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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  Jeepn - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kenneth L. Woodard - February 24 - 4:26 am

  My Jeep has been with this family for nearly 8 years. It is a good ride and has given us a good ride for the bucks. It was bought as a vehicle for our daughter to drive at KU! Now it is a vehicle for our son who is also at KU! It has good gas mileage and has give us decent repair bills. Mainly, spark plugs and tires. It will make someone a good third or fourth car.

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  DISASTER! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Springfield - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had tremendous problems with this car. The rotors are terrible. I have had them turned 5 times in two years. I will soon need to totally replace them. There are countless other problems that I have had with this vehicle. Worst craftmenship I have ever seen in a vehicle. I have had two Jeeps prior to this one that did not have problems. I would have bought another after this but will never again buy a Jeep considering the hosing I got on this dud! These need to be recalled (at least for the brakes)

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  Tough comfort - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bruiser - February 22 - 3:53 am

  Bought this for my wife. Cant wait until it gets 75k on it so I can use it for outdoor stuff. Im 62", 225# but the drivers seat and area are much more spacious and comfortable than the Ford Explorer we had. We live in a remote area with bad roads so the off road capability, plus the option of being in rwd, awd, 4wd, or 4wd low was a plus. Engine has a lot of zip. Rides a little rough, but not as much as I expected.

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  Very dissapointed - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By KelC - February 21 - 10:30 am

  Bought my 1st semi-new vehicle after college. Have owned it less than a yr. now it keeps getting stuck in gear. Code says Transmission Control Module. Paid $2000 for an extended warranty, but it is not covered b/cits considered electronic. Well, the whole car is based on a computer so it should really improve electrical components. So a tow, rental car, and who knows what the cost of parts and labor will be...and Im one very angry customer. No wonder Chrysler is going bankrupt! Less than 45,000 miles, so something like that should not be breaking!!!

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  Get ready to put every penny you earn into this ve - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Sr.moore - February 20 - 8:42 pm

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  Trail Rated Jeep Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Bill - February 20 - 7:10 pm

  Had the Pat a year its been a great Jeep. The Trail Rated package is the only way to go it sits 1 inch higher w/ full skid plates, crawl 4x4, good stuff. Great mpg and fun to drive - the Jeep Dealer has taken great care of us on oil changes and free tire rotation. Ive owned a lot of Jeeps this one carries on a great tradition. Thanks Jeep. Just paid it off so I like it even better now.

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  05 Renegade Review - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By 05Renegader - February 20 - 5:33 pm

  Recently purchased 05 Liberty Renegade. Black, 4x4, V6, Auto, 6 CD changer w/tow pkg. The new Liberty has upgraded looks and styling. They now have a more rugged appearance by raising and flattening the hood/grill area, thus eliminating the "bug-eyed" look of earlier models. The ride is very comfortable and the engine feels strong and accelerates smoothly. The seats feel better and the overall ride is relatively quiet and smooth. Other makes and models I drove were whiny and not as refined as the Jeep. The instrument controls are all easy to access and operate. Fuel economy lacks, but I would not want to take away from the positive engine performance characteristics.

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  The green Jeep - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Geologist Ken - February 19 - 8:56 pm

  This is my first Jeep and not my last. I have owned 4x4 trucks in the past, but this Jeep is the best. It is very capable off road and my mom who is 82, really likes to be seen in it too. Mpg is good, in the 20 per gallon range with the 6 cylinder under the hood.

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  Works for me - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By sbmackie - February 19 - 3:33 pm

  Bought to fill light hunting/skiing duty in New Mexico. Gets 17 around town (light foot), and about 21 on the highway in hilly/mountainous country. I coast a lot down hill and keep the speed down to 70 max. Have three kids; a bit cramped in hip room in back seat. Front ample for me, rear leg room OK if I pull the front seats forward a bit. With rear seat down, dog, guns, gear, etc. fit nicely. Rides fine. Have put 10,000 miles on it since I bought it (total 56,000) with only the standard oil/filter/lube. Easy for this very non-mechanical person to work on. I would recommend for anyone who needs a good four person small SUV that has SUPERB off road capability and adequate in town manners.

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  absolutely indestructible - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By samnkiki - February 19 - 4:13 am

  Father drove it home brand new off the lot in 1998 from lous jeep eagle in Geneva illinois. Its in my garage as I write this next to the wifes Acura mdx. I cant put into words how amazing this vehicle is. I refuse to buy another car until she dies on me. 311,346 thousand miles and aside from tires batteries belts lights. .ya know wear items. ..shes been solid as titanium! Years ago when roads were impassable I was passing hummers and other "4wd" vehicles.