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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  Most Versatile, Fun, Sexy, Reliable Vehicle Ever Built - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By jamesdoolin - February 26 - 3:46 am

  I bought my Wrangler new in June 2001 and now have 193,000 miles as of Oct.2011 Still runs STRONG. Ive used it to pull a 28 foot parasail in open fields. I own a boat rental business and have been pulling and towing 5000 pound trailers for years even though its only rated to pull 2500. Can take a while to stop with 5000 pounds behind you though :) I use my Wrangler for advertising, Ive got a large removable neon sign hanging between the roll bars in the back! Love to take the top down and the doors off and blast my music! Did a little 4x4 early on and it can handle it. Ice, snow, beach, no problem. Wranglers are great fun, if you dont like em then youre not fun. Ill keep mine 4ever.

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  Good and Bad Jeep - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jenniferw - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Love the Jeep - BUT, has cost me a lot of money this last year. Bought it used from a dealership 3 yrs ago. This year I needed new pistons b/c they were cracked = $1800. Also needed new U- Joints = $350 and the A/C died over the summer. My husbands 1996 Nissan Maxima has 225k miles and he hasnt had a single problem with it! Im unloading it soon and buying an import.

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  Warrantee Magic - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By VAB13 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  All you have to do is spend $2,000 on the extended warrantee like I did. They must have flipped the reliability switch on mine when I paid for it, because in 88,000 miles Ive had almost no problems other than 3 (count em 3) fuel gauges. I love the car, but talk about depreciation! Never again.

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  Jeep Grand choeroke - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dougqrs@yahoo.com - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Jeep Grand Choeroke. Need a good reliable car for driving 500 miles round trip to and from the river house

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  LOVE my Jeep except for ONE thing ... - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HWright83 - February 25 - 5:20 am

  I got this Jeep back in April and I have absolutely fallen in love with it. Except ... the transmission went out and its costing me $2100 to fix. Yikes! The Jeep has 129k on it, but everything else works just fine. Love my Jeep! Will definably buy a newer one for my next car. :)

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  First JEEP! Sahara Unlimtd 4x4 Automatic - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Big Al Choo - February 24 - 3:13 pm

  Wanted one since high school but avid Consumer Reports guy and always drove Hondas and Toyotas. Not so good Consumer Reports ratings for Wrangler but hey, had to have one to see annd experience for myself! So far, so good. Top rating: FUN TO DRIVE! Folks, theres no other 4 door convertible out there and with 2 kids, this is the one that has room to haul the youngsters and the weekend gear! Topless driving is a breeze with the sunrider soft top. Undo the rain flaps and some clamps, and in 5 minutes you have a massive sunroof open to the passenger row. The complete removal takes 2 people and 15 minutes though. Outdoor free air driving: PRICELESS.

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  Yes they can last! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By long island resident - February 24 - 2:16 pm

  Im the third owner of my Jeep. I bought it at 191,000. Today, Im proud to say its at 298,000 and still running strong. Just know this, I recently entered my vin on carfax out of curiosity and found out the 96s have a recall for the catalytic converter. I had no idea. I actually paid a lot of money for a mechanic to fix this almost 2 years ago and its acting up again. Im bringing it into the dealer tomorrow. Know your car!

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  Rubicon Review - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By cmccall05 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  It takes whatever I can throw at it and keeps going! Amazing 4x4!

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  Best 4x4 ever made!!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tlbeek - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned three different Jeeps now and this is by the most comfortable, best 4x4 in its class. Well worth every penny!!! Would recommend to anyone who can afford it!

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  Luxury... Power... Style... Hi-tech - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By mekadeeg - February 24 - 5:56 am

  It is everything you could ever want from a vehicle. It is the 2nd 08 Jeep Commander in our family...(1) 4X4 and this one. The 5.7 V8 will never leave you in a tight spot...press the gas and your off...suddenly everyone is in the rear view mirror. The luxury details inside are right there with the best of them....and more. You can spend 80K on a luxury sedan and get half the features this Commander offers...and talk about a smooth ride.