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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  Excellent - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Gretchen - March 19 - 10:00 am

  This has been a fun ride and it handles well. A bit costly in gas in the city, however good in highway.

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  Pure Fun Fun Fun - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By roblan - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Fuel consumption has been a major disappointment but this car is a lot of car for the money compared to other SUVs. Air conditioning system works great and not noisy at all (well maybe at full blast...). Handles beautifully on and off the road, very peppy and responsive. Instrument panel is easy to read both at night and during the day. Dont buy an SUV until you have test driven a Liberty. The only "flaw" is that the front windshield is dangerously close to the passengers, you almost feel you are going to fall off the vehicle, it takes a few days of adjusting, otherwise a nice car.

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  My Lithia Lemon . - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jcislo - March 19 - 10:00 am

  My initial impressions of my Jeep where quickly changed to those of regret and hopes that I was in some sort of bad dream but it really was a nightmare. My Jeep has 17000 miles on it , the brakes are in need of being replaced for the third time due to some sort of recall problems. The engine light has needed to be reset nine times, the gas tank has been replaced due to leaks, and as I write this the engine light is on again.. Chrysler said there are 400 things that can make the light come on but they cant find the problem but they refuse to replace or buyback this poor excuse of an SUV.. I would not recommend this vehicle to my worst enemy.

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  Rear Window - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Laura G - March 19 - 9:43 am

  Well, Im joining the club of broken rear window. Driving home last night6, went to roll up my back window ( I had it down a little bit, and I hear a loud bang. Sure enough. Rear window went out. I barely use the rear Windows. This is really upsetting that I am reading all the complaints and Jeep/Chrysler are not replacing these for free. I will never buy another Jeep. Way too costly. I bought it used, at end of 2009 30,0000 miles on it, but after 1 month the u-joint was bad. It was still under warranty, so the fix was free.

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  I Love it, but... - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sean - March 19 - 5:40 am

  Many publications rated Acura MDX and Nissan Pathfinder better than the 06 JGC. We preferred the ride of the JGC but bought an MDX. Two years later, we traded the MDX in for the JGC Overland in order to pull a 26 trailer/RV. The JGC had a noticeably smaller cargo area in the hatch and a tad smaller backseat, but that aside absolutely LOVE driving our JGC... BUT, there have been problems. In 2008 our powersteering pump went (under warranty), in 2009 our starter went (not covered), and both the hood and the hatch hydraulics are shot. Chrysler has a reputation of being the poorest North American manufacturer and this is apparent as these issues shouldnt happen in a newer vehicle.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By L Lucas - March 18 - 3:06 am

  This is a very fun vehicle to drive. Gets lots of looks, so be prepared to be asked questions, primarily how much they cost. I guess people think they cost a lot more that they do which makes it a value in itself. The only thing I have to remark on is the position of the arm rest, both on the door and the console. I am 58", so not abnormal in height for a woman....the center console is pretty low and there is no arm rest on the door. However, keeping in mind that this is not a luxury car and not bought for comfort, I really cant complain. Love it, love it, love it and really happy with the Jeep!

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  My savior - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By 4dr jeep country - March 17 - 6:13 pm

  Thank God for my Jeep! I bought it with 77000 miles; it now has 91000, and I only got it 8 months ago. Its been very reliable; the only thing Ive had to replace so far is a power steering pump which is nothing. My Cherokee is great in the snow. It is very comfortable for a driver thats 63" and its fast. The gas mileage isnt the best, but what is these days.

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  Very Noisy and Bouncy - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By RJ - March 17 - 10:53 am

  Had it for 3 months. Found it to be too bouncy and noisy, especially when I go over 60mph. Engine sounds like a sewing machine when idling. Interior is very nice.Good quality. At 1500 miles, Im ready to trade it in. Bought it to replace a Nissan Murrano but it is no match for the Murano - gonna look for a new ride.

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  Leaking Lemon Freedom Top...One of many - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By jasmen - March 17 - 7:05 am

  Owners of the 11 wrangler, I would pull out the seatbelt as far as it goes on rainy days. See if the belt is wet. Also reach your left hand up to the speaker area and feel around the cushion. Those are the less obvious areas other than dripping water from different areas of the top. When I went to the dealership in Ramsey, NJ (terrible customer service) to meet with the rep from jeep, they tried to figure out the leak by comparing my car to a same exact model on the lot. I felt around and alerted them that the backseat driver side mat was also wet as was the seatbelt. I wrote the VIN number IJ4-HA3H12BL-54565. Unfortunately, therere many others having the same problem. http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f96/water-leak-1138623/

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  No Complaints - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mark_NH - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I just wanted to chime in and offer up my experience with my 98 JGC Limited (5.2L, V8). No problems to speak of. Of those issues I had they were parts which normally wear over time (water pump, brakes, viscous coupler). These vehicles are rock solid with reagrd to structure, excellent attention to detail with interior features.