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:

• 

  Liberty4x4 Diesel - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By spete - December 9 - 4:00 pm

  I have owned over 30 vehicles in 35 years and this is the most "fun to drive" vehicle ever. It is quick, loads of torque, and is just a great vehicle. Pulls my trailer with ease.

• 

  Last of the originals - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By 4x4offroad - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Has been the most fun and reliable new vehicle I have ever owned. I have 160,000 mile and have had very little problems. The big problem is the c- converter (lucky if it makes it to 50,000), IÂ’m on my third, and the mirrors rust on every 94 that I have seen. Only on my second set of brakes and still has the original trans and alternator. Very easy to do the maintenance yourself, saves lots of $$

• 

  hope it comes back - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By djb - December 9 - 10:00 am

  My jeep is used for pulling heavy loads, hunting, fishing, scuba diving, trapping, and fun. My friends always comment on how jeep should use me in their commercials. I find that it is extremely nimble off road, and has great power and handling on the highway (even when pulling a load). Bottom line is that it`s reliable and practical. It carries a large canoe well with it`s sqaure racks and it`s size is just right. I went on a 10,000 km trip across canada and it was loaded to the max. It drove like a charm, both on and off the road. From anyone I know with a jeep, mine has many years left. Hopefully the jeep will be brought back by the time I need to replace this one.

• 

  Gotta love this truck! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By HunterR - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I just got my third Jeep Cherokee! So far I have had nothing but luck! The first Cherokee I got is a 1987 Cherokee, manual trans., 4wd which now has over 230,000 miles on it and still runs fine! My second Jeep is a 1998 Red Cherokee, manual trans. with over 100,000 miles on it and it also runs like new! My newest Cherokee is also a 1998, auto trans, 4wd with 43,000 which also runs like new! I still have all three of them and probably will never sell any of them. The only problem with Jeep that I can think of is that they stopped production of the Cherokee. Personally I think Jeep made a huge mistake when they did it.

• 

  Sorry Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By DannyH - December 7 - 3:46 am

  This vehicle was bought AS-IS and I tell ya i thought it looked ok and everything seemed cool even on the test drive. Well I was fooled, in the three years i owned it i spend just as much TRYING to repair it as i spend on the vehicle itself. Problems included, speedo, windows not closing, stalling on low RPMs, and more. Well the motor blew and i couldnt be happier. Thats right, happier to move on to none Jeep/Chrysler product. I bought a Ford Explorer XLT today.

• 

  Grand Cherokee!!!! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JNJ - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 01 Grand Cherokee limited 4wd V8 from Dedham Auto Mall in Dedham, MA and I couldnt be happier. The dealership was great and so isnt the car. I use this car for both on-road everyday driving and occasionally off- road when I get a chance. Its the best. I havent had a single problem with this car and it is the second new body style grand cherokee I have owned. I love it, and I will keep it as long as I can until I want a new Jeep.

• 

  Nothing better than a Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Fan - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Wrangler Ive owned. By far, it is one of the most fun vehicles produced today. Top off in the summer, 4WD in the winter. Fuel economy is terrible, but you cant expect much out of a tank with a tent. New top design has made it one of the quietest Wranglers yet.

• 

  Very nice vehicle - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sleepyweasel - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This has been a very nice vehicle so far. We have put 1300 miles on it in the month that we have owned it. Have averaged 17.8 mpg with the V8 in a mix of city and highway driving. Biggest complaint so far comes from a fat kid that put a door ding in it on the third day of ownership. The dealership we purchased the vehicle from was very pleasant to deal with, especially after being lied to by a Mitsubishi dealer. The Jeep handles well on the open highway and has a tight turning radius for the parking lots. Ample power and torque from the V8. Quiet at highways speeds. 5 speed transmission always seems to be in the right gear for the situation.

• 

  great - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By dominic - December 6 - 4:13 am

  I love this Liberty truck and it is wonderful drive and easier to park than midsize trucks. If you are single you should buy compact suv to save space; if with kids thats different.

• 

  Just a kittle more power please - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Daved - December 6 - 2:13 am

  I planned on buying a base Wrangler X and tricking it out myself. My wife talked me out of it a said to get a 2dr Sahara. Thankfully I listened to her. The convenience features are great. The ride is good and the quality is among the best vehicles Ive owned. The freedom top is easy to use. I had the Dual Top Group and have no intention of using the soft top. I sold the soft top to purchase a Banks Cold Air Intake and Cat-back Exhaust. Hopefully, this will add some much needed power. I would buy another one in a heartbeat and recommend it to anyone that is looking to add some fun to their daily drive. I had no idea this much fun could be had on four wheels.