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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  Love my Liberty! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jts14 - November 8 - 10:54 pm

  Even though I have only had my Jeep Liberty for about 2 months, I already love it. I have a red 4x4 Sport with a 6 speed auto and the FAST, yes, i mean fast, 3.7L V6. You can easily pass 90 if you arent careful! Interior is a bit bland but overall is comfortable and functional. Front seats are almost couch like but still offer enough support for long trips. Love the split trunk door. As for gas mileage, its no prius, but I still get about 18 combined, more than you can say for most SUVs. Almost forgot- you cant have the full jeep experience with out having some fun in the snow, and this sporty and rugged SUV doesnt disappoint. The AWD works effortlessly to plow through any pile of snow.

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  13 Wrangler Unlimited - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By breal3 - November 8 - 12:25 am

  I have had probably 5 Jeeps in my life... This one is one of the best! I have almost 10,000 miles on it now and havent had any problems at all. The build quality is equal to if not better then my previous car (Acura TSX). The new engine is perfect, I use the Jeep to tow my 20ft boat to and from the lake with no lack of power.

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  Window problems - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Dianne - November 7 - 2:16 pm

  I Bought my 2007 jeep liberty with 16,000 miles on it. I just reached 44,000 miles and guess what both rear window regulators are gone. This is really pathetic. Its a damn shame that this has not been resolved yet! How many more complaints do they have to receive before they resolve this issue. I will definitely let my friends and family know not to buy a Chrysler product.

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  All Around Great Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By High Output - November 7 - 10:53 am

  Great SUV! The H.O. motor is fun and reliable. The car is great for someone who wants an around town SUV but knows that they can take it off road to. Car acts just as good if not better when off the road. The H.O. motor is also good to have for trailers. Overall a great car.

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  great car, but not for everyday use - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rsmitty - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Its obviously a Jeep. Theres no mistaken you are taking a ride in an offroad vehicle from the first time you enter it. I would have to agree with the others that this is not an everyday vehicle due to its poor performance on the highway. However, it more than does its job offroad. I think the suspension is perfect, I got my Jeep because of its capabilites, not for a plush ride. I have not had a single problem with it yet and its continues to impress me as a fun to drive vehicle. I would however, not be able to take it on the highway above 55 mph for any length of time. I would definetly buy another and would recommend it to everyone that wants to have fun.

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  I finally got it! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chris_27 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive been searching for the right SUV for almost a year and finally decided on the Overland. It is a magnificent vehicle both inside and out. I got every option except the navigation and am happy with everything. Although I have only had it for a few weeks I am very impressed.

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  Its a Beauty, inside and out - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ChiGirlInTexas - November 6 - 8:56 pm

  After considering many other vehicles, Im so glad I got the JGC. Smooth acceleration, quiet cabin, great techie tools--the Nav, bluetooth, hard drive for my music (uploaded via USB, about 800 songs fit w/room to spare). Incentives made it more affordable to lease than the Liberty, and when I feel the Hemi respond, I know I made the right choice. Of course, the gas mileage is lousy, but after driving a 4-banger for 3 years, I was ready to get some power....and this Jeep really delivers. It won out over the Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Saturn Vue, Mazda CX-9 & Mitsubishi Outlander. The incentives plus dealers willingness to negotiate made it a no-brainer. If you like em loaded, look at JGC!

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  I never thought Id buy American but.... - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jessica40 - November 6 - 7:54 am

  I am pleased with my purchase. I was considering the Lexus RX when I saw the new redesigned JGC Laredo passing by in traffic. It grabbed my attention. I went home and did my research.. one week later I had purchased one. It has that luxury feel to it and very comfortable (leather interior). On the flip side.. I just had to take it into Jeep bcus the engine light came on..it has been there now for 3 days.. they were nice enough to give me a loaner (2012 Durango). I also own an Infiniti G37 but prefer my Jeep! The dealer mentioned something about and O2 sensor, all covered under warranty. I miss my truck but want to put pressure on them as I dont want it rushed and want it fixed properly!!

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  All 4 corners of the US and back again - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By knowonder - November 6 - 6:56 am

  We went from San Diego to the midwest back to San Diego to Alaska and over 500+ miles of continuous gravel road. Then Alaska to Boston to Illinois to the Keys. Plenty of 4WD times. All with our 18 sea kayaks on the roof. I just saw a post that somebody is closing in on 900,000 miles on theirs. I wanted 300,000 but now just set my new goal. Theres something like home in that square box. Drives great and very reliable. Heading to the west coast from Indiana soon. Replaced radiator, water pump. Only other problem weve had is with the AC. We didnt know that for a solid couple years. Were windows people.

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  My second Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By tx pathfinder - November 5 - 10:10 am

  I had a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and I decided on the Commander for its third row seat (small children) and safety. The 4.7 V8 is much better than the old I 6. The ride is very smooth and quiet. It is much better in town and on the road than my wifes 2005 Explorer; however, the Explorers V6 is about 2-3 mpg better than the Commander.