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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  Im hooked - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jack - April 4 - 2:53 am

  Im on my third Wrangler now and wont buy anything else. I love the rugged exterior look along with its long history. Theres nothing like taking the top down and doors off. I highly recommend this vehicle. Ive already got my sister-in-law and a co-worker to buy one. There are endless ways to accessorize and personalize your Wrangler to your style. Wranglers are very reliable with vast improvements over the years. Youll never go a day without seeing one on the streets.

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  fun for the money - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepsRfun2drive - April 3 - 11:56 pm

  the jeep has had some issues, but overall the fun and satisfaction of driving it has been far beyond my expectations. i bought my 05 5.7L HEMI with 24k, have 49k now, had electrical issues with ac and the knob on the gps fell off, both replaced under warranty. Battery died at 30k. Having electrical issues with lights flashing on and off, havent had dealership look yet, only works in automatic without problems. keychains broke, cupholder in the back broke, passenger side heat vent broke, sunroof doesnt close right unless i push it along, and it still rolls back sometimes when closing, leather on drivers seat ripped. american car, i got what i paid for, gas guzzling power lo quality build

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  I love this SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By mark - April 3 - 6:56 pm

  This is a great SUV that provides the rugged feel that is associated with safety and a comfortable fun ride. We bought this SUV right before Christmas and drove it over 400 miles for holidays with the family. It drove great and I felt safe and comfortable driving it. I would recommend this SUV for any one thinking of buying one.

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  The non-addresses 2002 liberty engine issue - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By kurivial - April 2 - 10:13 pm

  am reporting review (138141727) (Jeep Engine Failures due to Valve Seats) because My daughter bought a 2002 Jeep Liberty 1 month ago. We changed the oil and I had her check it every two weeks since the vehicle was new to her. She did as I said for a couple weeks and said it used none. She is very diligent at watching her mileage to plan oil changes ever 3000 miles. She went to work and the engine started to knock. She checked the oil and found it 3 quarts low and got no low oil warning. We took it to a shop and it needs a new engine. We found out no reputable salvage yard wants to sell the engine due to a known oil gear issue, so they will not even warranty one with low miles. A rebuilt motor with the oil gear issue fixed costs $3200.00. With labor my daughter is looking at $4500.00 to replace an engine with only 119000 miles. I searched the internet on 2002 Jeep Liberty 3.7 engine. I found many complaints regarding the blown motor. The average seems to be 96000 miles. Many people online said they contacted jeep and they said they were SOL. I dont expect a new engine for nothing, but when the average vehicle today does 250000 miles by most manufacturers and Toyota is at 400000. I would like to see an American company doing everything it can to create customer loyalty. Thank You, Steve

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  One Fun Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By BeachBuggy - April 1 - 10:00 am

  My Liberty Limited has been a great vehicle. It handles great and looks even better - Im always getting comments on it. It ride does get a little stiff on longer trips, but the interior is nice and the 6 way power, leather seats let you adjust to you hearts content. The gas mileage has gotten a bit better now that Ive gotten my vehicle broken in, but dont expect more than about 21 mpg on the highway or about 17 mpg in town. Ive taken my Liberty in for service every 3,000 miles as suggested, and I havent had a single problem mechanical wise. I havent had any problems - it is just so much fun to drive!

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  Never worry - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jilly - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This SUV will probably be given to my daughter when she begins to drive. Shes four right now. This SUV is reliable. My neighbor has a 1976 model still on the road. He wont give it up. This led me to buy one. I am really satisfied.

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  Great Car - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kopie - April 1 - 10:00 am

  My jeep is so great. I have never had a problem with it. I reccomend this SUV to anyone looking.

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  Its a Jeep! - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By moneyshot - April 1 - 3:46 am

  I purchased a brand new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon for my wife. She loves it and so do I. This thing is incredible in the off road department. It is virtually unstoppable. On the road, it is very nice. I will not be an idiot and compare this vehicle to a Cadillac, or expect this thing to get 100 miles to the gallon, and perform like a Ferrari while doing it. That is not what this vehicle is about. I will say this. The styling of this vehicle is great. The simply stated "RUBICON" words on each side of the hood let people know it isnt a regular 4x4.

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  My Jeep - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matthew - March 30 - 5:46 pm

  I have been very happy with my Jeep... 4 sets of tiers..Just did the brakes the 3 time...3 belts...1 water pump...& a new Manafold...Oil & Gas that it...Hit Wood!! Needs Tranny work & a new Muffler

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  Nice Ride - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JS - March 30 - 9:43 am

  The 08 Grand Cherokee Laredo equipeed with the 26X package has a nice ride and an exceptionally high build quality. No squeeks, no rattles and the fit of parts is virtually perfect. Gas mileage around town has been 15.2 mpg.