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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  Future Problems? - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By postalgal - August 1 - 1:40 pm

  Purchased the RHD Sport Postal Jeep with high hopes for a quality ride that could take the abuse I can dish out on a daily basis (all you mail folks know what I mean). Anyway, the engine was making noise from the day I picked it up. It sounded like the valves, but just couldnt imagine how a new Jeep could have that kind of problem, but thats what it was! Dealer had to replace valve lifters at 2300 miles. I also am noticing a loud thunking noise and it feels like it is right under my feet. I hope this isnt an indication of how this vehicle is going to hold up. Maybe I should have bought the extended warranty.

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  A Love Affair That Wont Go Away - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Charlie - August 1 - 6:56 am

  The 2001 Cherokee has been an excellent mid-sized SUV for family trips and for my wife to carry the grandchildren in around town. It handles very well in the city, is easy to park and can easily handle large loads of luggage or bagged mulch. The decision to stop making the Cherokee can only be equated to the decision some years ago to stop making real Coke. It was a bad decision and all of the Cherokee owners I have talked to have agreed. Wake up Jeep and put the Cherokee back in production with a diesel engine.

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  Better Than Expected - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By tfiks - July 31 - 8:33 am

  I wanted an economical SUV that was still comfortable for a 63" guy with hip and back problems. The "Clunker" program w/the Chrysler rebate made picking the Patriot a no-brainer. The published reviews made me think I was "settling" for this car; but, after three tanks full, Im very happy with my choice. I drove all day with three passengers yesterday and the guys in the backseat were comfortable. Im satisfied with the engine performance and the CV auto too. I attached a small fish-eye mirror to the corner of the passenger side mirror and that helps w/the blind spot. Im not crazy about the poor angle of upward visibility for a tall driver with the seat up and back.

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  All American Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Gregg Schoof - July 29 - 6:43 pm

  Initially, I had some doubts about an SUV, but the Jeep Liberty has convinced me otherwise. It is a very solid, reliable vehicle. Great in the snow. Nice seating position. Nice feature content. Needs a bit more refinement of materials and ergonomics on the inside. Hidden compartment in trunk area would be nice addition.

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  My 2001 Jeep Cherokee - A TIME BOMB! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By LKS - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I have not had my car 3 years and I just had to replace the engine (3 days after a regular tune-up at the dealership). The car broke down on a highway 130 miles from home. So far I have paid 3K out of pocket for thsi incident. Chrysler paid for parts b/c they know they made a poor quality engine. To top it all off - 1 day after picking my car up from the dealer with the new engine - the car broke down again - and I had to have the radiator replaced. I have always done all of the suggested maintinence on the car and should not have had this trouble.

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  Just Sad - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Trabear - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in 2000 and nothing but trouble. $1100 in breaks, 2 broken doorlocks=$300 and now broken front leather seat. I really thought I bought a good quality car but got just a piece of junk. Chrysler has been no help and I suggest a class action lawsuit for the breaks.

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  Best Jeep yet - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Stevepilamb56 - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Its hard to describe the feeling of owning my Jeep. I have owned my 2003 Inca Gold Wrangler since December and have been very pleased. The road noise,soft top,engine, and interior design are light years ahead of my old 1989 Wrangler. I love the design and color because it stands out and attracts a lot of attention.

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  dinos jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dean daurizio - July 29 - 10:00 am

  my experience to date is great,its rugged,rides high and has power. i am 65,if i wanted a smoth ride i would of bought a buick.we travel off road, and drive to fl. with it and this is what i wanted.

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  Do Not Buy A Jeep - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By Liz Hamby - July 28 - 1:28 pm

  Bought 2 2014 Jeep Patriots last year. Within the first 2000 miles the brakes on both Jeeps starting squealing. The pads were replaced and then the drums. The squealing continued. After multiple service trips, Chrysler basically told me they could not do anything about it. The squealing was "normal" So I now have 2 new cars that squeal every time we put them in reverse and apply the brakes. I will tell everyone I know to not buy a Jeep. They do not stand behind their product and know nothing about customer service.

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  Only dreamed that I could own one! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By remmons - July 28 - 8:20 am

  My wife and I were looking for a newer vehicle to replace her 2006 Toyota Corolla. We needed something more practical for the environment that we live in. Being in Utah, where we have the mountains and the desert, along with the frigid, blowing snows of winter to the arid, hot summer days, we needed a vehicle that was capable of getting us around at any time of the year. The 2007 Wrangler four door unlimited was possibly the best choice for all of our needs. It gets better mileage than our Suburban, has more passenger and cargo room than the Corolla, and better highway capability than my old 1965 CJ5. Thus far, this is the better model of Jeep. I cannot imagine anything better than this.