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 Like It, I Love It, I Want More of IT - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rubicon - January 13 - 7:00 am

  I have had a number of cars in my 52 years, but none that I love more than my 2004 Rubicon. I loved the feeling of freedom with the Safari top in the summer and the warmth and security of the hardtop in the winter. I like putting my camping gear in the back and heading off to the back country in search of my Shangri La. I love the feeling of power driving through the loose sands of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and locking the Dana 44s when the going gets tough. Apparently someone else liked my Rubicon as well, because they hijacked it from my drive Wed. night. It feels like my best friend is lost. I want my Rubi back!

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  Watching our Cherokee mature - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Karpindur - January 13 - 6:53 am

  When we bought it, I had the OEM oil changed to Mobil One. Then I had the transmission and differential changed to Mobil One at 25,000 miles. As near as I can remember, it runs just like the day I drove it off the lot, which is a day I have not regretted so far. To date, the only "major" issue I have had was a failure of the crankshaft and camshaft sensors to the tune of $400. The mechanic seems to have taken me some, as the camshaft sensor was obviously broken but the chances of both failing at once are infinitesimal. Otherwise it has been good to us. Strong, quick, and reliable, it inspires confidence in any traffic, weather or road condition, and looks great doing it.

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  Nice but Costly - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bill - January 12 - 11:00 am

  Bought used with 50,000. 1st winter no heat due to same issue THANKS CHRYSLER for no HELP cost $1,000. Then Cracked head @ 77,000 another $1,200 Now in for 2nd issue with Limited Slip Clutches $230 each time. Driver window repair $400 COME ON!!!! This is my 3rd Jeep and will Not Buy Another...too many other good options out there these days. Gas mileage average Hwy/City is 19 but wife drives it easy. Oh yea, heated seats repaired once by warranty and again by me.. quite working again. Really to bad as JEEP had such a good Brand Name..HAD being the optimal word

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  Not too Happy - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mrodz - January 11 - 10:06 pm

  We have had the Jeep for 4 years now, loved the comfort and driving experience it gives on long rides. Now we are experiencing problems with the electrical windows and doors and interior lights. But still I like my jeep

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  I loooove my Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kat - January 11 - 7:56 pm

  What can I say? I love Jeeps. I discovered them about 4 years ago, and I will NEVER own another type of vehicle. The performance is amazing. Ive owned Jeeps in both Hawaii and on the east coast, and theres nothing better for beach driving OR for snow driving.

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  Awesome - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Robert Brown - January 11 - 2:17 pm

  Do not hesitate to buy one Ive owned the car for 5 months I had at 100 no problem handling going around a corner rated at 45mph I had this one hit at 60mph no problem and no problem passing the negativity is in called for

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  Been a Great Ride - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mf012e - January 11 - 8:43 am

  I have been driving my Jeep almost 4 years now and have been pleasantly surprised. It has held up fairly well. The only issues have been with the starter and a replaced pinion seal. Its been a thrill to drive on the road, snow, rain, mud, and sand. I never got stuck or was beaten off the line. The 4x4 and Hemi are excellent.

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  awsome rio grande - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepdude - January 11 - 2:00 am

  weve had my 95 rio grande in the family for about 5 years now. it has been an excelant vehicle. no major mechanica problems, replaced entire exhaust system and the starter. the thing still runs great, and i plan to keep this jeep forever. whenever it comes the time that i need a new vehicle, i will never trade this in... i will just buy a second one. ive put a new stereo in my jeep, and a light bar on the windshield frame, rims, ect. for being 8 years old, it looks, runs and preforms great. the transmission and clutch are still smooth, and the paint is still glossy. i would recomend a jeep to anyone who is thinkng about one.

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  Disapointed Jeepster - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By OBRascal1 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Great looking vehicle. Reasonably comfortable interior. Floor carpet poor quality. Window wind noise irrating. Fuel consumption 8-10 city 14-17 hiway. Way off sticker. Transmission, rear end noisy. Power steering broke. Shocks broke. Paint and body rusted,repainted. Original tires were bad. Changed tires to oversized Michellin all terrain..Big difference in handling. Sorry.sorry brakes.

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  Its really a great JEEP! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Tim K - January 11 - 2:00 am

  With the exception of recalls, that Jeep/Chrysler is taking care of, I love my Jeep Liberty. It is great in the mud and Snow in Northern NY and comfortable to drive to FL also!