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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  Thinking of buying a Liberty - Dont! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jenelle - June 4 - 2:40 am

  I bought my car new and liked it at first. Now Im having many problems with it - mainly brake issues. At 22,000 miles I had to replace the caliper and brake pads. Now, only a year later and only 4,000 miles later the brakes are bad again and they say I need to replace front and back brakes completely. They claim this is because I live on the ocean (which corrodes breaks faster) but I have lived on the ocean all my life and have never had to replace breaks at 26,000 miles on any other car! The seats put my legs to sleep when driving (and others have told me the same), the horribly designed seats stain extremely easily.Ive also had no luck w dealer. Do yourself a favor dont buy this car!

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  Luv my jeep - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Luvnit - June 3 - 5:26 am

  This is by far my favorite car Ive ever been in or driven. Its pretty much my weekend toy. I dont have one complaint!! Put LED tail and head lights on it myself. Looks sweeeeet!! I love to drive it. Sick of hearing people whine about MPG!! Why did you buy it then!!!! I knew what i was getting when i bought it. I love the HEMI. I think this truck has got a lifetime fan out of me. Thinking about getting a Commander for my wife. Havent been in one, but I like the style too. Good job Jeep!!! Hats Off!!

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  Lots of problems - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Pamela - June 2 - 3:03 pm

  I bought this car last year and have had lots of problems. The transmission has been "checked" but they cannot "re- create the problems" that I seem to be having. The gas mileage is horrible! I average 16 mpg highway or in town. The seats stain, even just from water! I have lights coming on all of the time. Either the gas cap, airbag, tire pressure, you name it! Sometimes, the Windows dont work, the brake lights only work when they want to. I bought a Jeep because I thought they were made well and dependable. This one sure isnt. I cant wait to get rid of it!

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  Terrific fun - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By mom of 3 - June 1 - 8:16 am

  As a mom of 3, I insisted my husband buy this Jeep! It is the only convertible on the market that has 3 seat belts in the back seat. It wouldnt be a great every day car for me and the kids, but when it is a day at the beach--LOOK OUT!! Throw your boards in and who cares about the sand--its a Jeep! Its fun and makes me feel young. Living in southern California means the Jeep is topless all year long.

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  Blown Engine,sick sad and miserable - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Irene - June 1 - 3:33 am

  I loved the Jeep. It was driven less than seven thousand mi per year and had regular maintence. With less than a hundred thousdand mi on it, the engine threw a rod through the block on the freeway on the way home. Needless to say I am heartbroken. I am a grandma and this vehicle has seldom been in 4x4, never beat or abused. within 2 years of being new, paint was flaking off and the dealer got that problem fixed, One new set of Michelin tires, brakes,and power steering hoses were the items that had to be replaced. Now it is sitting in the driveway with me griping away.

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  My repairs - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JWA Jeep - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my jeep in Sept. 99 the pwr window modulator had to be replaced twice, it was still under warranty. The fuel pump regulator went out and cost $150 the front brakes were replaced last year & this year the front & rear rotors needed replacing costing $450 & I still have squeaking. The passenger side air vents does not blow as much air as the driver side & I was told the air modulator would need replacing to correct this problem. Theres water in my headlight kit & a rubbing noise in the steering wheel when turning. I was very disappointed with the costly repairs & resale value. I bought a Trailblazer & Im loving it.

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  Wrangler Rubicon - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By matthew parks - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this Jeep, it is quiet possible the most capable "out of the box" trail vehicle you can buy, and there are many aftermarket accessories available to make it even better. I would recommend it to anyone who actually uses there Jeep off-road.

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  Good SUV - 2010 Jeep Commander
  By melissa12493 - May 31 - 4:44 pm

  Im a huge fan of Jeeps and our Commander is no exception. We took it to Tennessee and with 6 passengers for 14 hours it wasnt too cramped. The legendary Jeep 4x4 has saved us during harsh NJ winters with a lot of snow. The seats are decently comfortable and the center stack is easy to use. Only complaint is that the blind spots are huge and with the third row up it is almost impossible to see out the rear window. Hasnt needed any repairs yet. Good reliable truck over all.

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  Amazing Truck for the Money - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By PharmBoy - May 31 - 8:06 am

  I was casually looking for a replacement for an SUV to replace my BMW 335 when I happened to drive by a Jeep dealer one evening. The Grand Cherokee they had parked out front literally made me stop in my tracks. It looks good in pictures, but incredible in person! The build quality is on par with the X5 and the price of a new 2011 Jeep was less than a comparable CPO 2008-09 BMW. I dont get stuck on badges, I just want a high-quality vehicle thats worth my hard-earned cash. The 2011 Grand Cherokee is definitely a great buy.

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  From Lexus to Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Cindy Collins - May 30 - 5:10 pm

  I love my Black 2006 Limited Jeep Commander. I traded my 2000 Lexus SUV for it. I had planned on buying another Lexus but for the price and quality I felt like giving the Commander a chance. I had to have a 4 wheel drive and a vehicle that was wheelchair friendly. Sooo, it works out perfectly. It is tough but yet stylish and safari looking. I have owned it for almost a year now and love it thus far! My son traded his Z-3 for a Wrangler. So, you can call us a Jeep Family now. Thanks to all who helped make this vehicle possible. ;)