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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  Jeep Liberty 2002 - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Whitaker - October 29 - 10:00 am

  The only maintenance needed so far has been a brake job. It is a comfortalble ride for a tough little car.

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  Lemon with great customer service - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Livier - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Brand New Jeep needed a new transmition at 600 miles! But I did receive great customer service from Alhambra Jeep. After 6 months driving rentals I got a full refund. Maybe in the future when Chrysler improves the Larado I will buy again. (Stereo system is horrible.)

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  Fun but too small for my growing family! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Memphis slim - October 28 - 8:23 am

  Ive had no issues with this Jeep. Just routine maintenance and oil changes. Its fun to drive and has good power. Im 65" and the sets are uncomfortable for me. When I ride shotgun, my knees hit the handle/dash area. My wife says the same thing and she is 57". We take long trips (8 hrs) and it drives great but is hvery uncomfortable. Were trading it in since well be having baby #2 soon. This was fine for 1 baby but not 2 kids. Too cramped and therell be no room left when traveling. Also dont spill liquids on the seats b/c the stains will not come out! Ive tried everything and all detail shops say this fabric is hard to clean.

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  Jeep - Yes, Chrysler - oh no - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Max - October 27 - 12:53 am

  Style: Lucky me - 2000 Wrangler in Desert Sand Pearl (like the one shown) is the best Jeep design ever. Liked by kids from 0 to 100 and up. Jeep did not cut any corners making body panels "more technological". Was it the last steel-grille, steel-bumper in production? Drive: I wish it had an all-time 4x4. Spins at rabbit starts on wet road in 4x2 at once. The rest is - King of the Hill!! Failure: Now, Chrysler steps in to make the beauty of worst ingredients. A rusty piece of door chipped off on 11th month. Front rotors replaced at 9K miles. Rear differential broke at 14K. Front wheel joints worn at 20K. Both front stabilizer bar rods broke apart at 30K, no offroading. Water pump gone at 50K.

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  two years - still goes! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By zero - October 26 - 8:03 pm

  In the two years I have owned my Cherokee, Ive logged 20k on a Jeep i bought with 33k. This Jeep has been a workhorse if Ive ever seen one. Yeah, a few small issues have popped up; oil pressure gauge, new shocks, tires, and the usual maintenance -- but aside from that, this truck keeps going. Im averaging 19 mpg with a combination of 75% highway and 25% city. I needed a reliable vehicle that would endure the beating that roads around the NYC area would throw at it. The Jeep fit the bill. Its great in the snow, the A/C handles the heat well, and long trips with my Cherokee are a pleasure

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  shes been good - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By freak4stars - October 26 - 5:50 pm

  I bought my Jeep when it had 100k miles on it. My only complaint is the transfer case is tore up, therefore I lost my 4x4 capabilities. It doesnt get that good of gas mileage. However compared to other SUVs the same size it isnt too bad. I love the interior and it is extremely COMFY. I would recommend this vehicle to anybody!

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  A good vehicle - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By metmaniac2001 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  tough on gas, but a nice vehicle

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  Love the Overland - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Raven1 - October 24 - 1:46 am

  This 2003 Overland edition is great looking. The interior is also very attractive, but I find the drivers seat too soft and too small. The vehicle does not handle that well on windy country roads. There is a significant amount of body roll and the seat does not seem to hold my average sized body very securely. I love the chrome 17 wheels. The leather/suede mix is nice in the interior. The 4.7 HO is very powerful and quick from a start and when merging. The sound system is good but not excellent. My wife is the primary driver of this vehicle and she loves it. The vehicle has performed well on all road surfaces and in all conditions. The creature features of the overland are great.

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  Jeep 96 sport - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Johnny Dare - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 96 sport with 112000 miles i now have 126000 on it with no major problems, other than the shake at mid speed which im checking into it has done well for me, gas mileage is about 18 so im not complaining at all, cup holders are another issue, more would be better but were to put them is the other problem.back seat good for kids not much else, received recall notice about the hubs and steering box, nice to know that jeep is still covering any problems that come up years after the warrenty is gone

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  Love my Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pbishop - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had a few issues with the new design in the beginning. But Jeep fixed any problems right away and it has been a blast to drive