded down all the time. Overall, this is a great vehicle. We love it!

• 

  Third entry - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By winter2 - February 13 - 10:46 am

  Nearly have 6K miles on my CRD. Has been trouble free save for the one incident at less than 600 miles. Has been flawless since then. Traveled to Florida and averaged 27.1 mpg for the trip. Ran like a dream and ran away a few times because I forgot to engage the cruise control. Seats are really comfortable and I was able to drive for long periods without pain or discomfort. A/C was great in Florida and had a nominal impact in fuel economy. Performance has improved with mileage. More pulling power than before.

• 

  Fun to drive but... - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Sera King - February 13 - 8:56 am

  I bought a Jeep Liberty 2006 brand new, I love it but the window regulators went bad like 2 times in the back windows, the door handle inside got broke, went to the dealer they told me it cost about $500.00 for a new door panel, and the seats? omg i hate them even water will create a spot on them. other than that everything is fine.

• 

  Its mostly been good! - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cindy - February 11 - 10:43 pm

  Ive had the Jeep for 4 years and replaced the radiator and fixed the venting. The lenses on the fog lights pop off very easily. Next time youre out and about, look to see how many Jeeps are missing at least one lens. The most frustrating problem has been that the security light keeps coming on and sometimes prevents me from starting the vehicle and we cant seem to get it fixed. All in all it has been a great vehicle for us and the only one that could make it out of our neighborhood during the last big snowstorm, without even having to go into Low. Im now trying to sell it but having a hard time because of the low MPG and high gas prices.

• 

  This is a great car - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Boulder Wrangler - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 02 X and then customized. This is a great way to build the perfect offroad vehicle. I love this car--and my kids (3 and 6) love it too- -as does my wife. I have had no problems AT ALL. This car is perfectly designed for what it is-- though probably not for commuters :) The car is unstoppable in snow and is very well balanced. When it slides, it slides well and enhances control. The Jeep X is very low cost and can be easily customized.

• 

  Worth the money - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DDthetanker - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Current GC is my second, owned a 93 first. Love the extra power from the I- 6. Reliable car. Get upset when I hear others talk bad about Jeep. Other than usual wear and tear, I have been to the garage less than anyone I know. GC doesnt like to run at 105 MPH on the Autobahn, but it will still maintain the pace for hours at a time. Love the looks when passing the Germans in their Audis, speed is not always about the vehicles performance. Love it in the snow, passing the BMWs on the hills. On my second set of brakes at 80,000, not too bad!!!

• 

  Give me Liberty or give me death! HA! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By wsb - February 11 - 10:00 am

  love it!