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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  Love my Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Barb Topaz - August 12 - 2:00 am

  My last Jeep was a 1994 Wrangler... loved that Jeep! However, Im in sales and wanted a nicer looking vehicle to arrive at clients in. Last March we checked out the Liberty for my husband but he had his heart set on an Xterra. This Jan I decided that I had to have a Renegade!

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  1998 Jeep Gr Ch Limited Rocks - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By redbeard2k1 - August 11 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is easily the most comfortable I have ever had. For an SUV, it handles like a car, rides like one as well. The power options are plentiful and well placed. The power seats are comfy, and easy to adjust.

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  BUYER Beware! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By gberger1 - August 11 - 9:03 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my 2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel. I have been a gentlemen with people who really DO NOT CARE about my poor experience. I have had so many problems that I cannot get into it. I would be very careful about buying one as I would NOT want another person to go through what I have had to endure.

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  Is The Bloom Off The Rose? - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Texas Commander Guy - August 11 - 12:20 am

  I bought my Jeep Commander in December 2006, and I now have 15,000 miles on it. It has the 4.7 L V8. I just took a trip over 3000 miles, and I have come to know my Jeep Commanders strenths and weaknesses. Strenths include a quiet ride, classy interior, cool retro looks, room for seven if two are children (though my college VP did ride in the 3rd row with no complaints for 5 miles), reliability and cool 6 CD Boston Accoustic stereo system, and decent highway mileage. Weaknesses, so-so city mileage, small third row, blind spot if third row is left up, drinks a quart of oil about every 3000 miles, styling is not loved by all. Highway mileage is 20.6, honest!

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  satisfied - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By mjarch - August 10 - 10:00 pm

  Reliable tow vehicle (+/- 2000lbs construction trailer) and a lot of fun in the mud.

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  The LOVE of my life - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By bosjb1 - August 10 - 5:38 pm

  I first bought my Jeep in the spring of 2006 and have fallen in love many times over. There is nothing like owning a Wrangler - its just a unique, incredible experience that only Wrangler owners can understand. I get giddy every time I see my topless Jeep basking in a warm, summer day - and so do my friends because they always love going for a cruise. In the winter, in 4WD, this thing is a beast and you can rip it around where ever you please. The soft top keeps you surprisingly warm and is an ease to flip up and down in the summer. I dont even bother putting my side or back windows on from May-Oct. 150k miles and the engine is as strong as when I first purchased it.

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  Wished I had not bought it - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By davidirn - August 10 - 2:39 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my new $50K Jeep GC limited. Transmissions clanks when shifting. Hesitates when trying to speed up. The uconnect went out and had to be replaced. Touch screen went out. Rear hatch will not open when pressing the remote control. Rear hatch inside trim fell off. Door locks takes several attempts to open the door. GPS is very unreliable. Set the radio to a station and turn it back on and it goes to another station. But the worst problem is the blind spots around the vehicle, I have almost gotten into several accidents because of the poor visibility. Each time I have taken the vehicle into the dealer it is like pulling teeth to get them to honor the warranty

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  2013 Grand Cherokee, love it - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By verlanst - August 9 - 2:06 am

  After test driving a number of competing vehicles we bought our 2013 Grand Cherokee. We now have 25,000 miles with zero problems. We bought this car so that might wife would have the safety of all wheel drive in the Colorado winter. We were never disappointed in the performance of the car in the snow despite the OEM tires which arent particularly snow friendly. I find the V6 performance to be quite good even in mountainous terrain and high altitude. Around town it is a pleasure to drive, and Ill opt to drive it over my Audi A4 if its in the driveway.

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  Love it, cant find anything better - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By CCoccia - August 7 - 7:16 pm

  I have owned this Jeep for 11 yrs. No other vehicle I have had will cruise at 80 on the interstate, then take the extreme trails in the OHV park like they were nothing. I bought a Mini Cooper and its a good thing I kept the Jeep-way more dependable and a lot cheaper to fix than the Mini. Ive hauled building materials, pulled out chain-link fencing and stumps, still on the original clutch at 126,000 miles. It has never left me on the side of the road or refused to start. All I have had to do is routine maintenance, lube oil and filter, brakes (once), and a water pump. Ive decided to put some money into paint and new carpet etc. and just keep driving it.

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  Good vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By cindynpete - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have been very happy with my purchase!