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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  Excellent SUV - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By British Bernie - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep Cherokee. Its an excellent SUV! It is primarily used as a company car, but it gives me great pleasure for weekend use. I would rate this vehicle as one of the most practical SUVs in its price range.

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  perfect for active gal - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By CindaLou - August 31 - 11:43 pm

  I love my Jeep Liberty. It was my 3rd Jeep after the Cherokee Sport and Grand Cherokee. It has a great turning radius and allowed me to parallel park in small places near campus. It has alot of pep to merge onto freeways or pass others. I lived in Wisconsin where we get 12 in. of snow and my Jeep got me safely to my destination every time. 4x4 is easy to use. I use for camping and hauling my bike. Fit 3 little nieces and nephews in the back. I replaced brakes around 30,000, but was doing alot of city driving at the time. Replaced brakes again at 109,000. The only other repair was a new water pump and serpentine belt at 95,000 miles. Im going to miss my Jeep when I switch to a car.

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  Love It #2 - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Matt - August 31 - 1:20 am

  This is our second Liberty. We gave our 2003 to our son. Only had it two weeks but so far we love it. Im sure its faster than the old one and I guarantee it is more comfortable. The transmission shifts a bit weird but Im getting used to it. The 2003 did feel more rugged for off- road abuse, but for what most people use these for, Im sure the new one will be just fine.

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  Great Mountain Tow Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Third Jeep - August 30 - 5:33 am

  My 1st Jeep was a Wrangler, then had a 2002 Liberty Limited, then a 2006 Liberty Limited. Im looking to buy a 2010 Liberty Limited because Im so happy with these Jeeps. It pulls a 15 boat/trailer in the mountains. I load kayaks on the top and 4-wheel it the rivers. I go skiing in the winter. The low gas mileage is a trade off for the muscle the Jeep has.

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  Great Car, Dont Listen to "Experts" - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By jrgibsongirl - August 29 - 9:35 pm

  Please dont judge this car by the "expert" reviews. Ive owned this car for one year and put 14k miles on it. I love it! Gas mileage is as advertised or even better (and thats with a base automatic engine). Interior is simple, but more than adequate. Ride is a little noisy on the highway, but hey, its a Jeep not a Mercedes. If youre looking for a smaller SUV thats reliable and affordable then I highly recommend you check out the Patriot.

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  Love My Grand Cherokee - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Streaker - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought used from a dealer in 1995 and still smells new inside. Only repairs were front differential bearings, a cv boot, and transfer case seal. Also factory alarm system had mind of its own and I had dealer deactivate it. Very comfortable for long trips of 5000 miles or more but have also been off- road in the desert and over mountains. My Jeep has never let me down. I expect to drive it for many years.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Shidia Wa Suda - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Jeeps are the most enjoyable vehicles ever made, on the pavement, or off road. (preferably off-road) Myself ha had 3 Jeeps in my life and hadnt regreted a cent i spent on those Wranglers.

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  trail rated capability - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By clint murphy - August 29 - 10:00 am

  My experience with a jeep brand vehicle is that it performs exceptionay well off road. With unmatched capability it can go where no other suv can go.

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  Weve done a lot since 98 and still going strong. - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By tari5 - August 27 - 1:13 pm

  I bought my Jeep new at a dealership in Colorado. When it was brand new a huge snowstorm hit and there was a pounding on the door. The ranch owner stood there up to his waist in snow. "Can I borrow your rig?"he asked. He needed to do an emergency insulin run for a friend and none of their big expensive ranch trucks could get through the snow. It got through when nobody else could and spent the day rescuing stranded people in what turned out to be a deadly storm. Since then I have driven it across the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific. We have lived in rural Colorado, New Mexico and now on the Plains. Hauled feed to horses, pulled a boat, loaded goats in the back and transported them. Hauled railroad ties and used it as an anchor to stretch fence. My two Irish Wolfhounds curled up in the back and slept for long trips between New Mexico and Kansas. It gets no babying and it has given no trouble. Pop it into four wheel drive and it can get you almost anywhere and back. Its still going strong and I drive it nearly every day.

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  Maintain it - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Michelin Man - August 26 - 7:46 am

  I love my Grand Cherokee! It is a very spacious and comfortable SUV. The Jeep is great off-road. Being a Jeep expert, make sure the Jeep has been maintained. Both the Inline-6 and V8 have seen 300k miles in many instances. The drivetrain and suspension are of less quality. The trannys are prone to break, some at 90k miles and others at 200k miles. Never get a tranny flush or a radiator flush! Both components will likely fail. The 1993=1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) is maintenence-intensive. Mine has 135k miles, has required a new steering box, starter, battery, steering stabilizer, many brake components, shocks, and various bushings in the front suspension. Great Vehicle for the expert.