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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  Cant Go Wrong. - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Robert - December 30 - 3:53 pm

  Looking for a small/mid-size SUV that really is a Sport Utility Vehicle? Theyre are very few choices left, and the Liberty has always been a front-runner. The right combination of Old-School tried and true Jeep four wheeler know-how, and a good helping of modern safety, capability, and convenience additions. Its not my first Jeep, but it is my favorite so far. I have the 2007 Latitude Edition, and love the combinations of features and pricing. Only thing I miss? Mine doesnt have the overhead trip-computer, oh well. Overall a great vehicle. Styling has held up extremely well since the introduction, and if you dont like the "BOX" trend that Jeeps following, get one now while you can.

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  Overland Leather Dash Warped and Blistered - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jabaseball - December 30 - 8:51 am

  I bought this car in January of 2012 and by November of that year notice some minor bubbles in leather dash. By mid summer of 2013 it was very noticeable and by early spring of 2014 it was ridiculous. Warps, bubbles, waves in the leather and the plastic inserts. I drive a lot so I was beyond 36K miles by the time I complained though the car has only been in service 26 months or so and mileage has nothing to do with the dashboard disaster. So far the dealer will only respond that it is out of warranty. Other than the dashboard and some minor complaints about paint quality on the non-metallic body parts, the vehicle is excellent.

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  Awesome - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dan - December 30 - 4:50 am

  This is my 5th Wrangler. 1997, 2000, 2004 and a 2006 were all new. I also had a 1995 used. You can no way beat a Wrangler in the snow or off road. The gas mileage has a bit to be desired but its worth it for the fun you have. The 95, 97, 00, all had a 2.5 liter 4 cylinders. great 4 cylinders. The 04 had a 2.4 liter, and I had to downshift on every little slope. The 2.4 lacks a lot compared to the 2.5. My 06, which I bought a week ago. is a 4.0 liter and just screams. It wants to go. The 6 speed tranny is great also. No downshifting anymore. Id recommend a Wrangler to everyone.

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  A Really Fast SUV... - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ARH1956 - December 29 - 10:20 pm

  The 6.1 Hemis 400+ ft lbs of torque, from just off idle, partnered with the superb MB 5-speed automatic assure that theres a constant flow of maximum thrust available. What a hoot to drive. I picked up my GC SRT-8 with 9 miles on it & the first tank averaged 10.5 mpg. Hey, thats better than with my H2, LOL. Yesterday, with 500 miles on my SRT-8 I took a 300 mile trip, 40% @ 70mph ...50% @ 55mph ... with a little in town driving mixed in & averaged 16.4 mpg. Hey, I can deal with that.

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  Shake, Rattle & Roll - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rick Williams - December 29 - 12:36 pm

  The Brake Pads were shot @ 2000 Miles. I had to pay for a new set out of my own pocket. The cheapest brake pads I have ever seen. At 40 mph the front end will shake you out of the drivers seat. This folks is a brand new jeep. I cant seem to get any dealer to fix the shimmy. So I am selling it never to buy another jeep.

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  98JeepCherokee Lmt - Strong & Reliable - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By 98JeepCherkLmt - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for almost 6 years. I have not had one problem with it. It is strong and reliable. Suprisingly good handling. Jeeps are great vehicles that are fun to drive in every condition (except windy conditions). This truck combines the rough and rugged with a taste of luxury with its leather seats and steering wheel and 10 cd disc changer. I give it two thumbs up.

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  I adore my jeep. I want to marry it. - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By MegCram - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I really love this car. It was my dads until two years ago when he gave it to me for my sixteenth birthday. Its fun to drive -lots of power, and its never had to go into the shop for anything major. In almost 3 years Ive put about 70,000 miles on it because I travel a ways to school, but the only problem is that sometimes- in very cold weather- it doesnt want to start immediately...and thats not too much of an inconvienence. And the gas milage isnt terrible for an SUV-I get about 23 mpg. It still runs great and I could drive it forever. I love my jeep, I really do.

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  Red Jeep - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DP - December 29 - 10:00 am

  After purchasing my Jeep, I had the vehicled into the dealer shop three times during the warranty period because of a leaky transmission. It continued to leak after the warranty ran out. The leak was small, but kept a mess on my garage floor. I maintained the fluid level. At about 85,000 the transmission failed. The vehicle has been back to the transmission shop 5 times because of leaks. It continues to leak.

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  jeep review - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By hotrodd - December 29 - 10:00 am

  These jeeps rule if your looking for a fun drive anywhere truck. It lacks some room but makes up for it in the fun factor department. I went with a h/t because of mid-west winters. Ive always wanted one and would consider getting another one anyday. Jeep - Theres no substitute!

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  tahoe bound - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By daroost - December 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Grand Cherokee, and I love it just as much as the first one. Its a beautiful car that rides very smooth, and has a very luxurious feel to it. My transmission went out on my 95 at 85,000 and I already took my new one in for a transmission recall at 500 miles. The trans is the only complaint I have with Jeep. Would buy another one for sure.