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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  Everything I was looking for and more - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Charryl - September 3 - 3:30 pm

  I traded in my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 with regret, but with 160K miles! I wanted a smaller SUV but with big SUV features. The Liberty has it all. I live at high altitude with big hills. My biggest concern was performance. The Liberty never loses a beat on the climb. Toys and features were the next concern and Liberty met that challenge, too. The combined nav system, sound system, satellite radio, bluetooth, 20 GB memory for capturing CDs (no more books of CDs to carry around!), customized photo display, etc., etc. makes the road experience nothing but a big smile. Interior room with my third concern. Plenty of storage--both for passengers and everything they carry.

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  Amazing SUV - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By yzkurt - September 3 - 1:03 pm

  This vehicle is amazing. I have owned two Jeeps, a 1991 Jeep Wrangler and this one; both with the 4 litre I6. But also, im still 16 so there will be plenty more to come. This Jeep does everything. It drives great, looks great, and is super comfortable. The engine is truly bullet proof. I was happily surprised with the amount of power it puts out, great for an suv. This little thing will go anywhere and do anything. Living in the northwest and having these winters are nothing for it. I can haul plenty of people and plenty of gear. My friends and i love it.

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  Lovin It - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chuckwildman - September 3 - 7:22 am

  Bought mine a year ago with 85,000 miles and put on about 20,000 since then. Replaced brakes all the way around including calipers. Replaced front drive shaft to resolve "clunking" noise. Was able to use part from salvage yard. Replaced CD changer also with part from salvage yard. Has 4.7 V8 and it is very strong. Its been off-road a few times and this Jeep is very capable compared to other stock 4x4 with Quadra-Drive II awd system.

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  Fun, Small but Stains wont come out! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Whopper - September 3 - 4:20 am

  I wanted a Jeep Liberty for a couple years before I finally bought one! I traded in my Honda Civic when I became pregnant, thinking it would provide more much needed room! It didnt! Very little room for any passengers once you get a car seat in there! And the seats stain EASILY from anything! Especially any kind of liquid! If your drink sweats, dont let it touch the seat! The stains look horrible and nothing gets them out!!!

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  2015 Renegade Sport - 2015 Jeep Renegade
  By Ashlie Beavers - September 2 - 1:05 am

  Just bought the Renegade Spot and we LOVE IT! Comfy ride, handles great, so adorable to look at. Cant wait to take it camping! Interior space is roomy, we can get our fishing poles and cooler in with no problem.

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  Third Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe - September 1 - 8:16 pm

  I like the performance overall, but acceleration from a stop is sluggish. Also lacks oomph passing on upgrades. I do like the 6-spd manual. I like the looks inside and out (vast improvement over 2003-2007). I hate the instrument panel and controls. Those little lights are difficult to see in bright sun. The radio controls are complicated and poorly positioned, including the Set button next to the first station button. Station buttons dont always work correctly. I hate that "Change Oil" message thats based on time and mileage and unrelated to actual oil changes. The vehicle seems rugged enough, but the springs squeak, even when you just get in or out.

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  2007 Jeep Unlimited 4 Door - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By JC - September 1 - 3:30 pm

  I absolutely love my new Wrangler 4 Door Sahara package. The only trouble I have had so far is when I took the hard top off and put it back on and went to the car wash, it sometimes leaks. You have to be very careful with the weatherstripping or it leaks, and I have had the water blow through the doors edges. There has to be a better system to keep the water out at high pressure. Engine could use a little more pep. Im averaging 18.5 MPG. It only has about 2500 miles right now, so it may need more break in time. I bought all the chrome accessories and get tons of compliments. Headed to my first Jeep Jamboree..so well see how that goes.

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  Great SUV...until 70,000 miles - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Iowa Banker - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought mine 2nd owner, low miles. Loved driving it: comfortable, stylish and plenty of power. Maintenance and reliability issues popped up after about 50k miles. Tire/rotor troubles, replaced brakes, etc. then had the front drive shaft go out @ 70k on a roadtrip 500 miles from home. Traded it before I poured any more cash down the hole.

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  "JAJ" JUST A JEEP - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By KEN HARTLEY - September 1 - 10:00 am

  HUNG UP THE FIRST TIME IN MUD WITH FACTORY TIRES. RIDES LIKE A TANK. CRUISE AND TILT MAKE IT ROADWORTHY FOR TRIPS. HOT WEATHER, TURN ON THE A/C. A 3:07 REAR END GETS 22MPG SOMETIMES, CRUISES AT 1750 RPM @ 65 MPH, NO STRAIN, USE LOW RANGE TO CLIMB THE TOUGH HILLS WITH THIS JEEP. FOR $21,800.00 CHRYSLER SAW US COMING AND NOW YOU SEE US GOING-----OVER THE HILL ON ONE TIRE....DIDNT GET A TRAIL RATED STICKER ON THIS 2004 JEEP, PLUS THE PAINT SUCKS, ON THIS JEEP.

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  my first jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By wil m - September 1 - 10:00 am

  2 weeks after purchase, made it thru 2 feet of snow xmas morning NO PROBLEM! Great in central NY winters. Easily goes off road to favorite fishing spots, and fits 4 dogs to boot. Mileage could be better, window controls takes getting used to and the glove box is to small. Overall, I love my jeep!