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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  sell,sell,sell - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lemon - October 26 - 2:50 pm

  Bought last year @148,000 mi. Its a play vehicle and gets about 5000 mi. A year. Have spent money on it from day one. Staring off just trying to make everything perfect. Then I started getting a rear bear nosie. Replaced all rear end bearings. The Carrier bearing was the only one pitted. That didnt fix the the problem. Right rear axle was pitted changed it. That fixed the bearing noise. Then I got a vibration @1600 rpm and on deceleration. Changed u-joints (a waste of $). From what Ive read sounds like this is a Major problem that is very hard to trouble shoot (even at a dealer. Dont want to spend any more $ on it. Im torn between spending and just selling it. I love to drive it but the vibration.

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  I Like It. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By me - October 26 - 12:10 pm

  I put 1000 miles on my liberty the 1st week, i purchased it,the ride is great,seats need to be more comfortable though. performance is is ok,could be better,but than the mpg would suffer more. All in all my jeep was a good investment.

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  New Jeep Owner - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By bennoprint - October 26 - 1:03 am

  After having only owend this vehicle for a week - I am excited to be a new Jeep owner. I just got back from taking this vehicle to Colorado and the drive was very comfortable - had great power and overall a great trip. It looks great both inside and out and has many extras that ita competitor lack.

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  Cant Beat it! Love it! - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Stephanie, LI, NY - October 25 - 6:43 pm

  This was my first new car at the age of 30. I have never had a problem with this vehicle with the exception of normal wear and tear. This Jeep has plenty of power and great style. I have been looking for a new SUV for the last month; not because I want to get rid of my Jeep, but because my son is getting his license and he needs a dependable vehicle. I wish they still made this model because I would buy another one today. It is never going to be out of style. There will never be a comparable replacement for my Jeep. I miss it already even though it will still be in the family.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rblake - October 24 - 7:23 pm

  I bought this as my first SUV in March 2007 with 113k Miles for $3900. Dad always said 4WD was just something else to pay for when it breaks down, but after driving this in WI snow storms, Im sold!. My Jeeps 4WD is magical and this is by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. The only non-routine maintenance Ive encountered is: the rear wiper doesnt work, the rear hatch support struts are beginning to fail in cold temps and Ive had to replace the yr old battery shortly after I purchased the vehicle. The towing package pulls my trailer around perfectly. I cant wait to pull the boat & camper this summer. Im officially a Jeep Guy. My next vehicle will be a 01 or newer Grand Cherokee.

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  Ashleys Review - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Ashs Jeep - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep Liberty is a great SUV. Fun to drive and roomy and looks good!

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  my first jeep - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Allen Jensrud - October 23 - 6:46 pm

  I bought this 95 Jeep wrangler in nov, 2008 because since I was very Young I always said I would own a Jeep. I think the first words out of my moms mouth were "since you where three years old you wonted one" the Jeep I have is the bare bones model s. With the straight 4,2. 5l. No a/c. The only thing I dont like in this Jeep is it is very slow take off. But still get 20 mpg highway with it. ( no hot rodding like my celica!) this vehicle will take you any where. Its a very light Jeep. You will feel the wind move the Jeep in high wind conditions. Other then that all I can tell you is buy one for a second car. It also almost replaced my atv! It will fit almost any where!

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  Fun with the Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By flhoustontx - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving the vehicle for about three weeks and have loved it. I love the way it handles and turns. Its a bit rough as far as the ride but what the heck its fun to drive and I knew I wasnt buying a Caddie.

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  Finally A Jeep for Me and The Family! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By TheMagicTiki - October 21 - 1:16 am

  I have longed for a Jeep for years, but always needed something that was also practical for the family. Now we have both! I have to say that I love my jeep. Fun and easy to drive, great seating position, enough niceties to take the "rough" edges off for the family. Its plenty roomy enough for vacation trips or trips to Lowes. Compared to older models, I also feel much safer with my kids in the back of the 4- door. The sunrider top is also great... rain in the forecast? You can pull pull the top off the cabin in minutes without taking the whole top off. Yes, its a Jeep thing... and I am good with it! Just try it for the ride before you buy!

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  electrical issues - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dansss - October 20 - 9:00 pm

  This jeep is great when it comes to driving in the snow. Its not bad around town, it looks great in dark grey. I have had some issues with the electrical system though. The pass. side taillight keeps going out and none of the windows go up or down. I feel they could have done a better job on the electrical system.