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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  New jeep owner very satisfied - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By corybomberx - July 24 - 9:46 pm

  I have only owned this vehicle for a few days but to tell you the truth I absolutely love this jeep. This is not my first jeep and I have never had any serious issues, I dont believe I will either. The new jeep liberty feels very good with on road manners to brag about. I feel a lot of these reviews are based off other vehicles and compared to my 500hp turbo diesel this truck is a dream. It is very smooth and the seats are so comfortable. I feel the interior is made pretty well considering its not a 50,000 dollar suv. It is a little noisy but then again its really quiet compared to my old truck. I feel that I got what I paid for and dont think I would have been as happy with anything else

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  2008 Diesel Grand Cherokee - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By osogrande65 - July 24 - 12:16 pm

  Great hopes for the Daimler Chrysler spawn. The Mercedes diesel 3.0 V6 remains spectacular. The Jeep QuadraTrak is amazing, when it works. Mine is so unreliable that, in the 77 months that I have owned it, I have not had the use of it for 14 of those months. First the tranny at 35k (in the end Jeeps Chief Engineer diagnosed the problem), 6 months in shop; the rear end at 60k, in a month, centre differential at 75k, 2 months in shop, centre diff again, at 80k. Now at 115k the tranny and centre diff apparently have badly leaking seals and both are being pulled and repaired to be safe (3 months so far). No warranty now so $3500 plus GST. I AM NOT HAPPY! I will not buy another Chrysler product

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  Wrangler Sport - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By 4x4wrangler - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had a tremendous amount of fun with my Wrangler. Its fun to drive and has had almost no mechanical problems in over 100K. Not the best for long road trips or noisy freeways, but for weekend fun or trips to the beach it is unbeatable.

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  Its a Jeep thing! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Matthew J - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Wrangler X gives you the chance to purchase a 6 cyl soft top for about 2 grand less than its sibling, Sport. You can specifically choose the extras that are important to you without being forced to take delivery on a vehicle with extras you dont want or need. Wrangler is no doubt a fun vehicle to drive. You can get anywhere and highway driving isnt too bad. If youve always wanted a Jeep...take the plunge...its worth it!

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  Mixed Bag - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JIM - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Great truck. Tranny issues have soured me a bit. Gas milage has been ok. 4.0 litre engine under performs. If you can, get the eight.

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  Tough and Fun - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Sherri - July 23 - 8:50 am

  I have taken this on really bad roads from sea level to over 8,000 feet in the same day. Been crawling over rocks. Used every off road feature and always came through. Wish it had better mpg, but this baby is tough, yet plenty fast with good braking. Had to ditch the Goodyears that came with it...had Discount Tire boost me up one size and I put on Yokohamas for an instant and huge improvement in handling, ride quality and quietness. JEEP needs to discontinue the Goodyears..I had to replace 3 of them within months. Thankfully, Discount Tire treated my prior two purchases as if I was coming in to buy only 2 more...not the 4 Yokos I was buying. So JEEP...great vehicle, but needs better tires.

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  Command with the Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By c hammond-outram - July 23 - 6:43 am

  This Jeep has proven to be comfortable,capable and reliable. Fun to drive, handles backroads, ice and highway with ease. Absolutely the best car I have ever purchased.

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  Dont Buy Jeep - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Run while you can - July 22 - 3:10 pm

  Problems from day 1, water leaks in like a river (hard top), cant be fixed and caused rust in only a few months. Underpowered, driven 4cly cars that have more power. Had a cracked radiator. Many electric problems, odometer not working, windows not working, doors locking on their own, and more. The seats will kill your back, very uncomfortable. Headlights are VERY poor, worthless if you do a lot of night driving. Bought brand new and this all happened in the first 4 months of having it. The only good thing to say about it is that it preforms well off road.

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  BEST CAR EVER OWNED!!! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jeeplib0545 - July 21 - 11:53 am

  I bought my jeep in 2009 with only 33,000 miles on it. I havent had a single problem with it since the day Ive gotten it, and I love it so much! Ive had cars in the past that were awful, and my jeep is truly dependable and reliable. My family has owned jeeps, and will never own anything but Jeeps! If you are looking for value for your dollar, the Jeep Liberty Sport is worth every penny!

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  Mine rusts too - before 4K miles - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jarhead - July 21 - 6:16 am

  Really, really like the Jeep idea - the wife hates it, however. This is my 3rd (I think). The 4dr is surprisingly comfortable (vs. earlier Jeeps). Similar to other posts, I have had annoying RUST on various (hopefully) insignificant parts of the Jeep. I feel just like I bought a 1970 something CJ. Worse - the dealers want to "take photos" for evaluation at HQ. Wimps. I also had the clutch replaced earlier this year (4K miles). Yikes. The only thing that is worse is that Im honestly thinking of selling my silver 07 (with 5K miles) and buying a black 08. Why? So the rust does not show as fast! Ill probably always have a Jeep - no matter how poorly they are made! Sick, isnt it?