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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  Jeep Liberty is fun - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jay Reilly - February 20 - 11:20 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned and I am 64. It has unique convenient controls like the radio buttons on the steering wheel. It is a ball to drive and was pleasantly surprised at the riding comfort for a smaller SUV. I would strongly recommend it to anyone on a budget.

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  I love this Jeep - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rachel - February 20 - 5:50 am

  I have had this car for 7 years, it has been great. I have had to do some repairs and it leaks oil from somewhere we cant find, but I love it. Recently (at 170000 mi) I have had to replace the shocks, which were original. I have had to put on one set of tires, and replace most of gaskets/seals and it still leaks. It gets beans for gas mileage (usually 15- 17 mpg) but it still drives great. It has great power and reliablity. And I love how much stuff I can fit in it.

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  A little adds up to a lot - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Snow in DC - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive enjoyed our Jeep. Purchased at 68K and now at 109K weve had to replace the exhaust system, the heater core, the AC core, the water pump, the brakes, the left signal doesnt work, and the left speaker also doesnt work. With a ten year old in the back seat its too small. We also had to purchase a turtle for the top b/c the back is too small for a family of fours luggage. But all in all, weve enjoyed it and plan on keeping it for awhile. After all, weve had all of the work done! What more could go wrong??

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  Grand Cherokee not for me! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By wildman - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Buyers beware of problems with drivetrain. Transmission hesitates in reverse, and suddenly upshifts/downshifts from 2nd to 3rd (always has since 45000 miles). Also, bearings in differential are prone to go bad - apparently this is a common problem according to local dealer - manufacturing tolerances were too tight. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone. Chrysler really should do something about their problematic transmissions. I hate to say this, since I enjoyed the Wrangler that I previously owned, but it had a manual tranny, instead of automatic. Im now lookind at Toyota 4runners, based on their good history.

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  Looks good, runs like crap - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepFL77 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  If you want to look good at the beach or driving thru your neighborhood, get a Wrangler Sport! Oh, and get one if you want a plastic and cheap interior, awful gas mileage, a hit or miss transmission, absolutely no cargo room, windows that scratch when you breathe, ventilation that turns on and off without turning it on or off, a cd player that skips at every bump, painful shocks, check engine light that is always on, POOR Dealer SERVICE, parts that RUST (screws, attachments on vehicle exterior, windows) and if you like replacing your windshield every three months, GET A WRANGLER. I cannot wait to get rid of this piece of garbage.

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  i love my 98 wrangler!!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By spoillicious - February 19 - 10:00 am

  everyone should have a wrangler

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  THE reveiw - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mia Calliento - February 19 - 10:00 am

  exelent thats the only word that can discribe this car, if you want to be cool in the summer time you def. have to get this car!!!!

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  its a jeep thing - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Alan P - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Just AWESOME nada problems. only fun

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  Crappy American car is VERY FUN - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By new jeep owner - February 19 - 10:00 am

  i have always hated american cars. especially those made by chrysler, but this jeep has been very fun for offroading purposes. it gets poor gas mileage but if you only use it for offroading it is great.

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  jeep review 1 - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By klwiley - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Great ride in the hills valleys and everywhere except freeways. Power could be increased with a little wider stance but over all the wrangler is the most agile responsive vehicle on the road.