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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  4th Wrangler - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepsrfun - April 27 - 12:58 am

  Just picked up my 4th Wrangler over the past 10 years. I keep thinking Id prefer a car, but the Wrangler keeps calling me back. By far the most comfortable one yet. My previous editions were all Saharas, but decided I wanted a different look. LOVE the Sport model, looks "tougher." Got it with Auto, Satellite, Infiniti stereo (highly recommend if youre keeping stock stereo in car), tinted windows and supplemental side airbags. New models soft top is different, no side drip rails, interior is much more quiet. Better interior materials than 2009, comfy arm rests. Seats are more cushy and supportive. Happy to be back in Wrangler, makes me smile when I do "Jeep Wave" w/fellow Wrangler owners.

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  Bulletproof! Best purchase ive ever made - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeeperTJ97 - April 26 - 2:50 pm

  I bought this 97 TJ Sport 4.0 in August of 07 with 205k on the odometer. Its my daily driver and weekend getaway vehicle. I have a 4" lift on 33" tires and average 15.2 mpg not bad. It fires up every morning, has all the power you need. Most capable stock vehicle ever produced. Solid front axle, strong drivetrain. Built to last. I now have nearly 215k and its perfect. does not leak or burn oil, very strong engine, trans, and tcase. Have been on some harsh trails, deep mud and snow and have not even come close to being stuck. This is my 2nd wrangler

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  power windows stink - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By TerryP - April 26 - 11:36 am

  I actually love our jeep liberty diesel, except for one stupid design flaw--the power windows that constantly fail. Chrysler should be ashamed of themselves given that it is clear this problem has been present for years. The problem is they havent fixed the problem, even with replacement parts--I had all four regulators replaced, and now (after warranty) another has failed.

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  No more trucks - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By weemer99 - April 26 - 8:56 am

  I owned a 78 CJ 5 and loved it. Have had trucks every since. All have been 4 wheel drive. My new Jeep has been a joy. Mileage hasnt been an issue since I have driven 4 wheel drive pickups so the 22 I am getting is a plus. Not a speed demon by any means but I am not into raceing. The thing will turn on a dime and handles great. Serves the purpose it was purchased for. It really does turn heads. Stereo is nice addition. Love the 3 peace top. Have had no leaks and wont have top on much in the summer. Heater doesnt keep up with the low single digit but its a Jeep. Will go anywhere.

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  ugggh!! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mvm - April 25 - 4:13 pm

  I bought my Jeep with 70k on it and and have driven it 5k and my fuel pump needed replaced, a shock was leaking, and my tranny just went out. Each one I had to pay $200 deductible with Chrysler. Thank goodness I bought the extended warranty or id already be out like $4k! If you purchase this vehicle buy the warranty! If I were you though, look elsewhere!

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  Jeepers Creepers!! Windows stink!! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepers Creepers !!! - April 24 - 12:53 pm

  The window regulators on the Liberty must have come from a Cracker Jack box! There is NO reason we (as owners) should be replacing these regulators every 6-8 months! Jeep KNOWS there is a problem with the quality of the materials used in the regulators & they need to step up to the plate & make a QUALITY regulator! I think this is a pretty sad ploy to have your vehicle back in to replace these EXPENSIVE regulators so often!

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  Learn how to build an auto - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JAck - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Problems with transmision and bulb burnouts.

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  Learn how to build an auto - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jack - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Problems with transmision and bulb burnouts.

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  Impressed - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepinkansas - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Have had very few problems in the past 1000 miles of ownership. Better than an RX300 by far. They have a "ghost bump" in the driveshaft in this year but that has been rectified through a Tech Bulletin I will have done as well as many of the other complaints here. Do your homework and your problems will be fixed. Mine a 10/98 build and beside the ghost bump and a leaky rear hatch window I have NO problems. Dealer himself replaced a bad window regulator also. Just like everything else theres good ones and bad ones.

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  Good Off-Road - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By pgardner - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Good off-road performer. My 6 cyls gas mileage has been 15mpg off-road(4- Low), 17mpg city, and as high as 21mpg highway. For more ground clearance, Im running 33x10.5x15 BFG MT/KMs on the stock 15x7 wheels, had to do a 2" spring spacer lift to fit.