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:

• 

  Bring The Jeep back - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Moparfan - September 6 - 3:16 am

  I bought my Jeep with 13900 miles and have been working it. From road trips to upstate New York to towing car/trucks. It has never left me stranded no matter what breaks. I could not have asked for a more dependable vehicle. At 171000 miles and a beating that would tear most trucks in half its time to let her go.

• 

  Jeep - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By GGG - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Very dependable. Never a major problem. Strong 4.0L engine and automatic transmission. Classic styling and utilitarian look. Will be a true classic one day.

• 

  Best Jeep Ever !!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By biarritz84 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Went to dealership with my mother and we was going to purchase 2 of these new Unlimiteds, thought buying 2 of them we could get some kind of a deal...WRONG!! Salesman said the best I can do is sticker price so he lost 2 cash sales. I went to the Chevy dealer in the same auto mall and got a new Monte Carlo LS. My mother got her Unlimited and is very happy with it and Im happy for her. I loved it myself but not that much.

• 

  Love it so far - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By bburgin - September 5 - 6:14 am

  Ive always wanted a jeep. I lived in Southern California for 30 years and always had a motorcycle and convertible SL 500. I wished I would of bought the jeep back then and I would of killed to birds with one stone. I love how easy it is to take the top and doors off the way it drives on the freeway.....just a bit loud from the wind....but its a Jeep. I probably found the make and model of the car I will drive for the rest of my life.

• 

  Stylish - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Heather - September 4 - 3:16 pm

  My husband bought this Jeep for me because I needed something with 4 wheel drive and style but wanted the comfort of a car. Well me got all that and more. I love it... gets 22 miles to the gallon.

• 

  Happy owner - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By JLC - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with vehicle.Wish it got better mileage w/4.0 liter /auto trans. Only problems in 30000 mile warranty period were; Black paint on exterior parts of alum-alloy (mirrors,door handles and rear tailgate window hinges all peeled.All replaced with no hassle by dealer!Also, with my size 14 shoes I frequently hit both gas and brake pedal when stopping! Very scary!

• 

  Unsafe GAS GUZZLER - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ebenezer - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Shock tower bolt on right front was not tightened down at factory, this caused a clunking sound at any speed and wandering.I wonder if any other bolts or nuts are loose??? This Jeep drinks gas like a miniture Boeing 747. I will trade this unit off next Spring and the word JEEP will never be on another title of mine!!!!of

• 

  expectations fulfilled - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jst - September 3 - 2:00 am

  automatic transmission is as smooth as any sedan Ive driven (hope it stays that way); quick steering; firm and controlled ride - better ride on the pavement than expected. gas mileage might be better, but I dont expect that with 210 hp V6 and auto trans./4 wd- I drive all highway miles and have been avg. 20.5 miles a gallon on regular gas. suits me. I dont think of my Liberty as purely an SUVÂ… its a JEEP sort of phenomenon. hehe. Oh by the way Im 42.

• 

  expectations fulfilled - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By JST - September 3 - 2:00 am

  automatic transmission is as smooth as any sedan Ive driven (hope it stays that way); quick steering; firm and controlled ride - better ride on the pavement than expected. gas mileage might be better, but I dont expect that with 210 hp V6 and auto trans./4 wd- I drive all highway miles and have been avg. 20.5 miles a gallon on regular gas. suits me. I dont think of my Liberty as purely an SUVÂ… its a JEEP sort of phenomenon. hehe. Oh by the way Im 42.

• 

  DONt BUY THIS VEHICLE - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By 32 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought the vehicle in July 2001. It took 3 trips to fix the vehicle from pulling to the right as yoy dive. I has been in for 3 times because of no heat. 1 time they said a hose was put on wrong at the factory the other time they said there was "air" in the system. It is now having a problem with the air bag light statyin on. They say it is a seat belt clip that neeeds to be ordered and then It will have to go in to be installed and they are not sure that will correct the proble, So now I am driving with no air bag protection. Not to mention a recall. In short DON"T BUY ONE!