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:

• 

  Loving it still.... 5 years in - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By dbt1979 - February 5 - 7:24 am

  Bought a 2008 Jeep Patriot in August 2008. It was a daily rental return that just under 20,000 km on it. Almost 5 years later and Ive had next to no problems with this vehicle besides wear parts. I got the extended warranty to 5 years / 100,000 km and the only warranty work that I needed was the fuel evap cannister that was hanging off (I probably ran over something) and there was minor work needed to be back end (sway bars and such) that was causing crunching noises when I went over bumps. Less than $600 warranty work in 5 years. I replaced the front brakes at 60 K and the back brakes (drums and all) at 95 K. 4 new tires at 60 K and Ill 4 new ones at 110K

• 

  my Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By susan - February 5 - 2:36 am

  The Jeep Liberty Sport is so much fun to drive. I drive a lot in my work and have found going to work more fun. i love the fact that I sit up high and can see all around. I just feel safe in my Jeep!

• 

  FOR REAL! Best SUV / CAR in the World for the money! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By 08jeeplover - February 4 - 6:47 pm

  Have owned s-class Mercedes, 7-Series BMWs, Audi A-8 etc. But they are all way over-engineered hence have allot of problems. Our 2008 JEEP Liberty is the best suv / car in the world. Its great looking, safe, reliable, offers tremendous value etc. The best thing that I have done in 2010 is sell our 745Li and purchase a used 2008 JEEP Liberty. and but a 2008 JEEP LIberty.

• 

  Better Get Ear Plugs... - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Randi - February 4 - 7:50 am

  This is a very competent vehicle, for off-roading, but as a daily driver it leaves much to be desired. The Goodyear MTR tires howl like a lonely dog wishing for the moon. The wind noise is certainly there, but you wouldnt know thanks to the tires. You also need to choose your back seat passengers with care, as they may need to be extra nimble to get in and out. The performance is lack luster at best, with the engine attempting to lug around 3700+ pounds, which also offsets any hope of reasonable gas mileage. It will get down and dirty in the off road enviorment, but other than that, you should have limited expectations.

• 

  Too many problems - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matt - February 4 - 1:43 am

  With 19000 miles on this Jeep I can honestly say that we made a mistake in purchasing it. Its been in the shop twice for transmission problems (one nearly leaving my wife and child stranded), the steering column began coming apart inside and making a horrible cracking sound, theres a persistent leak in the passenger side "A" pillar the dealer cant find, the tire monitoring system says the tires are always low even when their not so its useless to us, and we got 16 MPG on an all highway 1100 mile trip recently. Chrysler says the 4.7 gets 20 HWY? This is my second (and last) Grand and definitely my last Chrysler product. As soon as its out of the shop its sold.

• 

  not good - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 3rd Jeep - February 3 - 4:36 pm

  We just put 52,000 miles on the Jeep in 3 years. The first 3 years were great, but as soon as we got to around 49,000 miles the issues started. First the heater went causing the AC and heat to stop ($600 in repairs) and now the car started bucking (as seen in another review) and thats going to cost me around $300. Of course this happens after warranty expires. Weve done all the maintenance work, but this sort of things should not happen on Jeeps top of the line car. Not worth it. Get the Laredo for 1/3rd less and save up for repairs.

• 

  Mommy vehicle - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mommy - February 2 - 7:23 pm

  I love my jeep. It has been a great car. No problems until 120,000 miles. Had to replace Transmission at 130,000. Brakes now are replaced every other year. Radiator blew at 155,000 and just lost my steering pump. Would buy another. lost the A/C at 125,000 and still problematic.

• 

  BJS REVIEW - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By BJ - February 2 - 12:40 pm

  Love the vehicle. Great bang for the buck. Only problem since purchase is dashboards exterior temperature gauge faulty and has been since purchase June 06. Dealers excuse is faulty software problem and waiting for Chrysler to correct. Lame excuse if you ask me since this vehicle has been in production for over a year now. Also dissatisfied with exterior room when 3rd row seats are folded down. They do not recess into the body but rather take up valuable vertical space. Would rather have not had the 3rd row but unfortunately it is mandatory; they go with the vehicle rather than being an option as they should have been for us who never will use them.

• 

  lovin it - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By John - February 2 - 11:23 am

  I bought my Jeep used. It had 80,000 miles on it. Was worried it would have problems but it has never broke down and only needed maintenance I have yet to have an issue with it. The gas mileage is fair, with gas prices I think every vehicle but hybrids are in the same boat. Its dependable and its been a great Jeep. Weve talked about upgrading to a newer one but this one is so wonderful I hate to give it up just yet. We do a lot of driving and I now have 159,000 miles on it and wouldnt hesitate to use it on our next cross country outing!

• 

  ready for all thats coming! - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chris - February 1 - 4:43 pm

  93 Jeep Grnd.Chrkee. is the only vehicle I owned the longest! It has great steering, it carries anything u load on it =even my mother in law :( = Parts are easy to find and fairly priced, its ready for long road trips, off road, and inner city driving. The foldable seats help a lot when loading cargo, It has amazing wheel traction! I had 3 accidents and on all three I came out on top- MEANING: The jeep never flipped,minor body damage,all 4 wheels remained on the ground from beginning to end, and the vehicle keeps in control. Its a pretty solid vehicle I recommend it!