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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  Soft Tops Leak Badly - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Zzooom - July 18 - 10:00 am

  I want to love this Jeep - the sunrider top is awesome - in 1 minute you can take off the top half doors and fold back the sunrider top and essentially be completely open air - its supposed to be my all weather vehicle, unfortunately, the top leaks so bad both driver and passenger foot wells fill up with water in even the lightest rain. This is a $26K vehicle that will be ruined in no time by water intrusion!

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  Great so far - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By living42 - July 18 - 1:20 am

  All new style for 2005. Wife as always picked this model and color out but I said it had to have a HEMI (GUY THING). We havent even filled up the gas tank yet and judging by how quickly the gas needle sinks Im not looking forward to it. Leather seats are nice and seat heat is a favorite with me. We have had it for only a short time but I feel this was a sound investment.

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  Love my Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By edman - July 17 - 10:26 am

  First time owner of a Jeep, test drove the Wrangler but the ride is too much for daily driving. The Liberty gave me a great alternative. I have a Honda CR-V w/ AWD but I missed the control of a manual true 4WD. Bought the car used as a second family car but loved it so much it became my primary form of transportation. I love this SUV, my wife drives the Honda now.

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  Dont but a Grand Cherokee - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dnbj - July 17 - 12:14 am

  The Eco Diesel has seen a number of problems. My Grand Cherokee has been at the dealers for 6 weeks. FCA Tech Line could not figure it out, until I called their customer service line.

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  Windows - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Kathy Roberts - July 16 - 12:26 pm

  I have a a little over 44,000 miles on my 2006 Jeep Liberty Sport and I have had to have the regulators in the windows replaced five times. Three times for back passenger windows and twice for the left drivers side window. The motor crunches and then the window just disappears into the door. I picked up my vehicle from being repaired for the fifth time yesterday and am afraid of letting the windows down for fear they wont go back up. I wouldnt recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Top Shelf - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By RockHead - July 16 - 9:50 am

  What can I say. Im all about Jeeps. CJs, YJs, TJs, XJs Ive had them all. Bar none this one is the best one ever. Looked at H3. Poser. Way overpriced, too. I got the hardtop sport with ac, cruise, tilt, 6 spd manual and its a blast to drive! Turns heads.I get 18.9 combined and just under 22 on trips. Other people here complaining about gas mileage I dont understand. My old CJ5 still gets 10mpg with a six cyl. Its a brick with wheels, deal with it. And underpowered? Are you kidding? 200hp with a V6? It is geared down for torque not speed. Want speed buy a wrx. Ill pull you out too! Buy it, tear it apart, rebuild it...it is still a simple truck. Dont need posh and trinkets. Its a jee

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  Total waste of money if you want a Jeep - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By nicole - July 14 - 6:46 pm

  I bought my jeep in November of 06 and it had its first recall in January, I have had nothing but problems since i bought this car. The engine has been rebuilt (recall issue). The only positive thing about this car is it is pretty fast on the take off. Gas mileage is not to bad for an "SUV". The room in the back is sorry. Dont suggest this car for any one with a new born baby, or with tall friends.

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  Great Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ray - July 14 - 12:43 pm

  I have driven Jeeps since 1998. Started with Cherokee and purchased my first Grand Cherokee in 2004. December 2006 I purchased a 2007 Overland. This is a great SUV. Nice design improvements and noticeable change in suspension from the 2004. Had some problems with the CD player and ended up changing it out on warranty. Great in the snow, but all of the jeeps I had were. Love the wooden steering wheel in the Overland. Interior now is similar to a loaded Limited. Not much difference between a 2009 loaded limited and an Overland. I have the 5.7 hemi. City/highway runs about 15.5 mpg. GPS is great, but the newer versions have a 3D mode, which is better. 2007 improved the ease of folding rear seat

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  Jeep - the only true SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Loraine - July 14 - 12:16 pm

  Have owned a 2004 Laredo before owning the Limited - this vehicle was a 4-wheel drive SUV before anyone else ever had one. This is by and far the best 4-wheel drive vehicle out there.

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  1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JStu - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Car has run strong all the way up to its current 98,000 miles, even with aftermarket performance parts whose added power puts more strain on the drivetrain. Car has also been off- roaded a couple times and has had no repurcussions as result. Brakes seem underpowered and no improvement kits are offered in the aftermarket. Only major problems have been that the rear- axle had a serious malfunction at 70,000 miles and had to be replaced. Also, the seat warmers broke after just four years of sparse use. All said a well made and reliable vehicle.