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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  Great Choice - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By AZPops - January 3 - 1:30 pm

  This is my first Jeep, within a few days of taking delivery I took it on a 500 mile drive and I can say that it was a pleasure to drive. The 6 speed manual trans was very smooth. The soft top buffered quite a bit doing 70 to 75 mph when the cross winds were strong and with my window open (but, would like to add that I did not purchase this vehicle for the highway). Even with some strong desert cross winds the Jeep was very stable and sure footed. The AC worked extremely well in the 100 plus degree weather, on the highway and in the city. I did add the 17 inch aluminum wheels to the deal, which gave the Jeep a little more ground clearance and gave it a better look.

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  what a joke - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By What a joke - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst vehicle ive ever driven. I have 6 cylinder, wish i had 4 because they put 3.07 gears in mine which makes it suck. I have not used 5th gear yet. cant climb hills in 4th. Gas mileage is about 14 (probably cause i cant use the high gears). Water comes in through floor when i go through puddles or it rains (about an inch, easy). Brakes warped when i got it, warped again at 12000 miles, again at 20,000 miles. Shakes like hell at 60+ mph. They said nothing was wrong. Ive had two CJs, 3 YJs, and this TJ. Worst wrangler I ever bought. Never buy one again, unless its an old CJ or a YJ. Plus it cost me almost twice as much as those ever did.

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  1 Fine Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Vinson - January 3 - 10:00 am

  My Rubicon was not purchased to be my primary form of transportation. But, it soon became my primary vehicle. The gas milage is crapy, but it was not made to be used for the highway. This is my third jeep.

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  Jeep Rollover - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By s47extreme - January 3 - 2:00 am

  The jeep sport has been by far the best vehicle I have personally owned. It was very reliable and for a SUV, gas milage was great. It was a little uncomfortable to drive long distances and road kinda rough on those long road trips, but again its an SUV. I rolled this vehicle 2.5 times off the road and into a ditch at 55 mph. The vehicle was turned back over, I started it up and drove away in it. I was suprised.

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  2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jgkeller - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Really only one problem with this vehicle. Brakes...twice back into shop for adjustment. All other aspects seem very good...no other problems whatsoever.

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  In love with my Jeep Liberty! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Katie - January 2 - 8:33 pm

  I love the 2006 Jeep Liberty! I went from a 1999 VW Bug into the Jeep and was nervous about the differences. I now find that sitting higher up in a vehicle is perfect for my 510 frame. I feel much safer in the Jeep. I was also worried about turns and parking in the Jeep for its so much bigger than the Bug. Ive found that the Jeep performs better in both areas! It makes sharp turns with ease, U-Turns are a breeze, and parking is no problem. Except for being a gas guzzler, I recommend this vehicle to anyone!

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  Comfortable on road, not suited for extreme off-roading! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gavin10 - January 2 - 1:13 pm

  I reside in Dubai, UAE and purchased this vehicle after reading reviews and watching several adverts about how the car performs well off-road. The truth - it cannot do well on major sand dunes. Around 10+ of these have had damaged radiator/condenser units after being driven offroad because of sudden jumps. Even the Overland model has had bad luck here. Thru insurance i got my radiator replaced, but weeks later overheating problems occured for which Jeep/Chrysler could not figure out why - so they changed the whole engine under warranty! Still didnt fix the issue! Later found that the coolant compartment was leaking! Extremely poor reliability of this vehicle. Jeep UAE admits it shamelessly.

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  Hi-N-Low desert runner - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By steve citron - January 1 - 3:57 am

  While I love my car, mine does not have cruise control. Since I live so far away from a metropolitan area, I need to travel a good distance to shop, and to get other services like medical, dental, cleaners, and food. It sometimes is hard to keep my speed down, as it wants to travel at speed, and I do not always want to do that. The speed limit out here in the desert is 65, but sometimes I find the speed creeping up to over 75!! So, I guess you must be vigilant to watch your speed out in the highways. I have had my Jeep for 13 years, and have over 120,000 miles, not ONE major repair, and I am able to do simple service easily like oil change, filters, air and transmission filters, even spark plugs. so my car has been absolutely trouble free. I am on my 3rd set of tires, and just replaced them last summer at over 48,000 miles! My three dogs love riding in it too! I also own a 2006 Jeep Wrangler, and I wish it were as trouble free.

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  my thoughts - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jennszu - December 31 - 5:10 am

  I love my Liberty. We bought it when it first came out, and now there is one on every corner! Original tires were awful, but new tires make all the difference. You cant complain about the bumpy ride since it is, after all, a Jeep. In the winter it handles like a dream. When the streets are impossible for cars to drive down, I can easily get around. The part time 4WD is great to have in my area. I just love this thing! MPG needs improvement though.

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  Never Again - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By neva - December 31 - 3:56 am

  This JGCL was my first ever American car and i assure you all it will be my last. My first inspection a rear shock was bad. A year into my lease brakes and a fuel sensor went. 18 months into my lease transmission slipped. After four visits to the dealer and being rebuilt twice its still giving me problems. Do not buy this car. Thank God I leased it!