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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  This is a great car - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Boulder Wrangler - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 02 X and then customized. This is a great way to build the perfect offroad vehicle. I love this car--and my kids (3 and 6) love it too- -as does my wife. I have had no problems AT ALL. This car is perfectly designed for what it is-- though probably not for commuters :) The car is unstoppable in snow and is very well balanced. When it slides, it slides well and enhances control. The Jeep X is very low cost and can be easily customized.

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  Worth the money - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DDthetanker - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Current GC is my second, owned a 93 first. Love the extra power from the I- 6. Reliable car. Get upset when I hear others talk bad about Jeep. Other than usual wear and tear, I have been to the garage less than anyone I know. GC doesnt like to run at 105 MPH on the Autobahn, but it will still maintain the pace for hours at a time. Love the looks when passing the Germans in their Audis, speed is not always about the vehicles performance. Love it in the snow, passing the BMWs on the hills. On my second set of brakes at 80,000, not too bad!!!

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  Give me Liberty or give me death! HA! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By wsb - February 11 - 10:00 am

  love it!

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  Have a 2003 and still like JEEPs - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bzalways - February 11 - 8:09 am

  My wife and I have owned several Jeeps over the years. Recently when our 1995 Grand Cherokee was wreaked and the frame bent (brother-in law borrowed it) we decided to upgrade to a used 2003 Liberty Renegade. My wife loves it and enjoyed driving it everyday for 5 mos. til engine blew. At 168,000 miles we didnt think twice that the miles were high (The 1995 GC had 204,000 and I have a 1994 GC still using with 242,000 on it!) but we were wrong. Apparently with the 3.7L "oil sludge" becomes an issue over 100,000. Something about faulty valves cause premature engine wear. No recall yet but have seen many incidents of blown heads, head gaskets, and blown motors in very young motors. Beware.

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  Liberty 4x4 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By dane - February 11 - 5:30 am

  Love that Liberty. Great vehicle, good engine power, okay gas mileage, and never been stranded or stuck in the mud.

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  What a bargain!!! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By What a bargain!!! - February 11 - 4:53 am

  For years I wanted to buy a Wrangler. Every time I went to Hawaii, Id insist we rent one. I finally talked my wife into it. The back seat is much bigger than I remembered. I saved $7500 off sticker and got 0% financing for 4 years. I never thought I would find a deal this sweet. My other car is an 05 Porsche Carrera. Call me crazy, but I have only driven the Porsche once since getting the Jeep. I was planning on giving the Jeep to my son when he turns 16, but well see if that actually happens.

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  Alpine Navigation Radio Rear Camera Bust - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RobertB - February 11 - 3:50 am

  The AWD has a heavy draggy feel, especially turning. There is no manual switch on the rear camera (unlike RV), so no way to monitor a trailer via camera. Its instant off, so if you pull up, you lose the view. Objects are much closer than they appear. Adjusting the brightness of the nav unit is possible, but no adjust for when in radio mode, except ineffective dash brightness. I have a towel taped over the dash as all settings are way too bright at night. Per tech there is no way to turn off the display. Per dash computer, MPG has been a disappointing 11.5 MPG over the first 300 miles. Roadside coverage is watered down - no coverage for lockouts, flats or gas.

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  Jeep Stinks - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brad - February 10 - 4:43 am

  Bought a 1997 Grand Cherokee Laredo new in 1997. It was great for 3 years and 38,000 miles and then it turned to junk! Air conditioner went out. Brakes went out. Had to replace pads and turn rotors. Tires wore out. The dealership acted like the never heard of us. $1000 bucks to fix the air and it still only worked half the time. Finally traded it in for an Isuzu Trooper. Isuzu was 10 times better than the Jeep.

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  Good enough for me - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jim - February 9 - 12:50 am

  I bought this 02 Grand Cherokee over 2 years ago now and its been good. Had to replace front rotors and brake pads, spark plugs, tires and oil of course. Put on over 25000 miles now and very reliable for me. A rear axle seal is bad now and something is making noise with the AWD system. Inline 6 was a great motor, now the 3.7 v-6 isnt nearly as good but thats why Chrysler went bankrupt. Love the styling, roomy and powerful, handles well in snow or off road. Headlight lenses clouded up too. Just starting to rust 10 years down the line. Go get one!

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  Still loving my Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By C.SIMS - February 8 - 9:20 pm

  I purchased my liberty back in oct 2007 as a brand new suv. I did a review of how much I loved it then, but we all know the true test is within that 1st year. Well I can tell you I still love it. It still drives well, its still rugged and it still looks sharp. I keep it shiny. Its still a head Turner.