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:

• 

  Jeep JK Oil burning - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By cmik10121 - September 19 - 3:08 pm

  2007 4 door 4x4 automatic V6. This thing is a slug off road and in town. Freeway speeds 70 MPH plus it feels like it is at home. Trail rated....ha. Burns about a quart of oil every 1000 miles since 22000 miles. Got 58000 now and seems to be getting worse. It always has clean oil in it cause you have to add so much. No smoke, no drips on garage floor, no visible oil on the engine of underneath the jeep. Chrysler says it is normal and will do nothing about it. I got other vehicles with over 200K miles and might burn 1/2 quart 7500 miles. Not satisfied with this and will never buy another Chrysler product again. I wish someone else owned it... Search internet...comon problem.

• 

  Love my commander - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By phranican - September 19 - 3:23 am

  Love my commander. sold a grand Cherokee with 120K miles and said what the heck Ill take another jeep. Love the exterior, based on the original Cherokee and the interior is very comfy, leather is awesome. I purchased with 10K mile, at 32K now, not a single problem so far. I dont gun it, dont brake hard probably why i average 16 mile per gallon. Its a great ride, very quiet. highly recommend if you need a truck and dont want to pay out the rear.

• 

  2003 Liberty Review - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By rwsgolfer - September 18 - 7:30 pm

  Have owned a 2003 Liberty Limited for 18 month. Great SUV; gas mileage iffy.

• 

  Loved my first one, just got another! - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By C. Lively - September 18 - 10:00 am

  In August of 1997 I bought my first Jeep (I was single at the time). I ordered it as a Sport model with the hard top. Just recently, I decided to purchase another 1998 Wrangler Sport (for my wife). The 4.0L is a must and the mileage is what you would expect from an SUV. Were married and looking to have kids soon. Mine is a workhorse, a joy rider and a daily to and from work vehicle. The TJ jeeps handle great with the new coil suspension. Something is to be said about a basic design and philosophy that has withstood an ever-changing automobile design market since the 1940s. As they say "Jeep, theres only one..."

• 

  Its a true jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Neal Greeno - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Go anywhere do anything type rig. Four wheel drive is flawless, Hp and Torque right on the money. This tows my 4500 pound boat with no hesitation. Road noise is only complaint

• 

  Ticked Off! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Just Plain Ticked!!! - September 18 - 10:00 am

  As soon as I drove it off the lot, a sensor light came on. I turned around and brought it back. The dealer fixed it without any problems. A few hours later, the same problem happend. The sensor light came on. I took it in and the dealer fixed it. The next day I started to have suspension problems. I took it back to the dealership and they fixed it. Three hours later. By the end of the following week, it would not start. I had it towed to the dealership and they said it was the spark plugs. Ten days, 342 miles and 4 trips back to the dealer, I drove across the street to the Ford dealership and traded my Liberty for an Escape.

• 

  Awesome for years - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ironman27 - September 17 - 10:33 pm

  Whole family has owned Jeeps for 20 plus years now. I am on my 4th grand cherokee. Only because I like to upgrade. Made 200k on every one of them between everyone in my family with only minor repairs. Conclusion, most people simply do not know how to properly care for their cars. Overdue on oil and servicing dates, driving their cars like they are in the daytona 500. Driving on after finding a potential problems. Not treating the interiors (leather, dash) etc. Sure, their are some lemons, but as a mechanic I am shocked when people bring their cars in in most cases.

• 

  10k in 6 months and still amazed! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Chris - September 17 - 5:40 pm

  I bought my Liberty in the beginning of January, so far I have put 10,000 miles on it. I upgraded from a Geo Tracker, and Ill tell you what...Jeep are spectacular. The only issue Ive had in 10,000m miles is that I had to replace the right rear brake caliper. The room inside is amazing. I am 62 and there is probably another 5 of room between my head and the roof. The only quirky thing about the liberty is the power winder controls for the front and rear passengers are all located on the center console. Its awkward but Ive grown to love it.

• 

  7 months later - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By turbanski - September 17 - 3:10 pm

  Previous review posted on 1/30/08. I just want to update my review of this vehicle for potential purchasers. My original review noted MPG at 14. It has since improved to 17+ MPG which is acceptable to me. I have the Laredo with 4.7 V8 not the Limited. (No listing for Laredo V8). Laredo V8s are hard to find, most are 3.7 V6s. Get the 4.7 V8 if you can find one. Good value and performance for $34K with "E" package minus discounts and rebates. "E" package includes remote start, heated seats,adjustable pedals. 115V outlet, Boston Acoustics stereo and more.

• 

  SRT8 - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AHMAD R SKINNER - September 17 - 1:43 am

  This car is very fun to drive if you can get your hands on one. It is definitely a keeper but I will tell you one thing, dont buy it for gas mileage because it has none but you will pass everything on the street but a gas station.