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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  Myboyblue - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By MyBoyBlue - April 7 - 11:56 pm

  This has been the most enjoyable car I have ever driven. I can feel the road underneath me and I am the one in control, not my car. Some people complain about the gas mileage and the ride, but they should have researched this before they bought it. Those are the reasons the rest of us Jeepers buy them. Looking in, and envy. Looking out, and understanding. Its a Jeep Thing.

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  Good and Bad - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Mikef - April 7 - 9:23 am

  I bought this truck to be used on bad roads every day and through bad New England winters. I am really impressed by how solid and off-road capable it is. It is amazing in off road winter conditions with a good set of AT tires. I dont even bother shoveling the driveway during the winter any more. It has nice power and is very easy to drive and park. Nice interior, good heating/cooling, good price. However, here is the down side: gas mileage is pretty bad, at 10,000 miles the electric window failed, at 30,000 miles the transmission needed to be replaced. I still havent gotten use to the center mounted window controls. Given the failed transmission, Im not sure Id buy another one.

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  Finally back in a Jeep Wrangler! - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By jackcolton - April 6 - 6:07 pm

  I custom ordered a 2012 Black Jeep Wrangler Sahara (6-Speed), and finally took delivery 2 weeks ago. This thing is awesome! Ive owned a 1998 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, and this one is substantially better in every way. Build quality feels strong and as if it will last a very long time. A few things... 1) Dont buy a Jeep Wrangler without test driving and loving everything about it. If you have a big smile on your face each time, you are good to go. 2) There is at least $4,000 or so in markup, so do your shopping research and negotiate. Mine stickered at $32,500, got it for $27,800. 3) So far in city driving Im getting about 320 miles per tank. 4) Custom ordering took 7 weeks.

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  I love my JGC - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Alaska Violet - April 6 - 4:36 am

  I got a great deal on my 97 Grand Cherokee Limited and I love it! I have owned Subarus for the last 15 years in Alaska, but I am enjoying my Jeep even more. Goes great in snow and ice with no studs. Love the stereo and options galore. Has 97000 miles and my mechanic has found no mechanical problems. I still have to get the drivers heated seat fixed, power not getting there. I will keep this one until it dies, then get another.

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  Not for the faint of heart. - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By madmanstan - April 6 - 1:01 am

  If you plan on driving on the road all the time and you are very young, maybe this vehicl will do, but it has average gas mileage to be expected from an american SUV and its a rough ride in town. That said if you have time to actually use your jeep for offroading and trail running the jeep wrangler is excellent. I cant imagine trying to take a scion up some of the places I have gone in this jeep, and the soft top and removeable doors are always off. Great to drive at night in the summer here and the improved coilspring suspension is a step up from the older leafspring. Still stiff though, so like I say, its not for the faint of heart.

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  A great car! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By podedwards - April 5 - 11:46 pm

  The 2007 Wrangler is hardly underpowered. In fact, the V6 with six speed manual and 4.10 rear end is an excellent cruiser and cant be touched off road. When I want to go quickly, I drive my 2006 Hemi Grand Cherokee. The hard top on my Wrangler Sahara Unlimited is trouble a makes for a very quiet ride. The MyGig system is by far the best in technology for navigation and sound system. Lots of room and a comfortable ride.

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  Very disappointed Jeep owner - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NotAHappyCamper - April 5 - 1:13 pm

  This is my first Jeep and my first American car. What a disappointment. The car is always giving me problem. Just recently at 27K miles the transmission went. Then again at 36K miles and within a year of the transmission some circuit board that controls the transmission blows. Then itÂ’s the squeaky wheel which will cost me $800 to fix. The car is falling apart and it only has 36K miles and 4.5 years old. BE AWARE AND DO NOT BUY A JEEP. I am trading mine for a more reliable car.

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  Exceeds expectations, 5.7 hemi - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By unclewilly1 - April 5 - 3:06 am

  I bought this Commander about 18 months ago with 140k miles. Limited, 5.7L 4x4 quadradrive-II. I am in North Carolina, Raleigh; I think this was a California car, thats where home was on the GPS. I love this Jeep, my third, two Grand Cherokees before (1998 & 2000), this is my favorite. I do a lot of maintenance myself, or at least diagnose before going to the shop; never to the Jeep dealership if it can be helped. I have not had to perform any non-maintenance activities since ownership. My wife has our 2000 GC Larado 2WD with almost 200k miles (amazing relialibity) and I plan on upgrading to a (2015+) Grand cherokee 4wd Overland in the next 18 months or so.

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  Love My Jeep Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By 39thWisInf - April 4 - 5:06 pm

  I have had my Patriot for over two years and have put on about 24,000 miles on it. It still runs like new. I have the 2.4L with a 5sp man trans. I average 26-27mpg on the street and 30 on the highway. The vehicle is underpowered, but considering the MPG I get it is a fair trade off. I enjoy the roomy interior and cargo space. I can haul all my Civil War Reenacting stuff with no problem. I like the Spartan interior which is easy to clean. The biggest knock against it is the small (11.5 gal) gas tank. Value for the price, compared to the other "big three" offerings, was a big plus also. I wanted simple reliable transportation at a decent price. I got it.

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  Perfect Small SUV - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By jammy2 - April 4 - 4:26 pm

  Love this Jeep!! Its everything I wanted in a SUV. I went from an Olds Alero to this jeep and couldnt be happier. My kids have so much more room to stretch out in.