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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  Fun Ride - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By NFM - April 17 - 5:00 pm

  I loved the look of the Liberty Renegade vs the Sport and Limited. Stick with the V6, I find it to have better pick-up. Best way to go on this vehicle is when its fully loaded. Only mistake I made was getting it in black since it looks like its always dirty (but hey its a Jeep right? Thats what gives it its character!) Very comfortable ride on pavement.

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  Great to Drive - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Walter Dandridge - April 17 - 3:02 pm

  I have always been impressed with the driving and handling of my Jeep. Several issues would be the driver front visibility when turning left due to outside mirror placement. Also, the back up camera screen frequently goes to a blue screen. Probably the most downside is the frequent maintenance ever 3 months. Otherwise a great SUV.

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  ITS A SHOCK THE MILITARY DESIGNED IT!!! - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By robert p judge jr - April 17 - 10:00 am

  THIS MUST BE THE ONLY THING THE MILITARY CREATED THAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY RELY ON ALWAYS WORKING.IVE BOUGHT MY JEEP WHILE IN THE MILITARY AND I HAVE TAKEN IT ALL OVER THE EASTERN SEABOARD; THROUGH WOODS,STREAMS ,SURF,OVER MOUNTAINS,ECT. THIS WAS WITH NO MODIFACATIONS TO IT AT ALL EXCEPT TIRES.ONLY TWO PROBLEMS WERE 1)HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER. 2)WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT.ONLY THING BAD IS YOU CANT HAUL STUFF UNLESS YOU HAVE A TRAILER.FORGOT ONE OTHER PROBLEM, CRANK SENSOR WENT BAD AS SOON AS I GOT IT AT 32000.THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THEY GO EVERY 30000 OR SO; THAT WAS 65000+ MILES AGO. GUESS WHAT, GOT THE SAME ONE HE PUT IN AND STILL ROLLIN.

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  Just Fun - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Dallaswag - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a good looking car with power for an suv, it has a smooth car like ride and can maneuver in an out on any terrain. I have had many vehicals and must say that this feels at home on a night out on the town, and river running. So if you are tired of sitting behind your desk go for a spin, a boardway show or the snake river you will be right at home. We Love it. I have had all types of vehicals from Mercedes to vetts and the like, drive this one and I believe that you will agree it is a wonderful performer.

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  Very off-road in the dealership - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Tamara - April 17 - 10:00 am

  My jeep has had nothing but problems. It has been in the shop more then on the road. I bought the car because I liked the looks of the car. I never thought my new car would have so many problems such as electrical problems, radio problems, coolant and so onÂ…Â…. The car needs a bigger gas tank. The gas mileage is very low so you are filling up all time. Why not put a bigger gas tank in it? However, after all my complaints about the car my mother has a Jeep Sport and her car is fine. She has had no problems what so ever. I got a LEMON!!!

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  Jeep Overland - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steve DeLuca - April 17 - 2:43 am

  Drives great in snow and wet conditions, very comfortable, seems to be dependable, have had problems with the radio (lots of static), poor gas mileage 12-14 miles per gallon -- definitely not what was advertised. Interior is very nice (sporty yet custom).

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  Great winter and long trip car - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepers - April 16 - 11:56 pm

  Loved my Jeep Grand Cherokee. Took comfortable long trips in it. Mileage really increased on the highway.

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  Dont buy early models of any new car - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bob - April 16 - 6:40 pm

  Heater does not work in rear seat; Jeep Customer Service is rude and does not respond even when they give you a case number. Spent the first week and second weekend at the dealer with computer problems.

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  Small Gas Tank - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Cathy - April 16 - 3:25 pm

  I commute 45 minutes each way, have to fill up a lot - cheap to fill but the tank is so small, only about 13 gallons. Also, Jeep is not compatible with an Iphone so phones navigation and sounds dont work when connected. You can make calls with Uconnect but thats it. Have to turn bluetooth off to use phones navigation. No speak for text either.

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  The Jeep I was waiting for - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By ILCommander - April 16 - 2:20 pm

  As a previous owner of an XJ Cherokee, I am partial to the boxy styling. The Commander is what XJs should grow up to become. I have the HEMI. Bought it used with 38K. Has the comfort and ride of a luxury car, but has the power of a sports car. I needed more comfort, room and power and boy did I get it. While there are some squirrelly issues with it, I think it is nit picking. Any major issues have been addressed with TSBs or recalls. Know that any enormous SUV will have bad gas mileage. That aside, this is another keeper for me for some time. Do your homework if you want one, and just pony up for the HEMI. I would not buy new - buy used and take advantage of the depreciation.