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:

• 

  ITS A JEEP ! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By RHW - December 22 - 11:00 pm

  I like this liberty, its my first. Ive owned cherokees, grand cherokees, wranglers and good ol cjs. Every one did what I expected and nothing I didnt. Some of these reviews whine about fuel mileage or ride comfort, if you want 50 mpg and a soft ride.... Buy a prius! Of course youll get stuck on wet Grass and wreck it in a 2 inch deep road rut! I bought a Jeep to use like a Jeep! The liberty gets acceptable mileage considering the gearing / suspension / aerodynamics of the vehicle and the ride is good for something that has the off road abilities it does! Fine auto/ deserves the Jeep name !

• 

  2014 Cherokee Limited diesel - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JoAnn Hennings - December 22 - 2:10 am

  23,575 mi. Had 2 catalytic converters. 5 engine lights. frustrating to have a new car that strands you a 100 miles from home. Even with appointments car is not always looked at on that day. Not right. Always excuse they are short in techs. (So you can an be out 2 days without a car) Oil changes are ok. $60 oil filter on diesel, + oil + labor.

• 

  Gotta Love It! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By george - December 21 - 2:46 am

  Traded in a 2002 Liberty, and finally bought a real Jeep. Love the ride, have 17 tires. Had driven previous models, but this bad boy is smooth. The improvements are great, love the new 3 piece hard top. Have a buddy that has the 06 Rubicon, parked them side by side, and he is ready to buy new

• 

  Battery Problems - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By S Fryer - December 21 - 12:26 am

  Overall I am pleased with this vehicle. BUT I am about to put a third new battery in. First one dealer claimed sun roof was drawing power, second - no explanation, but there was no water in battery (one week after general service) - going in for service again tomorrow - one month after second battery replacement. Good thing this is a leased vehicle and can be returned!

• 

  2006-sk.canada - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By lungee - December 20 - 12:33 pm

  Owned my 2006 since jan 07 changed airbag module/anti-slip module, 4 wheel bearings@65,000 kilometers rear pinion seal, rebuilt rear end 125,000 km, exhaust manifolds gaskets, stereo- cd quit playing, wiring harness for Windows had to be repaired and not just replaced (electrical tape), third row seat needs part and not covered under warranty because it is an option also my heated side mirrors wiring problem not covered under warranty (option) replaced muffler with dynamax little bit louder but nice (wife not too pleased) instrument panel replaced-no lighting up, have 160,000 kilometers on this (majority highway) will be looking to replace Jeep shortly (Tahoe), no help from Chrysler when asking them questions,

• 

  Stay Away! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By atl7 - December 19 - 11:17 pm

  We have owned our 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland for 5 months. Tomorrow will be the fifth time it is going in the shop. We have transmission problems that are dangerous, problems with the radio which controls the heat/ac/clock/navi, the speedometer blanked out at one time and the abs breaks maded the car almost come to a complete stop on a highway. The Jeep dealership continues to do "computer updates" to the car and it continues to have problems. Now we also have a squeak in the back. Beautiful car but terrible reliability! Not safe to drive!!!!!!! Do Not Buy.

• 

  Good Ride - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Steve Hansen - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Liberty in Nov 2001 and I use it for business travel. I currently have 78000 miles and have had not one problem with the vehicle. I do most of my own maintainence and it still rolls on down the road. Great Jeep!

• 

  ---------- - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By hoy13 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Goes over just about anything. Noisy on interstate.

• 

  Buy the limited - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bmgt446 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Absolute perfect car for reliable performance and go in the snow.

• 

  Explorer Vs. Grand Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ford-Now Jeep Man - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Simply put, Ive owned only Ford Motor Company products my entire life. This past fall I wanted a mid-size SUV to trade my F-150 to. I drove an Explorer and then after a friend telling me great things I drove a Jeep. A few hours later, I drove away in my 2004 Pewter GC Special Edition. Great engine, fair ride quality, best seats in the business, and overall superb vehicle. I would also like to comment on how nimble it feels compared to other SUVs Ive driven.