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 for fun - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jpt0001 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  If you want a fun automobile, the Jeep Wrangler Sport is for you. The kids love it. Its fun to drive, and easy to park. It is built like a tank. Sold steel construction, with a sturdy roll bar. Probably one of the safest convertables that you could ever own.

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  Looks good - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Harsh - March 25 - 10:20 am

  I traded a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer for this Jeep when it caught my eye at a used dealership. The four door Jeep looks great but its not built as good as it looks. The 3.8-liter V6 is a bit under powered for a SUV especially on interstate as it shifts in and out of overdrive. When the cruse is set it will very 5 mph before it shifts. I find the seats uncomfortable especially the backseats they set up to straight and with no adjustment. There is not enough storage for small things like glasses or change. I have the hard top with removable "T" type tops and the Jeep is fun to drive on a nice day but I think I would take the Mountaineer back in a minute it had more power w/better fuel econ.

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  Not bad but definitely not Honda quality - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jordan - March 24 - 10:30 pm

  With the V8 this vehicle is a pretty decent overall package. Its definitely much more refined than past JGCs, however it would be ideal if it had a smooth revving multi-valve engine. Good ride, good sight lines, just wish the build quality was better. I most likely will not buy another JGC as there are better available SUVs especially from the Japanese brands.

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  Chrysler quality - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By peaceriver - March 24 - 6:03 am

  We purchased our 2005 Liberty as a lease return with 80km. During a trip to the US we started to notice a howl from the rear diff which got worse as we travelled. no oil leaks evident. since we had purchased an extended warrenty to 120k, the dealership replaced pretty much everything in the housing at 92km. At 115 km the dealership mechanic said that the rear diff needed service, meaning of course the oil needed to be changed. no big deal we thought although it seemed odd that the oil was dirty so soon after a rebuild. At 153k the rear end started to howl again. $2000+ later and most components replaced. Normally a rear diff ought to out last the rest of the vehicle or so we thought.Wrong!

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  2006 Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By fireguy750 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Jeep this year and Im very happy with it i love the space inside of it and its great in snow

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  Fun + Stylish + Touch of Luxury - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe D - March 22 - 10:43 pm

  Got the 08 Limited Edition Liberty at fire sale prices in October. What a fun, fun car. We live in the Northeast and the car handled all the snowy weather beautifully. But the sunny days allowed that Sky Slider Roof to really brighten your day. The car came with Sirius radio free for 1 year (cool!), leather heated seat and factory installed remote start (again, think harsh PA winters). All the chrome makes the Liberty look cool and the two kids still in car seats still have a good amount of room.

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  2006 Jeep Commander 65th Anniv. Ed w/4.7 - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Dale - March 22 - 7:20 pm

  I was excited to finally upgrade to this new Jeep from my reliable but old 95 Dodge Ram 2500HD 4x4 reg. cab P/U with over 150,000 miles. Excited to see the 3rd row (more family friendly then the P/U), and Jeeps backing of off-road performance and quality. However this is not the case. This vehicle has been a problem child since day one. With the whistling sounds, staining cloth seats, breaking vent covers, etc. and of course the poor mpg with a small fuel tank. Too bad the diesel isnt released yet with approximate mpg of 20+ as seen on the Liberty/Sprinter. On the plus side: tight steering, drives like a Caddy, pulls a trailer of 3,000 lbs with no problems.Cant wait for snow&go extreme off road to see what it can do.

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  jeep sucks - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By misty bridges - March 22 - 6:46 pm

  Do not buy this SUV just had both head gaskets blow 2600.00 and one week later needs new oil pump and drain gaskets another 2500.00 not to mention the 500.00 pink headlight nothing is under warranty !!!!

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  5th Jeep GC - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dakota - March 22 - 2:26 pm

  This is our 5th Jeep - and it is far and away the best yet. The ride is vastly improved from the 2004 Overland that we traded in. The noise level has been dramatically reduced. Fit and finish is on a par with the Acura MDX and Toyota Sequoia that we also looked at. The GC, because of dealer incentives, was clearly the best buy. The HEMI, while powerful, is also somewhat thirsty. Mileage so far has hovered around 18 for mixed city/hwy driving.

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  Its a Jeep what did you expect - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Luna - March 21 - 10:40 pm

  first wrangler for me and I enjoy it every time I drive it, gave the Tourage to my son and daughter they done appreciate the Jeep anyway. With the Mini Cooper for long trips and fair weather in the garage next to it, it is the perfect combination of Yin and Yang for driving fun and transportation in life