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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  New jk sold to me with known Problems - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By wtbuck - January 20 - 2:37 am

  I purchased this JK on May 5,2011 and noticed battery light was on. Then it was alt, then battery cable, then oil change etc... Just the start of the delivery from Hell. Cant possibly get all the lies and bs on here. To make long story short todays date is June 14, 2011. I still have no air and according to corporate no date when they can get parts to fix problem. All I ever get is I cant tell you that Im not authorized. I thought I bought a new vehicle. I feel like they used this Jeep for a parts vehicle of course they say no. But they can!

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  Thanks Son! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Oscar - January 18 - 3:36 pm

  I bought this vehicle after my son suggested it to us. We were trading a 2004 Ford Explorer XLT when my son said check out the Commander. After a test drive and a great dealer price we have a great vehicle that is safe and fun to drive. If it wasnt for my son and his study of the vehicle I was looking at an GMC Envoy. Try this one and you will like it.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John - January 17 - 4:00 pm

  This is the 5th Jeep and 3rd Grand Cherokee weve owned (1987 thru 2001) and all have been excellent vehicles. Mechcanical reliability (all had the long proven 4.0L engine) has been outstanding. On the 2001 LTD I did have some front brake rotor vibration at about 30,000 mi, but the entire assemblies were replaced under warranty and no problems in the 16,000 mi since. This car is both sharp looking, very comfortable and tough. It;s the best 4wd vehicle I have driven in snow (Maine winters). The 1998 Laredo I gave to my daughter is still going strong at 150,000+ with only brakes, tires and shocks replaced.

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  GOOD YEAR - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By slaughter - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I am at 99000 miles. I have the 318 V8 which is not a gas milage engine but the power is good and I tow a 5500lb travel trailer in the summer. I have replaced the brakes at 65000 and the right rear axle at 90000 also a power steering pump bolt broke at 68000. All in all I have been satisfied with my GCL. I owned two K5 Blazers and I prefer driving the Jeep. I dont know how the 2004 models are holding up so I will put another 100,000 on this one.

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  Trust the reviews - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By adtsalesman - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I wish I would have believed the reviews before I bought my 2000 Grand Cherokee. Nice car but things just keep breaking. Like everybody else; door-locks, brakes, weather stripping, and fuel pump. If you buy this car I GUARANTEE you will be spending money on stipid repairs.

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  Life Time Warranty does not mean Life Time Warrenty - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By 2007liberty - January 17 - 3:13 am

  Back in 2007 our family purchased 2 Jeep Liberties. Our Limited has about 51,000 miles. The trans went on it. Now, we have a Life Time Warranty on it so we thought we were covered. Nope! It needed to be inspected for our warranty to count? No where on the contract does it state this. Do not trust your contracts. This company will find ways around for filling them. Were never buying a Jeep again. They just lost over 20 people in our family who have bought Jeeps in the past but will never buy them again in the future.

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  Diesel Dilemmas - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By sarah - January 16 - 5:30 pm

  Lots of low end power and torque for climbing hills, when it is running ok. Has been in the shop 5 times in the 9 months that I have had the Liberty. Most of the time they reset or flash the computer and send you out down the road and then youre back the next day when the check engine light comes back on. Seems there is a defect in the EGR valve that either hangs open or leaks by causing the diesel motor to lurch on cruise. I think this problem will show up more as mileage on others increase.

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  Go with the automatic :() - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By motown_guy - January 16 - 2:51 am

  I went with the manual tranny which I regret. The low torgue requires you to bump up the rpms quite a bit to get this thing going. Once going its fairly responsive as long as you keep the tach above 1800 or so. If you shift at or above around 3200 or so, you feel a LOT of vibration coming back thru the clutch pedal and the reverse gear seems to have been delivered with some rough teeth - sounds like you are grinding hamburger if you go very far in reverse. Handling on the other hand is very good. Its fun to corner with this rig and it stays very flat. Its quite on decent roads and rides comfortably. The center armrest is too short and cumbersome (it moves fore and aft).

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  Love this car - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By hounddogrunning - January 15 - 9:53 pm

  I love this car. I had a 2005 Liberty, this 2008 is much better. The smoother ride, larger interior, this is a great car. I also recommend the Sky Slider Roof - it is great!

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  Good rugged SUV - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Frans - January 15 - 9:36 am

  Wanted car that was rugged and could stand bumps without feeling that you damaged something. The ride is rugged and smooth, so is the auto shifting. Gas mileage is poor 17-20 mpg (with the cost of gas. The storage capability is also poor (glove box is small and so it the front storage bin).