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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  Danger, Will Robinson! DANGER! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By John Skiba - March 14 - 7:12 pm

  Bought the 2004 Liberty used in 2007 "ASIS" from our local Jeep dealer after our master certified mechanic did a full inspection and told us it seemed OK. 3 years later, while driving the interstate under 100% perfect driving conditions, I suddenly found myself with no steering (wheel had no effect). The car rolled 3 times then flipped end-over-end, skidded to a halt on its roof. The police wrote it up as a no-fault unknown cause accident. We got a recall notice 2 years later that explained that the problem could cause sudden loss of steering. When we contacted Jeep, they said unless we still had the wreck we were S.O.L. The standard Jeep response was always "We dont care!"

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  Rest in Peace - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By dtskiles - March 13 - 10:00 am

  At 75,000 miles the A/C died. Repairs were VERY costly. Gas mileage was stable from day one - at a dismal 17mpg. But the engine itself is amazing. That inline 6 is about the more reliable engine Ive ever owned and gives the car more power than it needs.

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  Get Ready for Fun. - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By RAR - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun I have had in a car/truck. Great power from the 6cyl, millions of aftermarket parts for it, you can do anything to it. Its never left me stranded anywhere. I have had a few stupid things go wrong, nothing too expensive. Dont buy this expecting a cushy ride, your not getting it, its ment for what jeeps are made for, go anywhere, do anything. Love it, May sell it this summer for an audi (jeep not practial in traffic +clutch is real heavy) I have 79,500miles on it now, and it runs and drives like new.

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  Brake Issues - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Eddieboy - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Brakes are an issue. The rotors on mine went @ 12k miles, as well as a buddy in the office. They covered them the first time, but told me the next time I eat it at $1,200.00. This is an obvious recall issue with Jeeps and they need to be responsible enough to take on the repairs. If not, there are plenty of other companies selling SUVs without guaranteed repair issues.

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  Give me Liberty...! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By wilsonla - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a refined, fun-to-drive truck! The small turning radius makes it easy to park and get in/out of other tight spaces. The 210 hp helps us blow past road slugs on the highway. Very comfortable interior. We recommend it highly.

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  Bought one for my wife. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Rusty - March 13 - 10:00 am

  It was time to by a new car for my wife. We looked at the new liberty. Bought one that same day. The V-6 blew me away. The ride is great. A big selling piont with me was the 5000 pound tow capacity. After 15,000 miles my wife loves it. I have only a few complants with the car. They include: not alot of foot room in the front. My legs feel cramped on long drives. Not alot room to move them around. The seat in relationship with the door armrest is in a odd spot. Overall, I like this car and would drive it every day. That is if I could ever get the key away from my wife.

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  My comparison of Laredo -vs- Durango - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Demoing - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Am testing driving a Laredo this week in anticipation of trading my 99 Durango SLT - both are 2WD models. Laredo has far less blind spots, smoother handling (less truck feel),shorter turn ratio (nice), V6 engine peppier than the large V8- averaging 4 miles more a gallon (18.3) than the Durango, seats material and fabric is more comfortable. Have added 6 features on this model vs 3 take- aways from Durango (3rd bench seat, fold-down rear armrest and some cup holders).

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  Getting Better - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By joe b - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the tenth Jeep I have owned and they continue to get better each year. I currently have about 45,000 miles on this vehicle, mostly trouble free. We live in Florida but drive it to the mountains of Colorado for a month each summer to run the Jeep trails. This Wrangler is loaded with options but is still a compentent vehicle in the high country.

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  They Finally Did It! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By appeal2 - March 12 - 10:26 pm

  Just got my Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.7 Hemi (not under glass). This is as close to the perfect SUV as it gets. For starters, the exterior styling is pretty much non-descript and totally inoffensive. The inside is very comfortable. Seats are firm but not too firm. Lots of interior room. Has Bluetooth so your cellphone automatically kicks in and becomes handsfree in the car. The GPS and Sirius work like a charm. Nice oversize console box that can actually hold something useful besides three receipts and a paper clip. The Hemi is a beautiful thing. It is smooth, has a nice purr to it and gets your butt from 0-60 in 6.9 seconds. The ride is better than any SUV I have been, and thats saying a lot

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  It reeks with testosterone! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chest Rockwell - March 12 - 2:03 pm

  I was looking for a vehicle that fits me a little better than a Toyota Corolla. I found the 2007 Jeep Wrangler. Im very happy with the purchase. Dont know what everybody was talking about when they said this thing was noisy. Its no louder than my Honda CR-V. The ride is not uncomfortable either. Not sure what vehicle those people were talking about under the Jeep reviews. This thing is awesome! Yeah, its a gas hog. But, if youre looking for a economical car why would you be looking at a Jeep? Gas prices cannot come into the equation when purchasing a Jeep Wrangler.