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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  What a Disappointment - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Evlengr - October 23 - 11:50 pm

  This car is a major disappointment. I got the 3.7L thinking to save some on gas. It not only gets an average of 14.7 (average of 30 fill-ups); mpg it is also sluggish to respond when you put your foot down. I have been told by dealer that everything tests well according to their diagnostic. That was after the recall notice on the transmission. This is my third and last Jeep. The power band shifting is horrible and laggy. The vehicle will take almost a full second to respond when you put your foot down on the gas, and does not shift correctly (probably why the gas mileage and response is so bad). After six months of ownership I will be trading it in for a Murano. What a disappointment.

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  jeepster - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By nickb - October 23 - 4:56 am

  have liberty about 3 weeks an i love the truck.feels very stong an great looks.time will tell about how reliable it will be.

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  Grand Cherokee Limited 1999 - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep1999 - October 23 - 3:23 am

  Overall, its a nice looking SUV. The leather seats are quite comfortable. The stereo system is great. The problem is Ive had it in the shop too many times for different things. Brakes, motor in heated mirror went out, one of the speakers stopped working, etc.

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  Paint Job - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Big Man - October 22 - 2:30 pm

  I am truly disappointed in the paint job, I purchased the 65th anniversary model with the dark military green paint job. All you have to do is breath heavy on the paint, and its permanently marked. Even minor scratches are scarred right down to the metal, its like theres a very thin dusting of paint on the shell of the vehicle.

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  Great looking, Driving 4x4 Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By VALaredo4x4 - October 22 - 9:23 am

  Bought vehicle for wife and family, before family grew too big. Wife loved the car. Drove great on the highway. No reliability issues while we owned the vehicle.

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  Top still leaking - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By dave456 - October 22 - 1:10 am

  I like my jeep, It does everything I would expect a jeep should, My problem is the Freedom top seals. I have had it in the dealer 8 times to get the same thing fixed. Every time they tell me its all fixed. I get back on the road and the whistling starts around 50 mph. I parked in my driveway 4 days ago and didnt notice when it started raining. By the time I went out to get it in the garage (4 hrs) I had a half inch of water on each side of front. Ive had heaters and fans going for 4 days now. I think is dry. I wish I could get rid of that top and get a real hard top (not a freedom top) or at least get the dealer to fix it.Dave Rushmer

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  Great Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Mark - October 21 - 9:40 pm

  Bought new in 8/05 and have 70,000 miles by 8/09. Simply I have had no problems with this vehicle. The only work has been one recall and regular maintenance. The a/c works great, the transmission shifts tight and smooth and Ive been getting 21mpg mixed city and highway. I like the heavy solid feel and great visibility. I have not taken the Liberty off road much but when I have it has performed well. Overall I could not ask for better.

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  Great Jeep - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Fever - October 21 - 5:36 am

  A great vehicle. My father bought this Jeep new in late 1993 and sold it to me in 1997. The 4 litre straight six has been a rock. It has the usual "piston slap", but all that Ive done in 14 years is a new water pump and fuel pump. I stay ahead on things like the fuel filter and other tune up items. The Jeep has rewarded me handsomely for it. I towed an overloaded 2 axle u-haul trailer across the country and threw a wheel bearing that led to a shredded axle, but that was my own fault. The Jeep still got 13 mpg that trip. I have loaded it with 1000 lbs + too many times to count. It towed my boat like a champ too. I have really abused it over the years but it still cleans up nice

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  Good Deal... - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By john2551 - October 20 - 7:03 am

  Recently purchased a demo 06 Commander for around $19k. I was amazed at all the standard features this car has. To me the Commander drives better than my sisters Tahoe which she paid $12k more. Cant beat the price especially when Jeep is always giving incentives. Only complaint is the 3rd row which takes up to much usable space. Had a problem with the tire monitor going off for no reason, but dealer fixed it.

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  Brand spanking new Rubicon in shop 3x - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By maynard - October 20 - 5:23 am

  Alright so my husband talked me into this vehicle and heck it is fun to drive, when it actually works. I have less than 4000 miles and already the jeep has been to the shop 3 times due to all the indicator lights coming on and the gauges not working (speedometer, rpm) while I was driving. Then once you turn the car off, it wont start. I have called the customer service department and they expect you to keep running it back and forth to the shop to get it fixed while you are paying your car note and insurance.I am hoping that this will be resolved but I have to say be weary to those who are interested in this vehicle. anyone else with this issue?