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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  Good Family Truckster - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Ryan D - April 4 - 1:43 pm

  We bought this vehicle with 22k miles on it about 3 years ago. It now has 75k miles on it. We have had basically no problems with this vehicle, and the engine seems bulletproof, which is pleasantly surprising to me. The 4WD is incredible in the New England winters, and the 3.7L straight 6 is quite peppy (but loud). We have taken this on a few long road trips and its not too comfortable for extended periods of time. The seats are hard and offer no lumbar or lateral support, and also no adjustable head rest. The radio and HVAC controls are large, easy to use, and located right where you want them. MPG is tolerable if you are easy on the gas.

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  Great Jeep - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By supercoolslug - April 4 - 4:06 am

  This is the first jeep iv ever owned, and so far its lived up to its hype. bought it at 68,000 and its currently at 70,000. Only problem Ive ever had was the first week when my check engine light came on, but a free O2 sensor from the dealership fixed that. The powerful V8 makes it one of the fastest SUVs on the road, even after over 10 years. Although the interior colors arent my favorite, its unique and never see anything like it. Seats are very comfortable in the front, in the back its a different story, with very little leg room.

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  2014 GC Summit - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mema124 - April 3 - 8:10 am

  Have had this GC a little over 1 yr and have had it to service on average once a month including 2 recalls and Im waiting for the 3rd one. For the last 3 months the car has a creeking ( like walking on a old wood floor ) that starts in the back and moves all around the car,including when you shut the car off it still continues,It was in the shop for what should have been 2 days turned into 10 days and less than 2 miles down the road it started doing the same thing .I have recorded the sounds numerous times abd have them saved .Today as it sat running in my garage I raised the back and i could hear it coming from the rear door I put my hand around touching and felt so much play.Not normal ,

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  running renegade, if you feed it! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By kellyb - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This Renegade is a great all around vehicle. If you feed it, it will run. It pulls a 6 by 12 trailer with big motorcycle no problems, both power and handling do it well.

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  I LOVE MY RUBY - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Wiz OIIIIIIIO - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Had Vette convertibles for many years, and the Ruby is just as much fun to drive. Jeeps and Vettes both have the "wave". Can go many places offroad in 2wd, that in other vehicles you would need to be in 4wd. Just a FUN vehicle.

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  Still Running - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepdriver - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Had mine since 1994 when i got it new. I now have 187,000 miles and still running. may have 1 problem once a year .. pump, electrical, ect ... nothing big considering its been very good to me.

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  Capable off-roader with a few Quirks... - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ebayauctions - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Its been a joy to drive,and ive fallen in love with it...but these vehicles are plagued with various mechanical issues which would make them better for someone with mechanical expertise.

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  Commander Limited - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Chuckdee39 - March 31 - 8:10 pm

  Have been driving nothing but Chevrolet Tahoes for past 10 years. Wife and I decided to downsize to small suv, but could find nothing that we both agreed upon until we saw the Jeep Commander Limited. We both fell in love with the look and the ride. We were also impressed with the quietness. The interior design leaves little to be desired, but miss armrests, and automatic lumbar support. (The limited has pretty much everything else standard, why not these items?). We really havent had it long enough to find problems, if any. To be fair, am rating the gas mileage after only 2 tanks of gas. Hope for improvement once we get some miles on it. Miss the room of the Tahoe.

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  ITS A JEEP THING - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By lnemeth - March 29 - 10:00 am

  PRICE IS INSANE. ENGINE IS NOISY, TIRES ARE LOUD AND BLAST PAINT JOB WITH ROCKS.TRANNY DOES NOT SHIFT SMOOTHLY,STOCK STEREO SYSTEM IS USELESS. FUN TO DRIVE WITH TOP AND DOORS OFF. RUGGED

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  The Best Jeep Yet! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Only in a Jeep! - March 29 - 4:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Very solid feel and very quiet. Excellent Boston stereo. Excellent exterior and very good interior. Nice "thud" when you shut the door. Build quality seems very good.