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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  2006 Jeep Liberty Limited - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Nancie Payne - September 24 - 4:13 am

  I originally purchased a used 2004 Jeep Liberty Sport. I enjoyed the car but wasnt thrilled with the ride - it seemed a bit rough. I then decided to trade-in my Jeep Liberty Sport for a brand new Jeep Liberty Limited. Great decision. My Jeep Liberty Limited has in-dash 6 discs CD player - it has a stabilizer feature - 6 airbags - the ride is very comfortable and the interior is beautiful. The steering wheel has access to the radio/disc player which makes it very convenient especially when changing a disc. The fog lights work well in the fog as well as on dark streets in conjunction with the headlights.

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  jeep review - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By josh lundy - September 24 - 2:00 am

  great off road capability but needs to have the reliability problem taken care of.the also need the spare tire put underneath the vehicle.but all in all i love it!!

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  awesome - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zeus149 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I had to put two rear ends in one year its fine now when you change gear oil once a year

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  tomsjeep - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By reba - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I find the Jeep fun to drive even on long trips( weve been coast to coast twice in it).

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  Liberty, Great idea! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Not Mitch - September 24 - 2:00 am

  We wanted a reliable 4x4 that could take us ANYWHERE on the Big Island, accommadate everything and look tough in doing so. Having a brother do all the research was just a bonus. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired, getting only 15mpg, however it is a V6 and we live on a mountain so...The toughest decision at this point is whether to have the windows tinted silver or black. Have considered getting another Liberty but think a Wrangler will be in order instead.

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  Nice vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ChrisPossessky - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Took the Liberty over Xterra at my wifes insistence and I am pleasantly surprised. Braking is excellent with 4 wheel disc and no ABS, handling is fine, interior controls took a while to get used to but all within eay reach and intuitive. Easily slips into and out of 4WD. Better than rated gas mileage - I did a 50+ mile commute on a snowy day in 4WD the whole way and go better than 19 mpg. My only complaint is the short seat and Im only 510".

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  Well-Loved Jeep - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By LW - September 23 - 4:46 am

  My 95 Rio Grande is my first car and I cant see myself ever driving anything but a Jeep. This Jeep has 171k miles and is still going strong. We had to replace the fuel pump around 168k and patch up a few rust spots, but this Jeep is well-loved. Great in the sun and snow too!

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  My Liberty Diesel - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Psychcoguy - September 22 - 5:40 pm

  Good fuel economy, good looks and at 3,500 miles sustained $6,500 damage when rear-ended. Average 21 city, 27 road but if I slow down to 65 highway MPG goes up. Get the factory Bluetooth for cell phone. Stereo is good.

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  Its a LEMON - Needs new transmission at 5000 miles - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By cttwin - September 22 - 3:03 pm

  Very disappointing experience! Leased the Jeep Cherokee 2015 without knowing there has been a history of transmission issues. Found that out after the car died on the highway. My Jeep had been skipping gears,running sluggish and hesitating but I never imagined it could be a problem with the transmission. I waited over 3 hours for the Chrysler Road Side Assistance to show up and tow me to the nearest dealer, it took 3 days to get an approved rental while they replace my transmission. My biggest regret is I still have 2 1/2 years on the lease.

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  After 20 yrs youd think itd be perfect - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By fishooked - September 22 - 10:00 am

  but it certainly is not. Right now I have about 68K on my 1998. One of my biggest complaints is the tiny glove box, and poor layout for storage of other items such as maps, change, whatever. I can barely fit anything in my glove box except for my owners manual. There should be side pockets in the doors for loose stuff. The center console layout stinks. It makes a lot of rattling noises, and it has also leaked water in it as well. Ive had problems with my rotors getting warped and having to be replaced twice already. Not great gas mileage; over 120.00 a month easy for gas.