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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  "Rocky Mountain Edition" - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RGW - June 7 - 8:33 am

  Having had this vehicle for nearly 4 months. I am overall fairly satisfied with the latest design. Jeep has done a commendable job of eliminating the nauseating sea swell motions of the previous version. While I didnt pay anywhere near retail, I still think a vehicle approaching $40k (MSRP) should come with a more refined interior. The dash is far too plasticky and there are many hard surfaces throughout.

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  Great so far - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By DAD16 - June 6 - 9:50 pm

  Purchased a new Jeep Patriot with all the bells and whistles for my wife. Its a nice ride around town and comfortable on long trips. The gas tank is small but the good gas mileage makes up for it. The price is so good I think Im going to get in for my son.

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  Love my Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By bgrn - June 5 - 8:26 am

  I traded a 2002 Ford Explorer full size with 102,000 miles, wanted a smaller vehicle with the features of the big suv. I was not disappointed. This Jeep is great! Although smaller it still has plenty of room. It does slip on snow covered roads sometimes when not in 4wd but just a flip of the switch and there is no stopping it. Very smooth ride. I test drove the old ones 3 years ago these are far better. It sits high off the ground and I cant wait to take it down the sand at the beach, got the skid plates intalled for this. I drive in this all day for a living and I love it. Mileage isnt awful, my Explorer was 13mpg/this does better than that approx 17-18.

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  First jeep - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Hugo - June 5 - 6:10 am

  My first jeep it came loaded with nice rims and lifted, put cold air intake, throttle spacer and new exhaust without messing with my warranty I gain about 38 extras ponies and a little bit more in torque same deal with gas looking forward to drive my jeep in the sand south texas

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  windows? what windows? - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Ghost73 - June 3 - 11:40 am

  Bought the thing in August of 07. Windows have fallen down in the door 16 times! Yes 16 times! The dealership always fixed them for free. Then they claimed they have a new improved part. Windows kept falling. The last time it happened I got charged for it. I was told Chrysler had changed their policy. Hmm so I get penalized for their poor product. Sounds fair. I dont even roll the windows down. Yet they fall any way.

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  Unhappy - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Luisa - June 2 - 6:13 pm

  This Jeep has had the following problems: 3 transfer case replacements. Transmission replaced. U-joints failed. rides rough. Gas mileage is the worst of any car Ive ever owned. This thing sucks gas big time!

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  Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Dan - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Have had nothing but problems. Will never buy another Jeep or Chrysler product. Trans went out at 60k. Ball joints and control arms are shot at 65k. ESP module went out along with the cruise at 50k. Back window leaks slightly. Dont know what is next?

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  In the shop after 3 days - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mike - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my JGC used w/28,000 miles on it. A couple days later engine light comes on. Dealer replace 02 sensor and on the way home it goes on again. Its been in the shop going on day #3 and now they say computer is shot. I dont think they no whats wrong with it. Im starting to think this was a bad purchase. At least it looks good.

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  Just As Expected! - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dano0726 - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Took only 5 weeks from order to delivery. 2011 interior is designed far better than 2010/prior JKs. Dash layout is exceptional. Whatever you give up in fuel economy, you gain in (1) Jeep ruggedness (2) Jeep resale (3) Jeep recognizeability (4) just an ultimate Jeep coolness I cant keep wife + daughter away from Mac Daddys ride!

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  Excellent vehicle - solid secure - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Carol Ann - June 1 - 3:00 am

  I sell real estate in the Finger Lakes. I must have a very reliable strong 4-wheel drive automobile. My Commander has out performed all the other SUVs I have ever owned. I could use more room in the back for my signs. My little ones love the back two seats. I can not get them out of the Jeep as they want to stay and play. Front seat capacity is very comfortable. Ride is quiet, no road noise. Solid heavy vehicle.