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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  First time Jeep owner - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By R. Tilghman - January 10 - 1:33 pm

  I traded in a 1992 Mercedes 300SL for a 2006 Rubicon. Ive driven SL class MB for 20 years. My friends were shocked. The bottom line is I love the Rubicon and have no regrets on the trade. The simplicity of the design and excellent build quality are great. Mileage is only about 16.5 mpg. The highway ride is surprising compliant considering the offroad capabilities. Maneuverability in tight areas is outstanding. The fun factor is +10. The Rubicon has already proved to be a versatile work horse at our farm. Aftermarket parts support is amazing and one of the reason I selected a Jeep. "Its a Jeep thing" has real meaning to me now.

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  My New Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By tony - January 9 - 6:23 am

  It is bigger and more comfortable on the road. Compared to my 04 Xterra this rides a little better. It actually takes the bumps instead of being pounded. The 7 speaker stereo is great and I love the hardtop and all the ways it can be configured. It still looks like a Jeep that has leaped into the future. Compared to the X I had this is a power monster. It is just me and my wife so I can take out the backseat and put a lot of gear in here for a little trip. I have not had mine off road yet either but I do not think that is going to be an issue with this Jeep. This is a great Jeep and the boys at Jeep ought to be proud of this one. The 4 door one is pretty bling to.

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  jeep99 - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By razway - January 9 - 3:06 am

  I have had my Jeep grand cherokee 4wd in the shop 2 times for excessive noise in the rear end. "rough bearings" so i am told. 25k miles and 65K miles.

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  Transmission Problems? - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Owner - January 9 - 12:40 am

  For those who have a hard shift in your transmission when cold or muggy OR the transmission has a hard time engaging. I finally found the problem after 8 months of taking notes and driving to the dealership. Talk with the transmission technician and ask to run a diagnostic on the transmission pump and valves. The transmission bleeds pressure overnight and the pump isnt pushing the fluid into the transmission fast enough, also the valves are misfiring and opening valves to build pressure instead of closing them. Hope this helps.

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  A Durable, Do-Anything SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Andrew F. - January 8 - 11:56 pm

  First Jeep I have owned and I have to say its been a pleasure. Purchased pre-owned w/ 52K miles. Have had no major maintenance issues in 3+ years and going strong with just over 90K miles on it. We have 2 kids and 2 dogs and the Jeep (w/ a Thule box on roof) is a great sized vehicle that can go ANYWHERE!..and in comfort too. Great power, very comfortable, looks cool, drives great and very reliable. Love it, and will definitely consider replacing it w/ another Jeep someday.

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  Great buy for the money - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Sarah - January 8 - 12:10 pm

  I have had my Jeep Liberty for just over two years and have never had a problem with it. This is my fourth Jeep, and with my Liberty, I have not run into some of the problems I had with prior ones. There was one window leak recall, but other than that, it has been smooth sailing. There are some great features with the Jeep, and I especially love the responsive handling and added features. Its fun to drive and very safe feeling. Its comfortable from the front seat or back and has good cargo room if you arent trying to bring home large furniture or more than one stroller. All Ive ever done is routine maintenance, no other break-downs or problems!

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  Jeep Liberty 4X4 Diesel - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Gary - January 8 - 6:13 am

  I have only owned this Diesel Jeep Liberty for about 6 weeks. Traveled over 1000 miles on a vacation with it as well as in town with A/C on. We are in the Mojave Desert. Jeep performed as advertised. Fuel readily available. Better handling than my old 2002 Jeep Liberty and a lot more safety and handling features. Much more economical. Very satisfied. Only one embarrassing feature. Rear passenger door opens and tall guests legs, socks, pants get rear tire marks on them (fender is part of door). Embarrassing! Otherwise, excellent performance and handling.

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  New owner - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By diezel - January 7 - 11:26 am

  its not just a car, its a hobby, if you are looking to personalize it and make it unique then you will have a blast doing that there are not 2 that are alike, they are beautiful to look at and appreciate each owner individuality. There are many companies out there that offer thousand of after market products to help you do just that. I love my 2010 wrangler its not a fast car or the best handling car out there but it is FUN to drive, top down, or up with the windows open. There are after market products that will allow you to increase HP and make it more powerful if that is what you are after. Its a vehicle that more than any other vehicle out there that is as unique and versatile.

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  major headache and dangerous vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lilxbull - January 7 - 7:30 am

  I thought i loved my jeep. After the first 2000 miles, while being transitioned from neutral to drive at the car wash, the vehicle instantaneously accelerated on its own causing a 3 car pile up in the exit ramp of a car wash injuring one of te attendants. Whats almost worse is the fact hat i cant go anywhere without worrying whether or not my car will let itself out of park. Ive had the console gear shifter replaced 3 times while under warranty, and again now for the 4th time. @ $700 for the repaint that seemingly never lasts longer than 10 months, i hate the car and would rather walk than own another jeep again.

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  So far so good... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Citikop - January 6 - 10:43 pm

  I picked up my Cherokee a couple weeks ago and am excited as ever to be driving it. Im impressed with its refinements over the previous years editions, although I wish I could have swung a model with the larger engine. It has sufficient power for most folks needs and since I dont do much towing it should be just fine. The dark khaki pearlcoat finish has turned a few heads and my friends are green with envy. Seems to handle with ease any road conditions so far. All in all, a lot of fun to drive. Well just have to see how it holds up as time goes by.