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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  Last Chrysler product I will ever buy - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Keith Cywinki - November 23 - 10:00 am

  The hinges on the jeep have already began to flake and fall off, and when it was taken to the dealership for repair, Chrysler denied the claim. This has been a problem with jeeps for years, and they know its a problem, but continue to ignore the problem. So, much for spending money on the extended warranty. There will be no more Chrysler products in my drive way. At least GM stands behind there products.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By broncman - November 22 - 5:30 pm

  Like several of the reviewers I had some problem with the slickness during the rain. The answer is different tires. I got a set of Goodyear Fortera Triple Tred. Made all the diference in the world. Otherwise I am happy with this vehicle.

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  16-years and 332K miles - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By T. Scott - November 21 - 9:54 pm

  Purchased in 2001, this is the 3rd Jeep Cherokee owned and the best, as by 2001 the Cherokee had enjoyed purposeful improvements and technical upgrades. Still on the original inline six engine and 4A transmission. The 4.0 seems to tend to leak and this one started dripping oil (never measurable) at 170K, but initially a valve cover gasket solved the first occurrence. Oil changes every 3k-5k miles. The typical O2 and cam position sensors in first few years of service, but not since repaired. A computer at 318K, and normal wear items as expected, including the AC compressor at 170K, radiator at 200K, heater core at 250K. Brake rotor warping solved by mechanics choice of replacements by 2003. Lots of torque and smooth run at highway speeds. Nimble in town. Excellent stock solid axle 4WD capability. Have driven through many on/off road conditions that stopped other vehicles. Have been up to the axles in mud, up icy hills on the road when others stopped making headway, waded through flooded streets (safely) in bumper-deep water when others became stranded and pulled a make-shift plow to break up beaver dams in a creek. Served as neighborhood taxi in snow/ice covered roads with steep hills - no problem with good street/trail tires. Shifts in/out of 4WD easily. Its not trouble-free but its performance and on/off road capability, great stock ground clearance, weight and overall reliability and ruggedness of the drivetrain always outweigh any issues. Keep up with the maintenance, make repairs when needed and it should provide reliable, highly capable stock 4WD on/off road performance with reasonable operating expense. Purchasing this year/model/configuration with well over 200K miles that has been maintained properly should not be a concern. Parts are readily available and generally not too costly. Abundant aftermarket parts/accessories. Still on original paint/clear coat, carpet and seat covers, all of which are in remarkably good condition. Still 17-19 mpg city, 20-25 mpg highway. Still commuting 300+ miles/week. Other than drivers door speaker, all other electrical items still function as when new.

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  could be better - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mario - November 20 - 11:20 pm

  Fan belt broke in 6 months after purchasing the Jeep, heater control panel broke down after a year, the brake pads broke within a year. When I keep bringing back my Jeep for repair, the service department is not very receptive to customers.

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  2 weeks behind the wheel - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Rent-o-Jeep - November 20 - 9:36 pm

  Im at the end of my second week behind the wheel of this small SUV and I must admit I love it! Ive never had an attraction to any SUV until I drove this one. The handling and ease of parking are better than my Jetta. If MPGs are important though, you may be disappointed with 16 mpg.

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  Junk - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Scott - November 20 - 6:53 pm

  I got one of the bad ones. I bought it new and its been nothing but problems. Numerous brake issues, driver window motor broke, steering column locked, seat heaters quit working, something is broken inside the dash so heat only comes out of the driver side of the car (cold air out the passenger side), oil pressure gauge malfunctions, check engine light periodically comes on for no reason and I just finished spending $500 for a new heater fan motor, heater module and wiring. On the next breakdown Im planning on parking it somewhere with the keys in it and the engine running, but I suspect that whoever steals it would bring it back after they realized what a piece of junk they had.

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  First and Last - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By gordonwinsall - November 20 - 6:03 pm

  This is my first Jeep and probably last. Terrible gas mileage and a maintenance nightmare if you have to work on it. Even changing the oil is a hassle. Check engine light is always coming on and going off.

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  Need to improve several problems - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dguill - November 19 - 7:56 am

  This car has several issues that they should recall. My particular problem has been with the power windows. First you hear a popping noise, then down your windows go and dont come back up until you get them fixed. Ive had to replace two at over $300. I also am having the brakes act up now as mentioned on previous reviews. I like the car in general but improvements need to be made.

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  Jeep Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark Calzia - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I am very excited about my new Rubicon, I have had it in the colorado mountains and its performance was unsurpassed. I went where other jeeps could not and with ease. I have owned 2 other jeeps in the past, but this Rubicon (stock) is awesome.

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  TJS OPINION - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By TOM HESCHLE - November 19 - 2:00 am

  LOVE IT, FUN TO DRIVE, ESPECIALLY IN FLORIDA. GET ME THROUGH HEAVY RAIN AND PUDDLES