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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  Good -- But not quite what it could be - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RLF100 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  A darned good vehicle to wrap yourself in lots of safety steel. "Built like a Jeep" -- with good reason: it has honorably withstood serious bangups. But...glitches like rapidly wearing brake rotors and transmission flukes make it less than inspirational for assurance of maintainence free driving. Like many SUVs, it seems a bit tippy -- and a whole lot less nibble than a comparably priced sedan. A great car to lease for 3 years...and then let someone pick up wiht repair prices. But...while you lease it, it has a strong sense of encased safety.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ShellyBear - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Well, ive only had my jeep a little over a month. But, I love it ! It rides smooth. Its very comfortable. I only wish I had bought one sooner.

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  Looks Good-and thats about it. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By toby04 - March 18 - 4:03 am

  Hate it. I bought my jeep about 5 months ago-brand new (Limited 3.7) and loved it-and than-problem central.Front driver seat had to be replaced. Windshield is starting to leak.Front Driver window started to get stuck.Moon Roof leaks thru car wash. Three visits to the garage in 2 months time. To bad-I really enjoyed it at first. Owned a Honda Accord Ex before-will be purchasing one again very soon.Bought the jeep for the 4 wheel drive-that works great-so far.Hope people have better luck.

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  I love my Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By She - March 17 - 9:43 pm

  Great SUV; not great on gas and with prices now, you may want to consider mileage, but better than other SUVs. Comfortable, reliable, safe. Only problem, is with the windows ... when rear windows are open there is a very loud sound that sounds like you have a flat tire.

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  Check Engine light - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Kelley - March 17 - 6:53 am

  I have owned my Jeep for a year now. I love it when it is not in the shop. I have a problem with the check engine light coming on and it will idle rough. The dealership does not seem to be concerned about this. They use a machine and cut the light off but it comes on again in about 1000 miles and they just do the same thing. I have spent several trips trying to get them to fix the problem only to be told if it breaks down call the 1-800 number and they will come get it.

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  Whats with Consumer Reports Magazine - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By stm - March 17 - 4:50 am

  We love this car. It handles great, easy to park and has a comfortable ride. We dont understand the negatives given by Consumer Reports Magazine. Only two things they wrote fit with our experiences driving this car. We have owned other Jeeps and this is our favorite.

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  Great off road vehicle - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By tom - March 17 - 12:33 am

  I use the vehicle in extreme off road hunting situations. Only modification is a 3 inch lift and 6 additional lights. It goes anywhere. I am a professional guide & retired law man, & I go where a goat should not. The only thing I would like is better fuel mileage on the highway. It has the 4 ltr./auto trans. Great vehicle, for what it was made for. Have tried many others, including imports. They cannot stay close in the off road situations. Requires more than normal maintenance, but that is the price you pay

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  Jeep Got it Right - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By New Patriot Owner - March 16 - 10:56 pm

  Ive always been loyal to Jeep and have owned two Wranglers, so when I say the Patriot feels like a luxury SUV keep in mind I dont have much to compare it to. But after just a few days zipping around in this wonderful SUV, I cant believe that some owners are giving it only so-so reviews. I bought the Limited Patriot because I was looking for several things: 4-cylinder, comfortable ride with lots of cool stuff (leather, sunroof, heated seats) and of course it has to be a "real" Jeep. Give the folks at Jeep credit - if they didnt create the Patriot they would have lost me as a long-time customer. I was looking at other small, gas-sipping SUVs like the RAV 4 and the CRV. Not now!

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  Cant go anyother way - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JeepBeast - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I Love my zj, got the 318 v8 in it and man that motor is solid and fast with the quadra trac transfer case. Gotten stuck once in it but easy to pull out. Has 175,263 miles on it and still running strong and tranny shifts smooth. Gas mileage is alright for a vehicle that is 15 years old. about 15 in city and 22 on highway give or take. Would drive it anywhere and Chrysler can build a great vehicle.

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  this vehicle is really holding up well.. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By carlrun - March 15 - 4:20 am

  I ride to NYC everyday (45 miles each way). I spend a lot of time driving. This is one of the best all around vehicles Ive ever had. Smooth ride, not squishy. Good isolation from the road. Great visibility, sturdy, relatively quiet, no rattles yet. Rides over potholes and ruts great. Turning radius is excellent. And, its 4 wheel drive...so snow is no problem.