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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  A great car! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tucsonguy2 - January 24 - 10:13 pm

  After considering a number of other SUVs, this our 6th new JGC, and it may be the best of the bunch. Quality is perfect so far, the fuel economy is better than the 2005 JGC that was traded-in, and the interior has been upgraded. This is one beautiful Jeep, inside and out, that gets lots of compliments from people we dont even know. It is solid, comfortable, safe, fun to drive, and we love it!

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  Very Pleased with Grand Cherokee - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By augrpeters - January 24 - 8:36 pm

  My 2003 Grand Cherokee has been a wonderful vehicle for me. I have had none of the problems described by other 2003 Grand Cherokee owners. The only part Ive replaced was the Throttle Position Sensor which the dealer paid for. I find my 4.0 full of power and has no trouble keeping up with other vehicles. My A/C still blows ice cold as well as every other feature works like new. As of today my car has 111890 and shows no sign of stopping. I drive with a light foot and average 23.5 mpg on my commute to work. The city mileage is awful but every car other than a Prius is like that. I have yet to get stuck it seems to be unstoppable. Not sure if Ill buy another but it will be another jeep.

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  I am SHOCKED! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Lowgas627 - January 24 - 5:56 pm

  After reading all of the horrible problems people have faced, I am SHOCKED! I have owned my Liberty since September 9th of 2006, and 34,700 miles later... have not had ONE problem! Maybe I am lucky, but I have adored this SUV. It is great in mud and snow, and I feel safe in bad weather. I have never had a window fail, though one did fall into the door, but the dealership replaced it with NO COST. I have gotten around 16 mpg (mostly city driving) through its lifetime. Its 3.7L is peppy and can pickup! The only thing that bugs me (Im a clean freak) is the cloth seats are RIDICULOUS to get any kind of stains out (USE HOT SOAP WATER!) It has been a GREAT vehicle, and I recommend it!

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  Patriot Blue Mass Jeep Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Micahel E. Profenno - January 24 - 2:50 am

  The Jeep Liberty Limited is one of the more fun vehicles I have owned. It has been very reliable with only one issue; a resetting of the automatic tire pressure gauge. It is a lot of fun to drive, very comfortable on and off the road, and I really enjoy the comforts, i.e. leather heated seats, Sirius radio, etc. The cargo room is perfect, and I like how the seats go down with ease. I highly recommend this American built vehicle!

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  Looks are Everything- Perfect Suv - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By freshee61 - January 22 - 5:06 am

  I feel in love with the cars exterior. Then the Interior. Then the sound system. Then the fuel efficiency. Then warranty. Then the price. Need i say more. The car is the best in its class. Drives great!

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  Ride or Die Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By zayla4 - January 22 - 12:20 am

  I absolutely could not live without my Cherokee. Ive had it for 11 years. Bought it with 13,000 miles on it. Its been in four accidents (1 while parked), extensive road trips throughout upstate NY during my sorority days, and survived NYC potholes. Within the past two years, Ive had to change the brake pads, thermometer, radiator, steering box, battery and have multiple electrical problems resulting in shortages in the front and rear lights. Overall, she has lasted me well as hard as I drive, and Im looking for another vehicle as equally reliable.

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  2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD Limited - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Beaver - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Very quick & powerful V-8 engine. Handles well in all conditions. Very comfortable leather seats. Had to get one software update to correct the transmission slamming into / out of gear at low speeds. The update fixed it. The drivers side heated seat is broken but still under warranty. The rear cup holder sucks and gets stuck all the time.

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  Hot Rod Jeep! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JSBeller - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is our second new Jeep GC Ltd. The performance is marvelous! I blew away a Mitsubishi Eclipse at a stop light.

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  The CRD Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bobs - January 18 - 7:16 pm

  Just purchased the new CRD Liberty and love it! The diesel is a little bit noisier than my VW TDI, but it runs great. First 100 mile trip, youll notice the diesel is only turning 1,800 rpm at 70 miles an hour in overdrive, yet has so much torque, that it pulls cleanly without downshifting. Gas mileage is already working out to be 25-27 MPG, and comfort and quality of the interior are first rate. We also live up a steep gravel road, and this baby climbs like theres no tomorrow. The perfect match--diesel torque and economy with Jeeps great off road abilitys.

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  Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jim Thompson - January 17 - 11:06 pm

  The HEMI engine is beautiful. I like the looks and performance and room both inside and outside. Would definitely get another Commander.