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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  Oh well - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Scorpio052 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 99 Laredo 4WD. Since Ive had it, I have taken it for a warrenty fix 24 times. Uncalled for. The starter (4X), passenger window (3X), rear wiper motor (2X), rear Differential, electrical shorts..blah blah blah. Let me tell you, in between fixes, I love the Jeep dearly. If my friends were risk takers, I would say buy it and pray for a good one. Otherwise , stay away, far away and wait for an Audi- type turnaround for Chrysler.

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  Dam - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By ret - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the coolest SUV out there. It even has a removeable top.

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  Jeep AC problems - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By megd1 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 02 Grand Cherokee Laredeo and the AC is horrible. We live in El Paso TX were the temp stays above 100 degrees. The problem is that my Ac does not produce cold air at all it is a sauna in the back seat! The dealer says that it is fine but you can not tell by looking at my young children getting out of the rear seat. The maintenance Tech said they have numerous complaints about it. So if live were it gets very hot think twice before buying a Jeep

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  smart wheels - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob B Loblaw - April 9 - 10:00 am

  i love the fact that this thing is so easy to work on. i had to put a new radiator in it when i bought it at 76,000. road salt had eaten the other one alive. easy enough to do, and its still going strong. to me its the ultimate convertable. top off in summer, and 4x4 in the winter as well as smaller towing capacities to drag a little trailer along behind you. smart vehical in my opinion.

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  jeep - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Celty - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Wrangler soft tops are lighter than most SUVs,handling could be better in 2wheel drive but great in 4. The smaller tires have better traction for city driving.Top replacement is every 4 years,orig colors are not always available.After market products can dress a jeep up nicely.The body and paint started to get rust speckles immediately after purchace.Ive had NO mechanical problems.The top seals nicely(when new) its very warm in the winter,the heater is great.The zipper/sliders windows are hard to use in 1/2 doors.For its size its a gas hog. The top is VERY hard to take up. Highway travel is very noisy.

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  love this thang - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By pigpants - April 9 - 10:00 am

  You cant kill it and you cant hurt it. It is a go-anywhere-anytime vehicle and it never complains. If it rains and the top is down so it fills up with a few inches of water, just pull the plug, let the water out, then go on about your business.

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  I love my Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By mitzi - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Liberty for approx. 4 weeks, but I LOVE IT!

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  Surprisingly Jeep-like! But...incredibly comfortable. - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By wrightonman - April 8 - 12:38 pm

  I reluctantly and sullenly bought the Patriot over a year ago. With a growing family, full sized dog & insane gas prices, I traded in my Wrangler with resent...the poor Patriot didnt have a chance. I hated it before I even set foot in the Jeep dealership-lol I was 100% wrong. I honestly cannot say anything bad about this vehicle. I really like it! I grew up with a CJ5 as our "family" car, I have no idea how my parents managed that!?! My favorite Jeep product I ever owned was a 1988 Cherokee & the sweet little Patriot comes darn close to that Cherokee in looks and solid feel. Performance is far better, off-roading...well, Im older now & seldom hit the trails. Great little 4X4Xme.

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  Great fun to drive Jeep. - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Alex - April 7 - 3:43 pm

  I got 5.7 Hemi. Great driving experience. Permanent 4X4 + rack and pinion steering + relatively firm suspension make handling just great . I used to have Yukon Denali 2001. If it goes over 85 you have to grip the wheel. This one, I tried even 110 mph. Rides smooth!!!. Breaks are also good. Perfectly drives on snow. Of course you have to watch for a body roll. But, hey, it is SUV not a Corvette. Had Ford Expedition 1997 and Yukon Denali 2001, this rides the best. With my medium heavy foot I still get 15.9 on highway. City is around 15. My wife with her not so heavy foot can get 17.5 on the highway. Seats are very comfortable.

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  Pauls review - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Pmonee - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I leased this Jeep in Feb. 2000. I must say for the dollar it is a excellent choice. There are a few issues that I have with this vehicle: 1. Eats brakes and rotors on a reguler basis, has been back to jeep once a year for new rotors and pads. 2.Interior space is not on par with other SUVs out there. 3.Drivetrain noise is very high, but I have been told "It is a Jeep, not a Lexus." For the money, Chrysler did a competent job. But for the same money others are doing it better.