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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  Dont Buy A Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By reasy - February 13 - 8:30 am

  We bought 2000 Jeep with 35,000 miles, and just a few months of owning our Jeep the back window motor broke, then the drive side, then the passenger side. So we have replaced 3 window motors in 3 years costing $350.00 a piece to replace. Then the battery and alternator went. Then we had to replace the front differential bearings. Now 2 days ago we found out we have to replace the whole engine because the rod bearings broke. This Jeep was bought in excellent condition, not a mark on it. We bought it as a family car we do not go mountain climbing in it, we keep it updated with the oil and fluids change. This is very upsetting and every time I think about this it makes me sick in the stomach.

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  Amazing! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jennifer - February 13 - 6:33 am

  Ive had the Liberty for awhile now and I could not be happier with it. Every time that I drive it Im happy with it and every time I see it I just have to smile! Its so cute!

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  overall excellent vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Renato - February 11 - 8:03 pm

  Excellent vehicle

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  Top Down Doors off - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By topdowndoorsoff - February 11 - 10:10 am

  This is our first jeep ever owned! We love it! It was a toss up between a Jeep and a VW Beetle Convertible. No comparison here. My wife feels very safe driving jeep, especially in the snow. Love the Rescue Green Color. Be prepared for people to ask,what is it? Duh... A 4-door Wrangler! Looks like a Hummer. Cant wait till summer and take to the beach!!!

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  310000 mile jeep - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By lonnie - February 9 - 7:10 am

  I read about jeep owners loving their jeep with 150,000 miles. My jeep has 310,000 miles and doing remarkably well. I have used it like a log truck and pulled logs at one time. Patton said the jeep and the browning BAR automatic rifle won WWII. I also have a Grand Cher Laredo. It cant hold a light to the wrangler with the sports package as far as performance and reliability.

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  My 2nd Jeep - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By kiwi - February 9 - 12:10 am

  Got 225,000 miles on my 1992 Jeep and needed a replacement - this was as close as I got - its already done 97,000 miles - I like this basic Jeep, its a no-nonsense SUV. The wife and I find the seats realy comfy, and now we have cupholders and remote heated mirrors. Also like the factory tow package and 2" receiver. We use this Jeep in the snow, in the city, and in the desert and high-Sierras back- country

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  Great choice!! Love it. - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brad - February 7 - 2:53 pm

  I traded in an 01 Chevy Tahoe LT for this and have been extremely pleased with everything thus far. I really thought I would be getting a F-150 crew but once I saw this up close, I couldnt get my mind off of the Rubicon. The only real thing I would change would be a slightly more highway friendly engine for jumping on freeways in Houston. Other than that, it has been a pleasure to drive and a really fun car for the wife and kids. I havent yet had a chance to get it off road but will put it to the test plenty once deer season begins. I went with the Steel Metallic Blue and have been really surprised that I have seen very few in that clr. I see a ton of the rescue grn and blk. Get one!

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  Liberty has room for improvements - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By r.manwarren - February 7 - 9:36 am

  Im an aircraft mechanic, I bought a Liberty for my wife to drive, and then everything went wrong one by one. Now Im stuck driving it. The window problem is an engineering problem. Who in their right mind designed a metal spindal rod to work with a plastic cradle. Hello the metal is obviously going to wear out the plastic and then youre stuck in another worthless Liberty with your window falling down at every bump, until the local dealership can get to it 30 days later! As far as the brakes and rotors OEM is junk. go aftermarket and do the work yourself if you are knowledgeable!

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  Wish we didnt buy a defective Jeep... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John - February 5 - 12:30 pm

  No matter the make or model of any car, there will always be cars with many problems and some who never have any! Luck of the draw. Well, we didnt luck out. Weve had nothing but problems. Everything is under warranty, and there was a recall (no big deal), but its already been back to the dealer for the following: replaced the torque converter, roof leaks, fuel sensors died, had to replace entire gas tank, had to replace the starter, shakes at certain speeds, and even stalls out at times. Transmission is HORRIBLE. Seems like a lot of problems to have within the first year. We were excited to buy the Jeep (both of us being previous Jeep owners), and wish we bought one that wasnt defective!

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  Its a Jeep what do you Expect - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By JEEP! OH YEAH! - February 5 - 9:50 am

  I love my Jeep. Easy to work on; all you really need is a basic socket set. My first motor had 269,000 miles and probably would have gone longer had I paid attention to the plastic clamp at the top of the throttle body (broke and was taking in lot of dirt). Had the motor, transmission, & transfer case out, in and running a weekend. ThereÂ’s a lot to be said for simplicity - I love it. What other car can you power wash the inside, it you want luxury, soft rideÂ…go buy a car