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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  Drews Review - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By drew - September 20 - 5:16 am

  Only a few gripes ... the transmission seems to shift awful late. When you come to an incline, you give it a little gas, and nothing. Stomp on it, and it will wake up but who wants to do that? Also, the A/C seems to be a little anemic ... our 02 Grand Cherokees was too.

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  Worst headache vehicle ever - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Scott - September 19 - 11:03 pm

  This vehicle was a manufacturer buyback. It has been nothing but a major headache and stress producer. The engine is way underpowered for the body size. The seats quickly became very uncomfortable. The transmission keeps overheating and Chrysler has replace all the cheap parts but refuses to replace the actual transmission which is obviously the problem. Stay away.

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  A Homerun - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By CTJeep - September 19 - 5:00 pm

  The new Jeep Unlimited is a hit. I bought the Commander last year and lamented the only short coming was that roof doesnt come off. I got the first one in town and have been enthralled since day 1. Its a Jeep for the family. Myself and wife and kids all fit comfortably (and securely) and we have room for all our stuff in the back. Cant wait for the warm weather to return to truly enjoy it. (i.e. get the soft top back on).

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  jeep review - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mr Stone - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Really enjoy the vehicle, has hard and softtop

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  No Problems Yet - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepswanted - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my pre-owned 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with 55k miles. I read all of the bad reviews before buying. (i.e. Brakes, Transmission, ext.) My dealer threw in a 3 yr - 36K bumper to bumper warrenty. Havnt had to use it as of yet. A lite rattle in the transmission, that does not affect shifting is the only concern. Engine performance is excellant. Gas milage was a concern before buying. Ive averaged between 17.5 to 21.5 per tank. About 360 miles per tank. Im happy with the vehicle so far..

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  please hold together - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe - September 18 - 7:16 pm

  The limited is smooth on the road, polite off the road and comfortable inside. NAV, SAT radio and all the toys a must on long rides. Room up front is fine and has OK storage. So far the Limited is enjoyable is drive. There is nothing outstanding except for the HEMI. The kick-in response could be better. It does not respond like the BMW but the cost to power is really fine.

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  Cant get enough - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Crazy Girl - September 18 - 1:16 pm

  I bought this Liberty 1 week ago but I owned an 03 a few years ago and liked it so much I bought another one. I love this Jeep. Its so fun to drive and they are awesome in the mud. I can get through stuff that the big trucks cant. One thing I dont like on this one that I didnt notice on my other one is the get up and go. It seems to stall a little before taking off. I really dont like how my chrome wheels are plastic, I didnt notice this until I got home and was very unhappy.

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  2006 wrangler unlimited, excellent ride - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Boston Jeep - September 18 - 12:56 pm

  Picked up my second wrangler recently, a 2006 with 8k miles. The car had all of the option packages that were being dolled out with the end of production. For my car this included the painted flares, two tone seats, 6disc cd, with satellite radio, compass rear view, cruise, dual tops, 6 speed manual. So far this vehicle has been tremendously fun. I formerly had an 03 Sahara, and the unlimited corrects a ton of little issues I always had with that car. The extra wheelbase makes for a better highway ride, and the additional space is very nice. This will be our fun car for trips, and summer touring, as well as my commuter car. very happy with the purchase so far.

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  No power - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By David Fekete - September 17 - 10:00 am

  For a vehicle that theyve been making for a long, long time, this thing is lacking in so many areas. My biggest complaint is that its horribly under powered. Most V6s are pushing 250 to 300 horses, this thing rates at around 202. Mines a 6 speed manual..forget about passing. The lack of a hood latch is almost dangerous. On a windy day or when a truck passes the hood slams up and down. Those big rubber bands holding down the hood just dont cut it. The soft top is not an easy off and on, they could and should have done better. In a nutshell, never again! What once was an American icon is now pretty much junk.

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  Not a Jeep! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By joe shibotnik - September 15 - 1:26 am

  80,000 miles. Dealer serviced or authorized dealer serviced as required per owners manual or dealer recommendation. #1 This vehicle is fun to drive. #2 This vehicle is a Durango in Jeep attire (meaning, this is not a Jeep). #3 Who in their right mind makes a "Jeep" fulltime 4 wheeldrive? Dodge, thats who. #4 Replaced front 2 times (ball joints, tie rod ends and bushings) fulltime 4wheel issue...yes. #5 Eats 60,000 mile tires in 30ish. #6 If this vehicle had 2wheel capabilities it would pull great gas mileage. #7 Leather seats are not leather. #8 Resale poor, so plan on keeping it. My Suburban is worth just as much as our (40K) Commander, its a 1999(148,000 miles). Think hard!