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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  Mixed Feelings - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By chestersmom - November 14 - 11:30 pm

  I love my liberty, but Im not so sure I love it. It steers well, easy to maneuver, love the height, but I have to say if I had been aware of the problems I could have fallen in love with another vehicle. The paint job sucks, I have what should be just a small ding (Im guessing from a rock) above the window on the door and the thing goes all the way to the metal! Also, as with most of you, the window thing is driving me crazy! The driver window has gone out 4 times, the rear Windows both replaced, and today the passenger window broke. It also runs really loud & the seats stain way to easily. Something is definitely wrong.

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  An experience - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By xonaetha - November 14 - 10:00 pm

  Bought it with 39k miles. Replaced entire tranny at 65k(cost 2600). Replaced pads and rotors once, due again. Replaced front axle at 48k. Replaced entire front end at 85k. Replaced front and real axl seals at 90k, along with valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket. Replaced throttle body sensor 5k miles ago which restricted me from a NYS inspectio. Bad on gas. Good in snow unless you are on an unmarked road, then nothing special. Very comy inside. Awesome Jeep turning radius. Good looks inside and outside. Motor runs strong though would have preferred a V8 had I known better. Evac recall for all 2002s will hurt you if you want an inspection, need to have that fixed. Poor sell-back value.

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  If I had it to do over again - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ryan - November 14 - 2:33 pm

  Although I love the navigation, heated seats and the dvd player I would trade all of that for the upgraded 4 wheel drive system. I have the Quadra-Drive 1 which in my opinion is not a very good choice. I actually got stuck in a small snow drift. If youre going to get a Jeep get the Quadra-Trac not the Quadra-Drive!

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  Really Impressed - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Michael - November 14 - 1:56 pm

  Looked at just about everything else in its class. The Commander just seemed like the best deal at the time. So far I am really impressed with the Hemi. H3 and BMW and Lexus had nowhere near the options that our Limited came with at even a $12K difference. We are truly in love with the versatility and comfort.

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  Most Reliable Vehicle Ever Had - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By urban_ga_peach - November 14 - 1:45 pm

  My husband and I have had this Jeep for 4 years. Had 70k when we bought it, now it has 130k. Low miles for a 11 year old car. Weve had no major issues. Daytime running lights means you chance headlights often. Electrical sensor replaced under dash and a brake light sensor. Besides that just regualar maint. 4.0L is best engine Jeep ever made. My dad has a 96 like ours with 280k and still no issues. We expect to get 300k out of her too. Shes like a tank! Back seat a bit small for 6 footers but fine for short people/kids. Definately best buy for TMV.

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  My Love For My Overland - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lisa9999 - November 13 - 8:40 am

  Buying my Jeep Overland is no doubt one of the smartest car decisions I have made. Its great for trips, however long or short they may be. So far, there hasnt been any problems with it, except for a minor leak in one of the tires. The only times it has been in the shop ate for the service checks or inspections, which it has always passed. Im proud of my Jeep, and its excellent performance.

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  Exactly what I expected, FUN - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By NordTexan - November 12 - 5:33 am

  Although I have only had it a couple of weeks, I am fully pleased with the Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. I left behind a Cadillac CTS at the dealer and really havent looked back. The Jeeps ride is not as bad as some say. You should know what your getting, but I was actually pretty surprised by how comfortable it is. Power and mpg suck, but I am going to address that with the savings on payment and insurance costs by adding a cold-air intake, exhaust and flash-programmer. From the documented dyno results, I dont think I will have any complaints going forward. Final word: practical, 4 door convertible. The REAL "ultimate tanning machine!"

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  Too Bad - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bill Nolan - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Baught this vehicle because of the looks and comfort it is certainly in my opinion the best looking SUV on the market and, the comfort is luxurious to say the least.However,Mechanicly it is a nightmare.I just had the replace the whole rear-end at a cost of $1500.00 The rear window leaks,There is a whine in the tranny.As much as I love this vehicle its just to much of a risk for otheres to buy one.If you do, I hope you keep a mechanic withn you at all times.BTW,It had 69000 on it when I baught it.

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  Not so reliable - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeep_user - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Gas gauge shows incorrect readings, gear changes are not smooth. Changes in 2WD/4WD takes times.

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  2007 Jeep Liberty Lover - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Theresa Brown - November 10 - 12:56 am

  I have had my jeep Liberty for almost a year. Its very quick on the highway. I drive from Burlington to Asheville twice a week and I love the way it handles on the drive up to the mountains. I get about 19-20 mph and its ok since gas is $4.00 per gallon. I do have a problem with the electric windows and had to fix the drivers side window twice. It needed to be replaced. My back passenger window has also broke. They seem to not close properly and are not easily fixed. I checked for a recall but none yet. Overall I love my suv.