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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  73K Miles and Loving It - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Stephen Page - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Our Jeep just turned 73,000 miles. Weve managed to put it through some real extremes during the mileage run. Towing in 100+ degree Texas heat, -30 cold in the Colorado high country, off roading to groceries, it has performed flawlessly. The only money spent has been for brake rotors, pads and normal maintenance. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Grand Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By robertsteve - January 1 - 3:10 am

  Good SUV. Highly recommend it.

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  Only for the 1st 10-20,0000 miles - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bronze8020 - December 30 - 7:43 am

  Less than 30,0000 miles - I expected better. Rear caliper froze up destroyed rotor at 20,000 miles - Caliper under warranty - rotor not even though the warranty part destroyed it. Now at almost 30,000 miles it inexplicably bucks violently and uncontrollably once in a while when I let off the gas. Scary experience at 55 mph in traffic - wont stop till you get off the road and shut the car off. No trouble found at dealership. My advice? Dont buy one !

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  2010 JEEP LIBERTY - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By STAN - December 29 - 5:53 am

  We bought this Jeep libert new, off of the show room floor. I have a 2005 Rocky mt eduction with 40k miles and had no problems with it. So when my wife wanted a suv we choose another liberty. The engine light keeps coming on for a thermostat problem the dealer reset it and said they dont know why it came on. It came on the next day again. They reset it again. That night the light came on again, my wife called again so we are off to Jeep again, maybe they will look it this time and try to fix it, not just clear the fault. Her gas mileage is terrible. It is so bad she got under the truck and checked for a gas leak.

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  Why am I smilin? - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By badgerjeeper - December 27 - 2:33 pm

  Im smilin because Ive got the best value ride for the money. This is a great looking vehicle. Im 62" and there is more than enough leg room. Fantastic towing power with the V8. Pulled my 5000# trailer and it didnt break a sweat, even at 65mph. The build quality is very impressive. The doors slam with a solid "thud". Freeway mileage with the V8 not yet broken in is just over 20mpg. Was able to make a deal for $460 under invoice with an additional $5500 in rebates. Also got $990 discount for the V8. If there are any 2004s left out there, grab one. When I saw the 2005 body style change it convinced me to buy an 04. Much classier styling in the 04. Ill always own a Jeep.

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  It loves the snow!!! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By crimson2 - December 27 - 1:19 am

  I bought my Liberty 4x4 over a year ago because I tore up my sports car in the winter of 2010/2011. I figured I would wait to see how things went before writing the review. My only issue to date was a ignition switch went out to the tune of 1300.00 as it and the steering column are one piece. No window issues, but seat stains are as described in the reviews. Nothing seat covers wont fix. Now for winter reliability.... This is where this thing shines!!!!! on 02/21/13 The KC area got about 7in of snow in 4 hours. Just about every other vehicle was on the side of the road, as I passed right on through unplowed streets, I felt like a Boss.... The clearance and part time 4wd took me everywhere!!!

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  Nice ride for a change of style - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By tony g - December 26 - 10:40 am

  I got tired of all the look alike cars out there, with all the curves and bumps. Now this one stands out and is a better choice for a guy with a family than a minivan. The price is under a Grand Cherokee which is nice. I like the smooth ride and the tight turn radius, I dont like the gas mileage, but this car is bigger and heavier than my last one, the oh so feminine Jeep Liberty. I also like the fact that the third row is there if needed, and that there are lots of standard features like rear sensor and side curtain bags. Makes a lot of difference in terms of safety. I have had it now for a month, and we like it a lot.

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  Capable and fun to drive - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By T. Snook - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Purchased brand new, first Jeep and I could not be happier. It is not comfortable on long trips, short on available interior room for passengers or gear, and gets poor fuel mileage, but I absolutely love to drive it. It has gotten me through a few blizzards, some local flooding, and everything else mother nature can throw at me. Fun to drive no matter what time of year, great to put the top down. Very utilitarian controls. Heater very strong. This Jeep has been the most trustworthy "friend" I have had!

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  Short Circuit - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jane Doe - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Purchased used and was in normal condition. Drove 24,000 miles and the following happened. Severe electrical problems with radio and power windows and dash light. Repaired Several Times by authorized Jeep dealers. Wiring harness must have serious flaws in quality and workmanship. Jeep consumer information line no HELP! Drive shaft seal to transfer case has been replaced one time....

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  Me and my Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Wulffan - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my Jeep. No other vehichle Ive owned has given me such a good feeling to drive. The Jeep just feels so right in so many ways. I took her out "wheelin" right after break-in period. I only took her on what wheelers call "the doe run", (easy trails), after all, it is a brand new vehicle. Only modification is bigger tires. (I really dont understand why they even put small tires on at the factory, it just isnt right on a jeep.) I was absolutely amazed at the obstacles I went over easily. After the 2nd worst winter in NYs history with it, and now a hot summer, I can truly say this is a vehicle for all seasons.