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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  Bad front drive shaft - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By lmatney - March 25 - 5:26 pm

  I am now on my 6th front drive shaft. I am also having my front ball joints replaced for the 3rd time. I have had the rear speed sensor replaced 8 times. It is costing so much to maintain. Also the wrap around back doors makes the doors impossible to open in freezing weather. Mud and snow builds up and freezes.

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  Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By diane - March 24 - 1:16 pm

  I have had the truck a year and a half. Its been a very good experience. It drives nice; however on turns I dont feel as if I have total control of the truck. Of course I am going 50-70 on turns but I still dont feel that the reliability on turns is there. In the snow the truck is a machine; I dont even have to plow or shovel -- just go right over it with no problem.

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  Had to experience the Fun side of Jeeps - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By jan carlo - March 24 - 12:00 pm

  I was one of those day dreamers thinking that some distant day I was going to buy a Jeep Wrangler. Every day while driving to work or going to the mall I saw tons of Wranglers passing by my side and I always, I mean ALWAYS turned my head over to take a look at them. Guess what.. Now I own my Jeep and I still keep turning my head over to see the different Wranglers passing by. But now I noticed that my Wrangler is looked at by every single driver and that makes me smile. Now I know what it feels to OWN a Jeep Wrangler and its really fun. I started to enjoy more my driving time.

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  stalling? - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By silver314 - March 24 - 8:40 am

  i love my jeep. we bought it a month before the birth of our first child and i have not had any problems until recently, when you go from reverse to drive the engine light comes on and it says service park assist system and then all the gear letters light up and it "bucks" a little. it has also happened at highway speeds. has anyone else had a problem like this?

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  I LOVE IT - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By BOSSOX9 - March 24 - 12:10 am

  I have wanted a jeep from the time I started to drive. Now at age 37 I finally have one. I love it (and so do my 9 and 5 year old sons). I knew going in to it that the ride will be ruff and bumpy. Hey it is a Jeep and you have to expect it, if you expect a nice smooth ride do not get a Jeep. I have the Rio Grande, it is all stock. The MPG is good for the inline four. It is a great all around Jeep. I use it as a daily driver and always in the desert on the weekends (live in Phoenix). I wish I had a Jeep years ago. I plan to keep it for many more years.

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  Thrilled with the quality and luxury - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kahului38 - March 23 - 5:38 pm

  Bought a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited in Black with the Frost Beige Leather interior. Have driven it about 1,000 miles so far and I LOVE IT! I had to wait for the 2012 since the dealer couldnt get their hands on any 2011s in Black with the Rear DVD option (I have two kids). It was worth the wait! The V6 on the Limited is more than adequate (I do not tow anything). I miss the extra punch of the V8 in my old 2001 JGC, but the mileage is much better (23-24 HWY) and the car rides so smooth.

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  Surprising - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By ricky0018 - March 22 - 4:26 pm

  I have owned my Compass for about half a year. My initial thoughts werent great, I was disappointed with the gas mileage and performance. Although it could use more power, the gas mileage has improved greatly w/time. I recently got lost in the Arizona mountains during a road trip and it handled great on ridiculous terrain. I was pleasantly surprised and am now content with my purchase.

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  Love our Country! - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By DonJuanovan - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought our Jeep two years ago from the original owners who were selling it because they bought a new Cherokee (2001 was the last year they made em). We have 80K on our Jeep and have had a few problems (waterpump, brakes, broken motor mount) but nothing out of the ordinary. Its a great vehicle, very handy and I think, sharp looking. Ours is red over silver. The ride is quite rough but hey, its a Jeep right?

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  Wonderful vehicle - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep 16 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful, fun vehicle. I absolutely fell in love with my Jeep. It is a 1999 soft top. The exterior color is dark metallic amethyst. Its gorgeous. This vehicle is great for someone who loves the outdoors and does not have children, because there is really not enough room for them. However, I wouldnt trade it for the world. My "baby" has been everywhere from Miami to Canada. I hope to have many more enjoyable years.

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  Jeep Liberty will set you free - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By natep - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about my Jeep Liberty. Ive had it since 11-01-01 and it hasnt disappointed me once. The price tag on these jeeps should be about 5K higher. No joke. The ride quality is superb. There is alittle wind noise at speeds of access of 70mph butif you have the radio on you at all you wont even realize the minor wind noise. As far as power is concerned when is there ever enough? The 210 horse power v6 is plenty enough to do all an SUV is ment for. Ive personally went through some deep mud pits in my Liberty and never once have I got stuck, I have a 4x4 of course.