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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  Best vehicle I ever bought - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sean - November 30 - 8:03 am

  I bought my Wrangler brand new in 1994 (1995 model) I drove it for 13 years then gave it to my son when he turned 16. He put a lift kit on it and went off roading. He beat the crap out of it. I got it back beat. My Dad is rebuilding the engine for me. it was running on 3 of of the 4 cylinders and still running. Cannot kill it! I cant wait to get it back and drive it again.

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  Love my jeep - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Deb - November 30 - 4:33 am

  I bought my Jeep new. I had it lifted and added lots of extras; it is so much fun to drive and it looks great. It always gets lots of looks wherever we go. I can go anywhere I want all year round snow, no road NO PROBLEM - it is a JEEP THING and if you dont own one YOU WOULDNT UNDERSTAND!

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  Rough, Rough Idle - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Paul - November 29 - 11:53 pm

  This will be my 4th Jeep and last. Purchased new and ran great for first 10,000 miles. Started to have rough idle problem when in drive. Had 4 different dealers work on it with no luck. They just say V8s idle rough in this vehicle because idle RPM is set too low for lower emissions. Cant change computer settings. What bull! If buying this vehicle used, look for one with at least 15,000 miles. This idle problem does not set in until later. Very smooth running V8 but idle at red lights or traffic a joke. Passengers will ask you whats wrong with your car? Brakes also need frequent work. Only buy this vehicle with a power driver seat.

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  Leaky Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By unhappy Jeep owner - November 29 - 5:46 pm

  I am very disappointed with the design and quality of certain aspects of this vehicle. Other than the faulty water pump at 10,000 miles, the Service 4WD message popping up in the dash display, leaky rear brake light assembly.... The worst problem is the leaky sunroof ... leading to stereo damage. The car has been back and forth to the dealership due to the above problems as well as the water leaking from the sunroof area. As I am writing this, my wife is taking the Commander back to the dealership FOR THE 4th TIME ... The first 2 times for a leak on the drivers side .. The last time there was standing water at the front pass. floor. This time water is dripping onto the mid console/seats.

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  Love My Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By cdomasco - November 29 - 4:06 pm

  I bought my Liberty from a private owner in 2003. I have absolutely enjoyed my Jeep and hope it has a long life. Currently, it has 53,000 miles on it. The only major issue I had with my Jeep was that I had to have the entire steering column (rack) replaced because of a loose pin and a leaking seal. The dealership quoted me a price somewhere around $3,000, but fortunately, I had the extended warranty and the cost was covered. Moon roof motor also had to be replaced under warranty. Only complaint that I have is the service Ive received at multiple Jeep dealerships.

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  Tom Wells - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tom Wells - November 29 - 12:36 pm

  I really like my Jeep. My wife enjoys it even more. It is the nicest vehicle we ever drove as far as comfort and ease of driving. The only minus is the noise level inside the Jeep. I think it is somewhat noisy, as to wheel gear noise.

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  great - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Read nichols - November 29 - 10:00 am

  i just bought a rubicon and i took it off road in south carolina and climbed some hills that only a unimog army vehicle could climb out ofus guys and the rubicon went right up it no problem. in the mud its great to it throws alot of mud (good). the lockers are a great thing to have stock. its a great jeep the best stock 4x4 ever.

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  Renegade lover! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Keith from Carmel - November 29 - 10:00 am

  excellent in snow & mud, I live on the top of a steeply inclined road that is usually the last one to get plowed after a snowfall. This vehicle has had no trouble on this hill where my 1996 GMC Jimmy has struggled.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By EDD - November 29 - 10:00 am

  What a great SUV. I have had my Liberty for a little less than a year. Its fun to drive, easy to manouver, powerful when you want it to and just FUN!!! Never had any problems with it and would definitely recommend it.

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  Interior is terrible. - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Ben - November 29 - 8:10 am

  Whilst this vehicle is a very nice vehicle to look at the quality of the interior is terrible. My wifes car is just over a year old and the plastic skirting on the front chair has snapped off. The storage panels on both front doors are beginning to break off. Overall very cheaply made interior. About the only good thing going for this vehicle is the good gas mileage. If this is how jeeps are being manufactured now then this will be the last one that I purchase.