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:

• 

  Dependable - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Elliott M - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I have replaced all of the anxillary parts, e.g. battery, alternator, power steering pump, water pump (2x),... My biggest complaint is that the A/C gets clogged with leaves. I had to "gut" the dash to replace the evaporator. I did it myself only because I was a student at the time and couldnt afford to pay $1,000 in labor to install a $100 part. It taxed my shade-tree mechanic capabilities, however.

• 

  A Real Combination of SUV/Car Like Feel - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JVG - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Great looks, comfort, fun to drive. I test drove several mini-SUVs and this was the best one on the market, with the exception of gas mileage. The Liberty handles well and glides down the rode. The interior styling is innovative and unique with the two tone color, white instrument panel and chrome accents. Adequate storage with the exception of sun glass holder. The overhead console is nice, but outside temperature reading is 5 degrees high all the time. On my old Grand Cherokee it was always accurate.

• 

  1999 grand cherokee - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By drfrickenevil - December 25 - 2:00 am

  ive had my jgc for 3 years.i had a few of the popular problems, such as jerking forward after coming to a complete stop.after 3 visits to the dealer(and a new drivetrain),that problem was solved.the transmission stinks!it jerks forward when accelerating.the overall design is great, but they need to do something about this transmission.there is no shot of buying this vehicle!

• 

  What a Surprise - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By sanpedrodave - December 23 - 8:50 pm

  I bought this Jeep Patriot with the World 2.0 liter engine and I am very surprised at the performance of this small engine. This little engine packs 158 horses and Chrysler has slapped a lifetime warranty on the power train. Yes, you heard me right, a life time warranty! The body looks and feels solid and has the traditional Jeep line, although not as sexy looking as the Compass. My only complaint is not having the back hatch window open separately in order to load my lumber from the home improvement stores. Lastly this SUV came with a lot of standard such as electronic tilt control, 4 air bag, security key, and many other features. I was proud to buy American on this one. Good Luck Jeep!

• 

  Leaking Sun Roof - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Tyrone Jefferson - December 21 - 1:39 pm

  I bought my 2007 used in 2012 with 80,000 miles. Since then it now has 155,000 miles it is relaible as longs as you keep up with maintance. My issue is with the sun roof. It leaks into the hand rails. I have taken it back to the dealer. They have cleaned but it is a continuous concern because we live in Florida and we have bad rain storms in the summer. I have to pay extra for a permenent fix. I think Jeep should have a recall for this. It is a design flaw. I am also having trouble with the right turning signal. It turns on and off on its own. I am not sure if this is because of the leaking sun roof.Also the drivers lock motor is making a loud noise and only unlocks with the key

• 

  This car could be better. - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By the_nme - December 20 - 7:39 pm

  Although, you cant go wrong with a Jeep, this Jeep can seriously be better. First off, how does a small Liberty waste as much gas as a Grand Cherokee? You would expect such a small car to waste so little, but its a gas guzzler. The radio can use improvement. No MP3 input whatsoever. The sound system can also sound a little better. It also wouldnt hurt to make easier cleaning seats. Once stained, good luck cleaning it off. The one thing I do love about this car though, is the way it handles. It maneuvers so smoothly! Oh, and I havent had a problem with the windows.. ever, as I see this is a main issue here.

• 

  My big bear green Wrangler 97 cyl - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By my bear - December 19 - 11:56 pm

  Had my 97 4 cyl banger for 2 shy years only but its the most fun car Ive ever driven, at 31 it makes me feel, active, Young and adventurer in it like in my 20s. I gave it a 10 in performance not for fast because is not really but because of offroad, flooding and winter capabilities, the thing is extremely slow, the half doors suck, but a set of full doors can cure that, the a/c is amazingly cold and heat is extremely hot, gas mileage isnt good at all due to the boxy shape of the car, so dont buy this truck counting you will get good mpg. When the top is down and put on my baseball shades, its like you have a total different car in the summer and fun factors is higher.

• 

  2006 65th anniversary model - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By ol snowtires - December 19 - 8:40 pm

  Great Jeep. I have a little over 26,000 miles on it. It came with a 6cd changer that plays mp3s. Stereo system sounds great. 3rd row seating is a little small, probably best suited for kids. Be aware that the maintenance services are expensive. That comes with any 4wd system I suppose. Never had it stall on me, however, it felt like it wanted to a few times. Had to replace the windshield because a rock hit it. The windshield is very upright. I drove it from Pennsylvania to El Paso, TX with zero problems. Gas mileage could be better. With everything considered, I am very happy with the purchase. Great ride, roomy, and looks good. Would recommend to others.

• 

  The best Jeep ever! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By flyboy - December 16 - 10:23 pm

  Ok, I bought this great Jeep in 2004 and I have put on over 80,000 miles without anything more than wear and tear slowing me down. Extremely reliable, why did they get rid of this?

• 

  Love my Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Rose - December 15 - 1:03 pm

  I am 6 tall - adequate head room and leg room (used to drive a Ford Explorer). Feel like I am in a larger SUV - can see above cars ahead. Nice handling. Little bit bumpy on rough road surfaces, but satisfactory or better. Buzzing noise obvious when front windows cracked, but back windows up. Have to open back windows a crack too. All in all, I love my Jeep Liberty and am a very happy owner!