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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  Disappointed in east Tn - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By Dstout - July 19 - 2:22 am

  Too many suspension parts becoming rusty or corrosive and having to replace such as wheel barrings for one example and now the axle and surrounding components are worn and corrosive looking. Theres a squeaky noise in the rear and hoping it doesnt fall apart with me. Ive bought this car new and havent been driving it 5 years yet. I would never buy another one...EVER!! Its JUNK!!

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  2002 Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Kent - July 19 - 2:00 am

  The fit and finish is the best I have experienced of all the new cars I have owned. After 18k miles it has been trouble free. This is outstanding when you consier this is an early production of a new model. No bugs no major recalls, they seemed to get it right on the first try.

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  1717 - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By 1717fairmount - July 19 - 2:00 am

  It is a great vehicle that needs just a few changes, see below, that would cost very little, but make the vehicle a 10 rating across the board except for the poor gas mileage.

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  Excellent. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Padjoe - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Just the best car I had. Im European and I drove many kind of cars from Europe and also here in the US. It is just the best car Ive ever drive. Its comfortable, powerful and Fun. We are a family with one baby, its just the perfect car with the right amount of space. The consumption is good for the category (24mpg). Im in heaven when I go Off-Road. The car has the best attitude. Another thing, No Noise and every single detail is tough. Incredible!

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  Great Jeep - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kmag53 - July 15 - 12:40 pm

  Purchased the GC just a few weeks ago and couldnt be happier. Bought a loaded Laredo with the 4.7 engine. This motor has plenty of power and has decent fuel mileage but not great. Leather interior is very comfortable and all controls are very easy to reach and use. Jeep redesigned the GC interior for 08 and it shows...it looks richer and not so plasticky. Exterior front fascia has been improved also and has a more "clean" look to it. All in all I highly recommend especially with the 4.7 engine.

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  Radiators, radiators and more radiators - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JonS - July 15 - 11:06 am

  I bought my jeep at 78K and now has 112K. Its a I6 4.0L. It is really comfy, and quiet, but eats up tires. Ive put 3 radiators in it, and a new fan, fan motor, and relay. It never left me on the side of the road, but it almost always has something wrong with it. Drivers side window regulator broke twice. Gets me to where I need to go and never have to worry about getting to the slopes. Just make sure you have money to keep it going.

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  Love it! - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By showell - July 14 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive, love it, would buy another

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  Nothing But Junk - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sorry I bought a GP - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used about a year ago. At 36K, there was a terrible transmission clunk when shifting. At 40K, rotors had to be replaced due to poor DiamlerChrysler caliper design (well known problem). DC refused to assist in the $450 bill. I phoned the 800 number and they refused to let me talk to a manager and then hung up on me! Their customer service is horrible and rude. DC capitalizes on the Jeep "American" tradition (but its a German automobile). Dont make the same mistake I did. You will be sorry.

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  clunker - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lare410 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  The drivers seat is uncomfortable.Jeep could take a lesson in seat design from Honda. There is a "clunk" in the rear suspension. Ive had it checked out several times. Its blamed on a broken shock, but the shocks are fine. The sound stops when there is about 100lbs placed over the rear end in the cargo area. Also if a light duty shock is used.

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  Jeep Lover - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By BEnglish017 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Growing up around Jeeps I have always loved them. I didnt care for the first models of Jeep Wranglers (square headlights) but the newer ones are awsome. Mine isnt for offroading so I cant say how well it does off road but every review says the do really well. I read one review where it hung with a Hummer. I probably will own a jeep for the rest of my life.