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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  Its a Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By M Birckenstaedt - October 26 - 6:16 pm

  Having owned and off-roaded a Wrangler previously, when looking for some more practicality we chose the Liberty. It is quieter, more comfortable, etc. than the Wrangler, of course; but it is also a REAL off-roader unlike the other wannabes from Ford, Hyundai, Honda, et al. Fuel consumption is reasonable at 20.5-21.5 mpg with V6 and the 6 speed manual (who else has such an option anywhere?). Build quality is very good, structurally much tighter than what I have experienced with Explorers, Trailblazers even Discoverys. Finally, for all the discussion on gas guzzling and pollution, the 3.7l is an ULEV certified engine.

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  Jeep Country - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By its.a.jeep.thing - October 26 - 6:03 am

  Its a Jeep things, either you love it or you hate it. Where Im from, the mountains are everything. My 2002 Wrangler X took me everywhere through the mountains. Going along with 10 - 20 other Jeeps through the mountains & the mud made my weekend full of excitement. The short wheel base making it easier to get over hills & through mud. Although taking it through woods & mud & sand & water has tore some things up on my Wrangler, everything was simpley fixed by me! [& "me" being a girl!] Some people may choose not to use their Wrangler as an everyday vehicle, but it was my "everyday vehicle". Sure, gas mileage wasnt the best, but having my Wrangler was worth every penny.

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  My Jeep - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Capt. Bill - October 26 - 2:40 am

  I bought this Jeep used in Aug 04. It was a leased vehicle. Everything has been working perfectly, and given the 8 cylinder engine Im impressed with the mileage. The only problem that still exists with this style Jeep is the power window track mechanism. Just like in my old 85 Jeep it broke around 50,000 miles. You think theyd have this problem fixed by now.

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  Its a Jeep Thing! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gabriel Welch - October 25 - 11:18 pm

  I purchased my 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 183,000 miles from a private seller because I needed something with 4WD that would carry me through the harsh New England winters. The Jeep was it! It was a great value and the Jeep never let me down! It was stylish and comfortable too. It was probably the most reliable vehicle Ive ever had the pleasure of owning. The only issue I had during ownership was an evaporative leak and if you know cars, then you know an evaporative leak is nothing, especially for a vehicle with high mileage. I sold the Jeep with 197,000 miles and it had no signs of stopping anytime soon. I sold it to someone locally and I still see him driving it around town from time to time. The Grand Cherokee in unstoppable!

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  Engine overheats - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By rstonebrook - October 25 - 2:45 pm

  This Jeep is not made for going thru mountains. When still under warranty and 4 different trips, traveling from Phx to Flagstaff AZ to see family in the hot summer, would lose ALL power, coasted to side of road, wait till engine cooled and. nothing they could but but add another raditaor under front bumper, but I had to pay for it $300. My husband is a disabled vet. The V.A. in Prescott az bought a fleet of these jeeps, and the V.A. is not happy. When they had to travel thru mountains to do in home care, overheating, V.A. contacted Chrysler, sorry theres nothing we can about the problem ! 13 gal tank dont get far. V.A. uses different, cars now & bolts to remove, air cleaners!

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  Everything is great except powertrain - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TFrey - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This has really been an excellent car, except for the recent transmission problems Im having now. This SUV drives smoother, has better interior, and more power than even some of the V8s in its class (Ford, Nissan, Toyota, etc). But the transmissions are notorious for going bad soon after 50K (Im one of the unlucky ones). It slips when shifting between 2nd gear and drive...it either hesitates between gears, or wont shift out of 2nd until the rpms are way high. The new tranny is costing me $3000. If you notice any weird sounds or shifting behavior...dont delay...take it in asap.

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  STAY AWAY FROM JEEPS! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jimmy - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Oh, where to start! Ive had this POS for 4 months and have had it to the dealership 6 times! Brake rotors warp, Steering column clicks, sunroof when opened makes a rattling sound, the Jeep pulls to the right, big time! The dealer tells me this is normal and that its the "crown on the road", WHATEVER! This vehical is the WORST vehical Ive ever owned. Not only will I never buy a Jeep, Ill never buy a Chrysler after being dicked around by the dealership so much, they were very painful to deal with!

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  STAY AWAY FROM JEEPS! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jimmy - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Oh, where to start! Ive had this POS for 4 months and have had it to the dealership 6 times! Brake rotors warp, Steering column clicks, sunroof when opened makes a rattling sound, the Jeep pulls to the right, big time! The dealer tells me this is normal and that its the "crown on the road", WHATEVER! This vehical is the WORST vehical Ive ever owned. Not only will I never buy a Jeep, Ill never buy a Chrysler after being dicked around by the dealership so much, they were very painful to deal with!

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  Sporty and Affordable - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By BHSA24 - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my Jeep Liberty! The Liberty has all the room, performance and style I was looking for, without having to go much over $20,000. The gas mileage could be better, but it has a solid ride with excellent acceleration and a look that turns heads! The interior is spacious with a more refined look than that of some of its similarly priced competitors. A smartly designed tailgate allows me to pop open the rear window with one finger.

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  Rock solid - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kaotik_inc - October 24 - 11:40 pm

  Ive recently purchased a v8 grand Cherokee limited that was brought to Canada over a year ago from California... The truck sat for over a year without any starting.... Boosted it, & it ran & drove on a dead battery & year old gas! Truck has been a daily driver since then, & goes trail-ridin every 2 or 3 days... Never been stuck... Never broke. Thats a tough truck, in my book! Im convinced... Its definitely a Jeep thing... Im hooked on these things now.