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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  Jeep Junk - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bill - July 4 - 3:10 pm

  After owning 3 Limited/Grand Cherokees, the Liberty is a solid disappointment. The gas gauge and oil lights go off/on randomly. There is a wheel rub noise at low speeds. The dealer cant fix it.Chrysler doesnt care. The seat sits 2 inches too high and doesnt adjust. The door locks are right where you want to rest your arm. The Sirius radio is static prone.

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  My red beauty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By patti - July 3 - 12:56 pm

  I love the style and it handles very well up here in the northland. This is my first new car with four wheel drive so I am learning little by little.

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  Jeep Liberty Limited - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By belvis1 - July 2 - 9:10 pm

  We replaced our 2008 Commander with this Liberty. The Command Trac 4 wheel drive makes it up our driveway. Unlike the Commander or Audi Q7 could. The vehicle drives good. We do not pay for fuel, so this is not a problem. The Uconnect works great. With all the options and off road features, the Liberty is hard to pass up. A lot of people and companies love to pass it off as being slow, outdated or just not as good as the Toyota or Honda. Well, these people would have another opinion when they had to walk up their 250 foot driveway when the others could not make it.

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  Its been a year of ownership - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By D.Brisson - July 2 - 8:06 pm

  See my earlier review here, still a fun vehicle but has its problems. Still very fast and have caught a few very quick cars off guard. Transmission planetary spacer destroyed itself from the factory install resulting in damaged transmission and torque converter. Dealer service spotty at best. Took 2 tries to finally find a Jeep dealer that allowed for confidence, Century in Mt Airy MD. Brakes wear fast and replacements are 3 times that of a typical brake job. Parts for rotors and brakes alone online are $650. replacement brakes are better than the stock units, less dust and squeal. Interior very plasticky in its build it will grow on you. Several Electrical Tech service bulletins

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  Love my Jeep! - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By nyc6 - July 2 - 1:40 pm

  I have a 2011, 4 door Wrangler and havent had any problems at all -- no water leaking and I have the freedom top. I wish I would have waited for the 2012 to see if the acceleration when getting on a highway is better and better gas mileage. The only thing that is questionable is sometimes when I step on the brakes it doesnt feel smooth and Im short so I have to have the seat all the way up--pedals are not close enough.

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  love it - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By glbbn - July 2 - 1:30 pm

  This is the second Jeep Ive driven. Own a 1998 also. Seems there is a recurring problem with the rear ends of jeeps. Loud noise or screech when going over bumps or putting car in reverse. Problems with 2001 brakes and with window regulators. Replaced passenger side in July. Now the drivers side is stuck in the up position til I can fix it. The hood and tail gate dont stay up. Sensor 2 light goes off and on. I like the way it handles and goes anywhere in the snow. I feel pretty safe driving it but worry about the brakes and Windows. Have never replaced window regulators ever before and have driven many different makes and models of cars.

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  jcaradine Liberty review - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jcaradine - July 2 - 5:03 am

  The vehicle is fun to drive and quite nice in appearance. Problems are with the transmission. At random times the check engine light has illuminated and the transmission goes into "limp home" mode. The dealer has replaced several parts and changed programs in the computer. Ongoing problems are delayed shifting, excessive slipping during shifting, random up and down shifting, and lurching at random times. The fuel economy is not as advertised. The city driving fuel economy would improve if the transmission shifted correctly. I have brought these transmission issues up with the dealer and they maintain the transmission is operating per specification. No joy regarding a solution!

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  So far, so good... - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ramblinhusker - July 1 - 8:15 pm

  Must admit, I was initially weary of jumping-in to the Jeep (i.e. Chrysler) family after reading a number of reviews over the years. However, the overall design of the Grand Cherokee, plus the pricing and the engine performance, had me negotiating very hard for a lengthy extended warranty (I know some folks dont like purchasing extended warranties). There were a couple of cosmetic things that needed to be fixed. One of the exterior trims on the passenger window needed a new fastener, and there was something rolling-around underneath the passenger front seat. Both items were taken care of. I drive a lot of miles per year, usually 20k+. One long trip was comfortable.

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  2nd Jeep Cherokee - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By larsT - July 1 - 3:06 pm

  owned a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Just bought the 2009 Grand Cherokee. Ride is awesome.

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  gotta love it - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By kashube - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought 03 jeep liberty beginning of june. Cant help but love it. The V6 has a nice throaty muscular roar. Gas mileage is low but compared to the other SUVs and trucks out there youd have to drive a Focus to get great gas mileage! My wife and I love the styling much more distinct that others (especially the plain vanilla Ford Escape. Interior on the limited rocks! Also dont let that "bouncy ride" entries sway you, its very comfortable (We drove a Jeep Wrangler for 14 years)