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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  I love my Jeep - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dannigirl - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Shorter persons can easily adjust the seats and the steering wheel to accommodate. The Jeep makes it makes it easy for me to parallel park without embarrassing myself. Off road I have been impressed with the engine power and maneuvering capability. I pulled my husbands Ram 4x4 out of the mud with ease but havenÂ’t used the limited slip differentials. Having the vehicle in 4x4 in 1st gear and not needing to accelerate is great - this baby pulls itself along nicely without stalling. The wider fender flares give it a unique style. I love that "bump and sway" has been eliminated - older stock models are all over the road when hitting a dip or bump.

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  Lets roll - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By leopard4003 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Jeep. All the things I liked about my old Jeep only got better. This is a fun vehicle,handles great ,responsive engine and decent mileage for a real suv.

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  Cheap Jeep! Beware of Money Pit. - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By newellio - April 23 - 8:51 am

  Purchased vehicle with only 13,000 miles. Within first year needed new brakes, then when around 57,000 miles the rattling and clunking noises began. We discovered both tie rods and ball joints were bad. Estimated repairs were over $1000. Then a ringing noise in the transmission began to get louder. So we decided to trade in. Dealers were not willing to give us a decent trade because the CVT transmission was starting to go bad. Apparently this is a major issue in the Jeeps especially when it reaches around 60,000 miles. Jeep is not willing to warranty this issue. Our mechanic said newer jeeps are the most serviced vehicle he works on and encouraged us to trade it!

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  I wish it were bigger - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom - April 21 - 10:20 am

  The reason I bought my Liberty CRD was for fuel economy and towing. So far the best mileage Ive had was 26 on the highway on I40 through the Appalachians in NC/TN. I wish there were more interior room, though. Theres a transmission hump right where I like to put my foot when Im using cruise control. Its also been in the shop a few times, luckily still under warranty. So far, the EGR valve, torque converter, ball joints, a a glow plug have been replaced. The ball joints and torque converter were recalls, though. I also have a problem when the fuse for the rear wiper blowing at random. I think I might trade it in for the Grand Cherokee CRD when it comes out.

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  New Limited with Hemi - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By WC - April 21 - 9:50 am

  Just picked up this jeep grand Cherokee limited after researching for months. Also drove the BMW X-3 and X- 5, the Lincoln MKX, Hummer H-3, MB ML320, and can honestly say the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited had the best ride of all. For the money, its the best value by far and you get real capability that can handle any ruggedness you may throw at it. The interior is extremely comfortable and inviting. Very happy so far.

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  Loved Jeeps until I needed a replacement part!!! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By kareneileen - April 18 - 7:18 pm

  Im on my second jeep. Loved jeep and referred people to buy jeeps...but last week my 2008 Jeep had issues and needed to be towed. I has been 7 days and the jeep is STILL at the garage and the part is STILL on a national backorder list with no expected date in site! The National Chrysler/Jeep 800# has been absolutely no help...no timeframe, no help getting a rental car, NOTHING! So, I guess the new motto with jeep is that as soon as you buy their product, the hell with you! You are on your own! So, I guess Im stuck making monthly payments on a vehicle that is sitting unusable at a garage! I am disgusted at the treatment I have been given by the Jeep Dealership/Jeep Garage and 800#.

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  Junk the Jeep - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By junkthejeep - April 18 - 10:00 am

  This Jeep has been nothing but a pain. It has left my wife stranded more than once and has been a mechanics dream due to the money I have shelled out. Ill never buy a Jeep or Chrysler product again.

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  Third ones a charm - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RIJEEPSTER - April 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Jeep Gr. Cherokee I have owned and it is by far the best. I test drove many other brands and could not find one better. It is fun to drive, comfortable on long drives and just an all around great vehicle. Today four years later I still get complements on its looks.

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  Top quality - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Magi - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Great looking and dependable vehicle. Far superior than other vehicles such as Toyota and Honda. My best vehicle purchase ever.

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  2011 Latitude 4x4 cvt - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By rogatordriver - April 18 - 7:43 am

  I bought the 2011 Patriot as a program car in the spring of 2012. I have been pretty satisfied until now, it has 83,000 miles and I am replacing the first set of tires. noticed some wear issues and have been informed that it needs left and right front control arms and rear tow links....thats around $500 dollars in parts before labor. I am told this is very common for the Patriot, NAPA says they sell lots of these parts. This is my first Jeep and it may very well be my last. It gets good mileage,24-26.5 mph, it is driven 72 miles a day and babied for mileage. If I were trading vehicles today it would be a very uphill sale for Jeep.