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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  Whos got the keys to my Jeep? BeepBeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By debbie - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new Jeep Liberty. I got it only 2 days ago October 25th. It is everything I could have wanted and more. I have so much fun driving my new Jeep. It handles so well, I hardly notice the bumps, a really smooth ride. They say it is the best Jeep ever and it is true.

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  I got a lemon. - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gayle Weathers - December 10 - 1:46 am

  50K on 4th set of tires. Airbag light on all the time.Check engine light stays on. 11 mpg. Rides terrible.Ask Dealer for help said no.Ask Jeep for another Jeep no response.Also the A.C.quits.2013 with only 50K these problems started when it was new.CD player eats CDS.

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  2005 Grand Cherokee LTD - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By erik - December 9 - 10:33 pm

  Excellent experience thus far. Replacing Jeep Liberty Ltd. Equipped with Hemi and Quadra-Drive. Great combination.

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  a lot of bang for the buck - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By 918jeeper - December 9 - 7:10 pm

  As a previous Wrangler owner, I was a bit skeptical of the Libertys off road ability. When I took it off road for the first time (the same day I bought it) although it was just a dirt road with some washboard type terrain, the suspension handled it like a smooth paved road. When I did get a chance to try the low range (4-Lo) with the long suspension travel and its great articulation, it handled anything from deep ruts to decent sized rocks. The highway performance is really good for a SUV, the 3.7 liter V6 has plenty of power to get the job done.

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  Renegade rules! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Surprised! - December 7 - 4:23 pm

  I wasnt necessarily looking for a Jeep, but this model really caught my eye. Im really happy I chose this vehicle over others. All the features and comforts of other Liberty models, (actually most vehicles) are here. It is WAY better than the Sport Model I had as a loaner during service. Spend the few extra $$$ for this model. Its a superior value over the other Libertys/other vehicles in its price range! Its a lot bigger than it looks. Park it next to a minivan or pull up next to some of those really "large" SUVs or pickups. Its right there! Again, I wasnt actually out to buy this one, but I am glad that I did! And then there was this winters snow and rain. It paid for itself!

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  Fun to drive; some repair issues - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jp - December 7 - 3:10 am

  Fun to own. Off-road capabilities are outstanding. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired, as expected with 5.7L Hemi. Electrical issues with 4WD system have required repeated trips to the shop for repair. Park assist sensor and various other sensors/systems will show need for service but dealership will find nothing upon inspection. A/C will cease to blow cold air but will resume with shutoff/restart of engine. Second row lacks ample legroom for adult passengers. Despite the handful of issues Ive had with this vehicle, I dont regret purchasing it. Its a blast to take offroad and a joy to drive all the way around.

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  No Longer Admiring From Afar - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By slobberdog68 - December 5 - 3:30 am

  I have wanted this since it came out. I got it Saturday 2008 Sahara in Black- 18K miles on it! I love it. When I go over any bump-big or small something on the drivers side door or backdoor area rattles-almost like the door is not shut all the way. I have checked everything and cannot find anything loose. My husband says its a Jeep-what do you expect? I test drove the 2010 Islander before I bought this last week and there wasnt a rattle to be found. If its just a Jeep thing then find but I want to take it in while its still under bumper/bumper. Otherwise I love it!

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  Work Horse - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HighMiles - December 5 - 3:26 am

  Bought the beast with 79k miles and now has 215k. Maintained every 3-4k and only major issues were front steering knuckles, sway bar links and most recently the exhaust manifold. 4.0L 6 cylinder engine is a workhorse.

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  No problems yet - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By alexander0048 - December 5 - 2:01 am

  second owner of my 1999 jeep grand cherokee laredo straight six motor has been replaced and runs great 257,000 miles and only minor issues so far love my jeep.

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  Enjoyable Ride - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bduckett - December 5 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee new in 94. We took a drive the first month from North Carolina to Colorado... put 7,000+ miles on it right from the start. We just turned over 170,000 miles and are getting ready to purchase a new 2003 Grand Cherokee... This has been a wonderful vehicle for my wife, she loves the ride and the comfort. She is looking forward to a new Jeep, and hates to see this one go...