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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  Most fun you can have with the top down - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepConvert - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, on or off road. Ive had several cars, this is the best thing I have ever paid money for. It is worth every penny.

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  Very Pleased - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By SigEp - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had the Jeep for two years with no problems. The 4WD is extremley easy to operate and very functional. The soft top is easy to operate after a little practice. The hard top is difficult to store and you need to make sure you have the required space. This is a great vehicle for a good price. I dont reccomend purchasing the Sahara unless you really want the upgraded body features. Overall, I will drive this Jeep until it dies and then buy another.

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  Bad Brake rotors - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Stan C - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought this car used with 51000 miles on it. Its is a great car but all the brake rotors where warped and I replaced all of them. The brake pada where ok and where reused, The milage seem to be in the 16 to 20 MPG range depending on the driving. It has the 4,7 ci in engin with Quadrtrack.

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  4X4 Junk - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Casablanca - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Terrible vehicle. Have owned another GC and it have had to spend $$$ in repairs at 50K.(Happened after buying lastest and last Jeep). Both differentials went as well as Xfer case.

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  reliability - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ed wess - August 28 - 6:06 am

  3 and half years old with 150,000 miles replaced starter, tires, brakes and tune up nothing more. Msrp 32,000 bought for 26,500 plus parts total cost 27,500 cant beat it.

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  Built Like a Tank.. Runs forever - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jepper68 - August 26 - 12:56 pm

  I bought my Jeep from the original owner with 205,000. Mine is a sport 4.0 5-speed. It has a 4" dick cepek lift with 33s. Runs perfect i get between 13-16 mpg in town. Original engine, transmission, clutch, and differentials. Ive already put 10k on my wrangler and still keeps running like a tank. Taken it on some nasty trails, up in the high country, through the sand at the beach. Parts are cheap for jeeps and easy to install. Cant get a more reliable vehicle built today. The 4.0I6 is good for 3-450k serviced reguarly.

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  Just turned 15 yrs old and 200,000 miles! - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Beelzebubba - August 26 - 5:46 am

  My parents bought it new in December 1994 and it just passed the 200k mark! It has been far more reliable than anything else weve ever owned. My mom drove it for nine years, then my dad for the next four years after that. They gave it to me over two years ago to use a second vehicle. Still runs and drives like a champ!

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  JK Rubicon - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chris - August 25 - 8:13 pm

  This jeep is a lot of fun but the quality of the jeep is crap. I hope this is because its the first year.... Roof leaks hard and soft tops. Hinges corrode and rust on the doors, visible in the cracks of the hinges and eventually the paint on the hinges. Interior plastic scratches very easy with a fingernail...and I mean very easy!. The new motor is a bit underpowered for a 4dr but liveable. Hey its a 4x4 but youd think a V6 would get better fuel economy than 15- 19...v8s are getting better mileage than this 6. Its a blast to drive with the top off or on, its can climb a wall. I hope the new Chrysler takes note and fixes the issues with the 08 model.

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  Rugged Class - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By M. Doty - August 25 - 2:46 pm

  My girls are growing up, and my 2005 TJ, (Wrangler), was no longer fun to ride in. We tried the Wrangler unlimited 4 door, but they still werent pleased. Before leaving to explore other options, the salesman suggested the Liberty with a Sky Slider. "Wow" from them, my wife and me! We ordered one with options I need/want, and have had it for two weeks. Weve been up and down mountain trails, Sky Slider open to the stars, music roaring, and some highway driving that suggests professional reviewers were predisposed against the Liberty. Comfortable & cool, powerful & sure footed, a Jeep in every regard; I almost cant wait for snow!

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  Gas Guzzling, but Utiltitarian - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By DEREK GRANT - August 25 - 12:16 pm

  Its actually pretty nice. Good size. Not compact at all, but not the size of a Suburban despite seating 7. On the other hand, itll burn a hole into your account with the cost of fuel. Avg in the city: 12. Yea... like a 70s barge. Avg on the highway: 17. Which is the lowest end on the spectrum of fuel efficiencies in other cars similarly sized. But, it is capable of going basically anywhere...