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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  Get a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By pokefan - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Have less than 19,000 miles on this jeep and it just got towed to the dealership again. First at 13,000 the waterpump went out and the serpentine belt broke while going 70 on a 2 lane road. Very Scary. Then at 18,000 the heat went out, took it in a got some recall item fixed at the same time. Diamler-Chrysler sucks. Maybe I am spoiled by Hondas. Had 3 w/ 250,000+ miles w/ 0 problems. Last Jeep I ever buy. Let you know my recent prob. later.

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  Great Looking and Plush - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bill kennedy - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I find the GRand Cherokee a nice vehichle with many amenities. I was goingto buy a limited but found a laredo which is more sporty looking with the exact same options such as leather heated seats, Sun roof and electric everything. The 8 Cylender is a plus.

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  Complete and total adoration - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By brookelee968 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I absolutley LOVE this vehicle.The Jeep Liberty is the only vehicle I have ever owned that has as smooth a ride on road as off.The interior is spacious enough that five people can be seated comfortably, and still have plenty of space for your cargo.The Liberty is so wonderful, after taking a ride in mine three of my friends went out and purchased one of their own.

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  Overland satisfaction - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Baxter - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Only have 20000 kilometers so far and am satisfied with the vehicle. the overland is distinctive and is easily identified from the ordinary Grand Cheroke.

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  Good Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Denny - September 5 - 9:00 pm

  My wife and I purchased our GC LTD new and have generally enjoyed it. It has a nice smooth ride, and with the 4.7L V- 8, accelerates very quickly. My wife drives mainly in town and averages 14MPG, though on longer trips we have averaged as high as 23 MPG. We have had some recurrent problems, such as with window seals shrinking and front brake rotor problems. Jeep replaced the front brakes a couple of years ago under recall and have had no problems since, including no brake dust! We also had a heated seat burn through, but with some fighting Jeep repaired the seat. Overall, I would recommend the Grand Cherokee.

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  Not for tall people or car seats! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Michael Nichols - September 5 - 3:42 pm

  I bought a Liberty brand new in 2005 and LOVE it to this day. It was time to replace my husbands car, so the Cherokee seemed like the closest to the Liberty we coukd find. It is not. A Jeep in name only, we discovered the backseat has far less head room- I am 61" and my head is mashed against the ceiling. We have a toddler, and there is only about 5" clearance from the carseat to the ceiling- getting him in and out is very difficult. This is not a vehicle for you if you need to use carseats!!! As much as I LOVE my Liberty, I am so disappointed in the Cherokee. After only 5 days I am asking OBrien to take it back. This is not an SUV, but a station wagon or "crossover" at best. MAJOR BUYERS REMORSE.

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  I didnt think I would enjoy a truck! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By GPJ - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I didnt think that I would ever enjoy driving a truck, even if it was a Jeep Liberty Limited, but I do! Im still new to this and so is the SUV.

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  Great piece of machinery - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By shudawg7 - September 5 - 9:36 am

  I absolutely LOVE driving this vehicle. It is everything I expected a Jeep to be. Rugged. Capable. Fun. I cant wait for summer - take the top off. Its a vehicle that has something for every season.

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  Dont waste your money - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Daniel - September 5 - 8:30 am

  Ride quality is really bouncy, which I expected from owning Jeeps my whole life. Interior is cheap. Had in shop under warranty 6 times, 4 times for the windows falling down. Dealer said was a problem in all 2006 Libertys. They wouldnt replace the regulators or the windows until they fell, which was usually when it was raining. Now have rattle in the back end at 12,000 miles. Gas mileage is really bad. Seats in my 65th Anv addition stain really easy and dont come clean. I loved the Cherokees even though the electronics suck, but at least it was sound and took abuse. I got a Patriot for loaner and dash came loose. Jeep lost me as customer.

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  Always wanted Jeep and now I have one - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gene Lee - September 4 - 9:53 am

  I have wanted a Jeep since high school and when I reach 65 I bought a Wrangler X 2 door 4WD. I really love driving the Jeep, my wife drives a lincoln and I have not driven her car since buying my Jeep. In fact she had to go out of town last week and asked if she could drive my Jeep. I get between 20 and 21 MPG driving about 65 MPH. I have the 24S option which has every thing I wanted. I will use it as my tailgate vehicle this fall and look forward to talking about my SOONER red Jeep.