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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  Concerned - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Robin - July 22 - 9:10 pm

  I bought my Commander new in Jan. 07 and have had problems with the window trim that the dealership cant seem to fix. I have had a few other problems with the rotors causing vibration, window not going up, back tail lights leaking, drivers rear door lock not unlocking and it rides like it is going to fall apart. For some reason the dealership always seems to not find a problem and I am tired of brining it in.

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  Great - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By CBH - July 22 - 3:40 pm

  This is the best and most fun auto I have ever owned. Mine has all the bells and whistles and had a sticker price of over $44,000. It has the 5.7L engine. Ill probably never own anything else.

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  Good SUV, but lots of minor problems - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim - July 22 - 5:26 am

  Bought this GC new in 2001, and really enjoyed it for the first 3 years or so, with just routine maintenance. For an SUV, Im happy with the MPG at 20-21. I still have enjoyed driving it, in the last few years several minor (and 1 major) problems have popped up. Headlight assembly cracked, causing the inside casing to become fogged. Each of the front power windows have failed (causing the window to slip down in the door. Of course, the first time this happened it was raining, the second time it was about 102 degrees!!! Brake rotors become warped about once every 18mos. Bad catalytic conv. at 90K & replaced tranny at 125K mi. Still fun to drive but the rep.& maint. is really annoying.

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  3rd one and I love it - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rob from NY - July 21 - 9:03 pm

  After turning 40 I got tired of driving my so so boring 4dr automatic Honda Accord. I missed the days I had my 80 CJ7 and 97 TJ. So this year I said thats it! I got myself a base 2dr Wrangler Sport with a softop and 6 speed. Best thing Ive done in years! It rides smooth, looks super cool and my wife and 11yr old son love it! Its a great car without the bells and whistles. I even got a trailer hitch and bike rack. Cant wait to go fishing and camping. The only complaint is the gas mileage (about 16.5 avg) but I only have 1000 miles on it so hoping a new K&N filter will help. This Sweet Jeep is making my mid- life crisis much more fun.

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  Dont buy a grand cherokee - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By denver - July 21 - 7:33 am

  I purchased a 2001 jeep and went to trade it in yesterday (after 6 months of owning) and the dealership said it is only worth $17,500. Since I paid $25,000 6 months ago, what a loss!! It has been in the shop 8 times. Key sticks in ignition, power steering pump was replaced twice. Then 2 days ago the whole thing shut down and stalled. The closest dealership replaced gaskets and sensors. Why all these things happen with a brand new suv with 10,000 miles is beyond me.

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  Once upon a lemon - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By steve - July 21 - 3:10 am

  Bought this car with 8 miles on odom. Lucky we bought warranty. Replaced transmission module in early 08 after numerous arguments with dealer, cant replicate problem. Very scary feeling not being in control of your vehicle. Jan 10 same transmission issue shuttered and shook at 20 miles an hour pulled into station. Shut off for 5 minutes, hasnt happened sense. The Windows, etc to list other obvious issues with vehicle. Looks are deceptive on this one. Run from this lemon

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  Theres Only One - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Connecticut Yankee - July 20 - 5:06 pm

  I wanted one since I was a teenager; waited twenty three years and it was worth the wait. If you buy a Wrangler, you buy it because it is the original SUV, and it is built to drive off-road as much as it is on-road. Convertible for three seasons, bulldozer in the winter (if youre in a part of the USA where there is winter weather). You dont buy a Wrangler because its practical, you buy it because its fun.

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  1999 Jeep Wrangler Sport - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By greg - July 20 - 8:53 am

  The initial model had a problem with the headers, which the manufacturer later replaced. I did my own with a Borla. This is the most reliable car that I have ever owned. Other than the header, it has never needed service (now has 60,000 mi., 11/05). After market upgrades are fun, and very worthwhile. Is very easy to self service. I wish that a diesel conversion was available! I have always wondered why the ratings have never been higher, except that everyone wants "fast and furious", (low end disposa-cars), instead of powerful, durable, rugged, and dependable. GO JEEP :)

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  So far so good. - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By brian185 - July 20 - 8:36 am

  A previous Jeep owner I was excited to move up to the 2007 4 door and it has not disappointed. Im approaching 60,000 miles without a single mechanical or quality issue. Even the tires are still the original and Ill bet I get the rest of summer out of them. Obviously I travel alot and I also pull a fairly large trailer for my business so this Jeep is worked hard. Its not a sports car but I find the power to be more than enough, even when towing. I love this Jeep and will continue to buy this vehicle for a long time. Just thought it would be helpful to review after 60,000 miles. Good luck.

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  Fun in New Mexico - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Joe - July 20 - 6:10 am

  This is the most fun Ive had with any vehicle. It is perfect for the wilds of New Mexico.