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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  Could be soooo good, if Daimler cared... - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Motoman - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I use this Jeep as intended. I tow, regularly go off roading and drive the wheels off the thing. The build quality is awfull! I have had problems with the water pump, several vacuum hoses, the steering, the transmission, the stereo/subwoofer,and the wiper motor. The dealers cant really fix the stuff because the replacement assemblies are the same poor quality units the Wrangler is built with. The finish on the body, hatch hinges, wheels is not durable at all. The fuel economy is poor for a small SUV. Never better than 16 mpg. With all this time the manufacturer has had to develop this vehicle, you still need the aftermarket to make it right.

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  Dynomite in Disguise! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Big Daddy Dave - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Drive those overweighted, bulky, over priced Tahoes, Yukons and Suburbans over the CLIFF! Slip into this off road warrior with civilized highway performance. Dependable power, tork and speed with a refined 3.7 litre power plant. Forget about towing the camper, BRING ON THE ENTIRE HOUSE, ALONG WITH WIFE AND KIDS!

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  My Laredo E is an excellent vehicle - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By crpatriots - August 3 - 2:44 pm

  I am extremely happy with my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo E 4x4. I have had it for 6 months now, about 8,000 miles. I am happy to say that I have experienced none of the engine/electronics/transmission issues that some other reviewers have written about. For me, my JGC has given me the perfect blend of size, performance, and comfort. I am constantly getting compliments on how it looks (inside and outside), as well as how it rides. I average about 20 miles per gallon with about half city, half highway driving. I came from a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 4x4 (which was another good vehicle, honestly) - but the extra room and power of the JCG makes me happy I "upgraded."

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  Wouldnt buy another Jeep! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GRWEDM - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Repeated, repeated, repeated problems with the A/C...have replaced virtually every part at least once. Interior door panels began peeling off almost immediately after I bought it. The radio never worked even after being "repaired" twice by the dealer. Jeep service at several locations is terrible. Rear wiper quit working within a year of purchase. And on..and on..and on..

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  Mr - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By David Wilkins - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Same problem with brakes as everyone else. The comfort and smoothness of the ride more than makes up for it. Had the usual amount of little thinbgs that went wrong. My dealer couldnt have been any more helpful or customer servicer oriented about tyhe whole thing. I would purchase another one.

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cberm - August 3 - 6:36 am

  My Grand Cherokee has been an awesome vehicle for the past 4 years. I purchased it used from a Jeep dealership and have had no problems. Ive been very happy with this SUV.

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  My wifes Jeep Liberty LTD ia a lemon - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By nitlion - August 3 - 6:30 am

  My wife loved this Jeep from the beginning, every year her love has lessened to the point now where she would give it away. Numerious problems, most not covered under manufacturers warranties. Weve "sunk" several thousands of dollars into this beast. Gas mileage is worse than a RR!

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  Average Jeep - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By Johnny Watson - August 2 - 12:33 pm

  Base model has no running lights.

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  My Yellow Jeep - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Orlando Rodriguez de - August 1 - 2:16 pm

  Well, being this the first time I own a Wrangler, I do not feel like I have too much to compare. All I have to say right now is that having one itÂ’s a lot of fun for me and for my family as well. It is a totally different sort of car, not comfortable at all, but it is a jeep. Not good on gas efficiency, but again it is a jeep and you have to pay for the fun part. First thing first, I recommend everyone is to upgrade the rims and tires; the factory ones are ridiculous for a jeep as well the plastic bumpers.

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  No Frills About It - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By vivalafleur - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep Wrangler X is far from a luxury vehicle, and someone who is planning on purchasing one should know this. That said, there are few cars out there you will find more fun than a Jeep. Fuel economy isnt great, especially with larger tires and other off-road upgrades, however those who own Wranglers are usually a different breed of consumer, and the pleasure of having a Jeep of their own is worth more than any $2.00 a gallon gas guzzler. Overall a fun car, and I think everyone should have one, at one time or another.