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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  Not Recommended :( - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By carguru12 - December 5 - 11:17 pm

  We have owned this Jeep since it was brand new. The performance is great on the V8, as is the features we have (leather, navigation, DVD, satellite radio) but we take great care of our vehicles, and unfortunately this generation of Grand Cherokee has held up the worst of all of the ones weve owned (weve owned three out of the four generations of Grand Cherokee). The center console lid is worn, the rear DVD headphones broke, etc. They claim it is "quieter than a Jaguar S-Type 3.0", but the transmission is quite noisy. I dont recommend this generation of Grand Cherokee.

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  Love my Liberty! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Jo4Lola - December 5 - 9:26 am

  I bought my Liberty when they first came out. I was two weeks shy of getting the 100,000 warranty which really irked me. I love to drive my Liberty. Its great for one or two passengers, but would be too small in the back seat for a larger family. The lack of legroom in the back is my only real issue, but that allows for a lot of cargo room in a relatively small SUV. I have had no significant problems except for two: My radio dies and replacement tires are too expensive!

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  Piece of Junk - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Mike - December 5 - 8:49 am

  I purchased a new 2009 Jeep Patriot . The dealership replaced the transmission after 3 years due to overheating and noise. After I reached the 50k mileage mark, I have replaced most of the front suspension i.e. (Upper/lower control arms, etc.) a few times every 15k miles. I have heard from various mechanics that all low priced Jeeps are constantly in the shop with issues. I will NEVER purchase another JEEP or Chrysler product.

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Amber - December 4 - 8:33 pm

  I love my jeep. Were about to hit 100000 miles and ive never had one thing go wrong with it.. scared ill jinx myself now.. but overall this cars been awesome. i love it and its the best vehicle ive ever owned.. treat your jeep good and itll be good to you!!

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  Patriot Blue Jeep Liberty 4x4 Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By meprofbos - December 4 - 10:53 am

  This vehicle is FUN! Well built, great drive on and off the roads! Loaded with all the extras sunroof, chrome package etc! A really well built vehicle!

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  Mediocre at Best - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By jc - December 4 - 7:16 am

  I had to have the transmission replaced after 6 years. Of course, I could be dealing with a dishonest repair shop. Chronic problem with number 3 misfire, rattling, drive train seems to clunk in rear and under shifter. I am not rough on the car, I do not off road, but I do use the car off road occasionally for hunting, fishing, or snowy conditions.

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  fun fun fun - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By Harold B Donnelly - December 4 - 5:10 am

  This is a true suv and fun to drive

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  Ruined on Mopar products - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By loveanicecar - December 4 - 4:16 am

  Drive it for a week prior to purchasing, you will change your mind if coming from a GM vehicle. This is the second Chrysler product I have owned and the second I have been unhappy with. For the 2nd time since 08/07 I have had gear shifter problems and is in the shop to have it replaced again. Unlike GM dealerships and their catering to customers while their vehicle is in for service I was handed a lowest of the line Jeep Patriot as a loaner. Just goes to show how much Jeep appreciates their customers. I will NEVER purchase another Chrysler product once I get rid of this one. From GM to Chrysler is like going from luxury to ghetto in my opinion.

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  One sweet SUV !! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By lakiemom - December 3 - 5:33 pm

  I have owned and absolutely cherished my Cherokee Limited 4WD. It is the best suv I have owned in my lifetime. Its performance has been top notch. There were two recalls for heat shields that came and went without a hitch. I knew that the jeep tranny was clunky when I bought it. The 4wd engage is also clunky but after 7 years I have gotten used to it. I dont off-road but I have been in some raging winter weather in the New Mexico mountains and it has sailed through like the champ it is. My first set of tires lasted 80,000 miles and I have 27,000 on my second set with no issues to date. The bun warming seats are terrific. Cant beat a Cherokee. Cant imagine why they stopped producing them.

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  Val misses the old style - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Val - December 3 - 4:26 pm

  I have a 94 Wrangler and LOVE IT; wont part with it, still runs and looks great 160,000+ miles on it. I recently purchased a 2004 because everyone said the 94 was getting too old. I still drive my 94 everyday. Im finding it hard to get use to the new style. I really miss the old interior spread out simple dash; the old style soft top and its Jeep Thunder sound (much easier to use) ; the square headlights and bounce of the leaf springs. The newer style Jeeps just dont have that rugged look and feel about them. They remind me of that junk box Geo Traker that people use to refer to as a Jeep, except for us faithful Jeep drivers. Go back to the more rugged apprearance inside and out,less yeepie.