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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  Windows Wont Keep Anyone Out - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By WhyDidIBuyAJeep - May 1 - 10:50 pm

  I bought this 06 with 39k miles, in 02/10 and planned to give it to my daughter in the fall when she goes off to college. I put 700 miles on it and WHAM the back window fell inside the door. Research tells me that a lot of people have had the same problem. My old Nissan was 9 years old with 160K miles and the windows never had a problem. Jeep, MAN UP AND RECALL THES VEHICLES. I do not feel that it is secure or safe for my daughter. Anyone could open the widows without a problem. I am going to fix it and unload it on some unsuspecting chump, like me. I know Ill loose 1K to 2K bucks. But its crap, I cant keep it. So much for buy American. 1st (last) American car in over 10 yrs.

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  Finally purchased my 2005 Hemi JGC - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mark - April 30 - 11:33 am

  I reviewed all the owner comments on this site prior to purchase and it helped tremendously. I cant say enough good things. I was very happy with the deal I got. Sticker $43,387.00 and I took it off the lot for $35,710.00. If you are going to spend this kind of money on a Jeep please consider getting the available options. Mine is loaded with the exception of the back seat DVD Player. After using the Navigation system and the U-Connect system for the telephone system I would never purchase another car without it. The ride is the smoothest of any Jeep I have driven. If you want a Jeep get the JGC Limited with the options.

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  Commander is Good Value for Big SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Chris T - April 30 - 4:10 am

  I bought this Commander new in September of 2006. I have not had any maint. issues, and the vehicle is very quiet and fun to drive. Towing capacity is great with the 4.7 V8. I have noticed many reviews complain of fuel mileage, but this in no surprise. It produces exactly what it is rated, about 16 around town and 20 to 21 on the highway. Vehicle is very versatile, and is definitely worth a look in this size SUV. I think one would be very surprised to take this vehicle for a spin.

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  Bring back the Jeep Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By lheywood - April 29 - 9:46 am

  A great car for off road, and for me has been just fine on road. Has been pretty reliable for the first 13 years, then problems (see below).

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  Weak Automatic Transmission - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike_L - April 28 - 11:33 pm

  This trail-rated 4WD minivan is absolutely horrible offroad. Beginning in 2003 Jeep replaced the 45RFE transmission with the 42RLE in a cost-cutting move. The 42RLE was originally designed for front-wheel drive cars and minivans. It is way too little tranny for too much Jeep. It runs way too hot - and heat KILLS automatic transmissions. The TRANS TEMP light comes on predictably under high altitude moderate climbing conditions. Jeeps answer - use low- range at all times while offroad! Ridiculous. If all you want to do is get groceries and go to soccer practice, this is the vehicle for you. If you want offroad performance, steer way clear of any Jeep Liberty 2003 and above.

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  Love My JEEP! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kitten - April 28 - 8:03 pm

  My boyfriend bought this as a gift. I absolutely love it. The only problem Ive had with it so far was when it snowed and I was rocking myself out of my parking spot and the ABS & brake light came on. I freaked out! I ran upstairs and read my manual and I thought that this was gonna be a nightmare. To my surprise after a couple of days when the snow subsided and I drove to the gas station, the lights went off. BIG SIGH OF RELIEF. City miles is a killer since I live in NY, but when I travel highway miles the mileage is fantastic. So in the city especially I drive in overdrive to optimize gas mileage. Love this body model, dont care for the 2005 or 2006 model styles-they look boxy.

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  this is a good car - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By harvster - April 28 - 12:03 pm

  excellent handling

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  2005 Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By R.F.W. - April 26 - 7:56 pm

  I love it. Ive had the Wrangler and the Liberty and now the Grand and the ride is great. Ill never go back to the Wrangler or Liberty!

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  Love My Wrangler but... - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By lh - April 26 - 8:13 am

  Only owned it for a month but, love it, except for one thing. Fun to drive and so many cool things you can do to it. Very smooth drive. Theyve improved a lot. However, a very annoying feature that I didnt discover until after my purchase. They apparently did away with the passenger seat feature that allowed it to pop up and foward making entry into the back seat easy. Now its very difficult to get in the back seat. My kids just climb over now. If youre an adult, forget about it! Jeep really needs to rethink that change. Gas mileage has improved but, definitely more room for improvement.

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  Best Jeep Ive Owned - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ArcadeTom - April 25 - 12:30 pm

  I replaced a 1996 Grand Cherokee with this 2004 in Nov. 2003. I liked my old one, but this one is fantastic. It rides great, handles very fine and once I rid myself of the factory Goodyear tires (replaced with Michelin LTX MS), this Jeep will literally go anywhere I want to go. I absolutely LOVE IT!