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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  Very Happy so far - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Jean - March 22 - 8:40 pm

  I have been buying Toyotas for many years now. This is my first American car. I have test drove a few other SUV before buying this jeep. I tested the Volkswagen Tiguan, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Mitsubishi Outlander and the Suburu Forester. All theses SUV have great 4x4s. The Honda element and CRV have weak 4x4 system and the RAV4 is too narrow inside for my big stature. So it came down to the Outlander and the Jeep. Well it turn out that the Outlander and the Patriot have the same CVT transmission and motor (2.4l)called the "World Motor" design by Chrysler/Mitsubishi and Hyundai. I decided on the Jeep because handle bumps a little better I tough than the Outlander. More quiet inside too.

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  Way to go Toledo! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Nate&Cheryl - March 21 - 12:16 pm

  We traded in my wifes Toyota RAV4 for this Jeep largely due to Toyotas poor customer service in Hawaii. I couldnt drive or ride in the RAV4 because it made me carsick for some reason. So the Jeep was a good trade. I must admit we spent way more than we should have since dealers in Hawaii are a big rip off! The only problem we have had with the Liberty was a flasher that went out last spring $38 part from the dealership and I put it in myself in under 20 minutes. I would prefer better tires than the Goodyears that are on it now. Its good to see that Jeep is still making a good product and keeping Americans employed in Toledo, Ohio. Thanks MOPAR for our family car.

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  Still loving this SUV after almost 4 years - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By vpjeep - March 21 - 11:11 am

  I have had this 2010 GC Laredo 3.7L base model for almost 4 years. No fancy shmancy bells or whistles; the 2WD SUV is perfect for southern/rainy climates. It sits up high, steering is tight/responsive, super Mercedes W5A580 tried- and-tested transmission, and a window liftgate to carry long items. (Very few SUVs have that window liftgate feature.) In 4 years, I have had nothing but smooth, reliable performance. TIRES. Oh what a difference good tires make- recently replaced the stock Forteras with Michelin LTX M/S and it feels like a brand new car with perfect handling. I am even happier with it now. Corners great, solid grip and confidence in major rain, and a ride smooth as glass.

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  Good Price for a Disposable (Laredo RWD) - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By PuertoRico - March 21 - 12:26 am

  Good price among same category SUVs available having many more features for the same price as competitors. Has nice handling in curves thanks to ESP and electronic transmission control. Descent sound quality and air conditioning unit. Center rear view mirror auto dimming is definitely a plus. Transmission is jumpy and kicks from time to time. Interior finishes are kind of mediocre and unfortunately there are noises from the trunks posts plastic covers and in the front console

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  Finally a 4 Door - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Joe C - March 20 - 8:46 am

  I has always wanted a Jeep but owning a 2 door was not an option. When I saw the 4 Door as a concept in Autoweek I told my wife if they make it I will own it. Purchased a 4 Door Wrangler X 2 wheel Drive in 2007. Loved it every day until it was totaled on Jun 1st, 2010. I had 40,000 miles on the Jeep with no Issues. The only thing I wished was that I had purchased a 4 wheel Drive. Well, On June 15th 2010---I found a 2007 Wrangler Sahara 4 door 4x4 with only 13,800 miles on it and jumped on it. I love this Jeep. My son has a 1997 tj and although it is a completely different animal he love his as well. Thanks, joe

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  1997 Cherokee Sport - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Aaron - March 20 - 6:06 am

  Very fun all around vehicle. In town its the perfect little grocery getter. Turns sharper than my Accord. Also great acceleration. Up in the high country it has been very good offroad in place most other suvs cant go. What I have replaced so far is the radiator and TPS sensor but that has just been in the last 5,000 or so miles and it is at 157,000 right now. It has been good to me for the last 10 years and I hope to keep it for another 10.

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  Good to be back - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Frank - March 19 - 3:06 pm

  So much improved over previous years. Ride, noise level, handling, all big improvements. Getting better than advertised mileage with a combined 21mpg (6 speed). Its a real headturner. Did some mild off-road stuff, I thought I was still on the pavement. Looking forward to more in the spring. Too soon for reliability comments, but Im hoping for the best.

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  Perfect on all counts! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By phiner913 - March 18 - 4:13 pm

  When I ran into this car on a lot with 140k on the counter, I had no hesitation. I know several people sitting at well over 300k still driving them daily, and they are not the most maintenance minded people in the world. I bought my jeep as a car to park at the airport every week when I travel for work, but have quickly found myself driving it more than my brand new silverado or my wifes Lexus. With the farmers almanac predictions for this winter on the east coast I absolutely cant wait to take this billy goat out playing in the snow on the way to go snowboarding. If you find one regardless of the miles buy it fast, it will last forever and is easy to fix on the rare chance it breaks.

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  Happy with JEEP - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sandra Digilio - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep with 53,000 miles, so far I have had the stabalizer replaced. I love my Jeep, it is very comfortable and I really enjoy the drive. It has a tough look and a strong sturdy frame. I plan to keep it for the next four years and in ll honesty I feel I made a great decision to purchase my Jeep.

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  Great for off the high way - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By marimara - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Loved it until I moved away and had to drive hard on the express ways. Not built for that. No pull. You can push it and it will make it eventually. Driving this car is a unique experience from other vehicles. Fun? Yeah! For Routine Driving? Not! Its a TOY. Soft tops and zippered windows become a drag in the winter time. Certainly a warmer climate and off high way car.