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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  leaking roof electrical problems - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Skip Bosworth - June 7 - 10:46 am

  I traded my 05 Wrangler for the 08 Wrangler in Oct 07. I like the way it handles and being a Jeep owner for 40 years I appreciate the comfort. Im very disappointed in the roof leaking. I have given up on the dealers attempts to resolve the problem after three repairs its worse than ever. I had to remove the carpeting and replace the front seat covers because of water damage. I have electrical problems resulting in the vehicle not starting, leaving me stranded 25 miles in the back woods.The jeep dealership has been unable to find the problem. I already have over 50000 miles on the car and have spent lots of money attempting to resolve the problems. I wish Id keep my 05 Jeep.

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  Very impressed - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sammboni - June 7 - 9:10 am

  Ive had my 2007 Unlimited Sahara for almost 2 weeks and it totally rocks and I havent even been able to take the top off yet. I am impressed by the drive, the low noise and it looks great. I am looking forward to some muddy adventures and for the day when the weather gets better and I can take the top off.

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  great - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dee - June 7 - 6:03 am

  I always liked Jeep but when the new design this year came out I had to get one. I love it, it;s comfy and roomy, just barely any trunk space but other than that its perfect.

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  Window Regulators - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By MelisaRob - June 6 - 7:16 am

  The window regulators are a constant problem. They have been fixed five times in four years and Chrysler refuses to issue a recall even though I have found thousands of complaints about this on other sites.

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  Wouldnt Drive Anything Else - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LippySpaz - June 6 - 2:50 am

  I bought my jeep about a year and a half ago. This is my second grand Cherokee (my old one was a 95) and I absolutely love it. Sometimes I cringe when it costs me close to $70 to fill up though. My car is the "roadtrip car" and weve fit 7 people (trunk too) and nobody was squished. I love the leather and the back seats are really comfortable. I havent had any problems with it, I get my oil changed on time, clean it too much, and it looks and drives brand new. This winter I used my 4wd practically every day (damn New England weather) and I never slid an inch. Awesome truck, I wouldnt drive anything else.

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  problems - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By southtowns62 - June 5 - 7:29 pm

  my gate warning light came on 3 times interior lights also came on. they replaced switch 2 times in rear hatchback. im getting ice buildup inside drivers side door. they lubed area said they could do nothing more. i have to chip ice from inide door hindges. can anyone help

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  Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike Wrayno - June 5 - 2:00 am

  A very good vehicle in the winter. Handles very well. I dont like that the warranty is only 3 years or 36,000 miles. So if you want an extended warranty if your keeping the vehicle longer an extended warranty costs 1500 dollars. GM has 5 years or 60,000 miles on theres warranty which ever comes first but I realy think Crysler as well as Jeep has better vehicles than GM.

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  Biggest Mistake of My Life! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By advoman56 - June 4 - 10:23 pm

  I honestly made a huge mistake buying a Chrysler product. Im having problem after problem. Im going back to Toyota or Volvo. Chrysler should shut there doors for there sake. Trash all the way!!

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  Most dependable. - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By irieco - June 4 - 12:10 pm

  Very dependable. Havent had a single thing go wrong in two years. No wonder it came with a lifetime power-train warranty. I paid way less than the sticker price so its a super value.

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  Jeep = Junk - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brian A - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The gas mileage (V-8) with the exception of highway cruise (about 20 mpg) is horrid, about 13.5 mpg. The front brakes suck, have been replaced 3 times in the first 27k miles. The rest of the vehicle has faired only a bit better. Stalling, transfer case binding, drivers seat loose (was told that is normal) are current issues at 31K miles. Love to drive it, it tows a trailer very well even in high crosswinds, and it is very capable off- road. My lease ends soon, glad I dont own it.