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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  Keeping my fingers crossed - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hamladen - November 20 - 4:46 pm

  As of today Ive had no complaints (other than the horrendous gas mileage 11 in town) or visits to the dealership. The vehicle is nimble for an SUV, good acceleration, much more reliable than my previously owned Tahoe and Suburban, comfortably luxurious for a medium sized woman, but my 511 husband constantly complains that the interior is too small...no headroom (hits his head getting in),cramped leg room, uncomfortable passenger seat, rear view mirror creates a blind spot, cargo space is smaller than that of my CR-V. He wants me to trade it in for a 4-runner, sequoia or armada, but Im holding out as it is myride. Hope my good luck continues as other reports are alarming.

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  Feels "cheaper" - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Steve - November 19 - 1:43 am

  This is my second Wrangler (3rd Jeep - we had a Grand Cherokee in between). The first was a 99 2.4. There seems to be a lot more plastic on the 05. Why? It was perfect before. Obviously, you are either a Jeep driver or you arent. My only criticisms relate to the "improvements" Jeep has made over the past several years. Strip it back down! My new Jeep has the headlight switch on the steering column and a more complex back seat removal. Theres a lot less storage in the center console. I also miss the front seat airbag shut-off. Why did they mess with perfection? I will admit, the six speed is a little nicer on the freeway. Overall, I wish Id kept the 99. Still, better than the Grand Cherokee.

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  Love it, but... - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Joni - November 16 - 6:33 pm

  I have had my Liberty Sport for about 2.5 years now and really like it. It is fun to drive and has a good deal of room.

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  Good Buy - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brandon - November 15 - 7:06 pm

  Bought in 2004 brand new. Fun to drive. very reliable. The v6 is a little slower than the v8.But still good pickup.Gas mileage is the only problem. $70.00 to fill up. And the gas goes fast.Around town if you dont use the A/C as much,it will help on the gas mileage.

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  Great buy - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By USAFflyer09 - November 15 - 3:13 am

  I love my Patriot. I bought it brand new in November of 2007 for $19,000 out the door (cash). I have about 8,000 miles on it now. Its a little underpowered, but it helps get good better MPG. The interior plastic doesnt really bother me that much, but it is a little uncomfortable for your arms/elbows on a long drive.

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  Jeep Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By tanneraspen - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful car, I have 93,000 miles and its solid.

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  Jeep Liberty Fan - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Stan Orzechowski - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Back in 1996 we had a new Grand Cherokee Limited. Had it for about three years. Traded it in for a truck until when the Libertys came out, we decided to order one. Man! did we ever miss the JEEP quality that goes into these vehicles. Since then, got rid of the truck and are extremely excited to go to our first Camp JEEP this year with our Liberty. Many people ask how we like the Liberty. The answer to that is, I just cant stop talking about it. We had purchased the 4WD Limited in Woodland Brown. We just love it.

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  My Jeep - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cameron topliff - November 10 - 10:50 pm

  I love the all wheel drive! Snow, mud, water; just point and go. Plenty of power, not so good on the gas; basically it likes gas and loves to drink it. We take it snow boarding all the time and weve never had a problem.

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  Great car, poor quality - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dajeep - November 10 - 10:34 am

  Have had the car since April. Have had it back to the dealer 2x for issues with the 8.4 Uconnect system which only worked on occasion. After waiting 3 weeks for a new unit, I have had no problems. Overall the car is great, seats are not very comfortable though. As long as additional problems do not occur - I will be happy.

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  Shifty Transmission 04 Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Richard Pace - November 9 - 6:36 pm

  Transmission always thumped shifting from 1st to 2nd. At 29,000 transmission failed and had to be replaced. Dealer support was great. At 30,000 the brakes are making noises. Transmission is starting to thump from 1st to 2nd again.