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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  Unreliable - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Denise Mesmer - July 6 - 5:40 pm

  We have owned our Jeep for a little over 1 year and are in the process of having it towed for the 4th time back to the dealer. Three times for the throttle body light and once for a problem we have heard referred to as the death wobble. The entire front end shook so violently that it rendered the vehicle uncontrollable and impossible to hold on to the steering wheel. The Throttle body issue although not dangerous leaves me without transportation and Jeep wants me to buy an upgraded warranty to pay for my own rental. At best the vehicle is unreliable and uncertainty steals the fun out of driving it. The door hinges are rusting under the paint and causing the paint to bubble. Lemon. Run

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  Another one to add to the bunch - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MM - July 6 - 6:36 am

  I purchased my 07 Jeep brand new. It has had one MAIN issue for 2 years- the slow to accelerate/transmission issue. Along with this issue is a constant on/off of check engine light. On several occasions, Im driving & the car will suddenly lose acceleration and all of my gear options are blocked out IE: P, d, r, n as if the car doesnt know which gear it to be in. I have to pull over, turn it off and back on. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt. A year ago after my 4th trip to the dealership with 31,000 miles on it they FINALLY replaced the Elec. Shift Module-said it was a government covered warranty? A year later -started all over again.Dangerous as hell and What a LEMON!

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  What was I waiting for?? - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By GVLVG - July 5 - 10:00 am

  After lusting after one for years I finally got myself a Wrangler. Its a convertible, an SUV a pick-up, an off roader, it does it all. If you want a perfect 2nd car and a week end fun machine, you could not ask for more.

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  SPORTY SENIOR - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By yellowranglr - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE BEEN SO PLEASED WITH THE COMPLETE VEHICLE THAT I JUST WENT OUT AND ORDERED A NEW 2004 EXACTLY LIKE MY 2000. I WENT IN TO ORDER A NEW VEHICLE WASNT SURE WHAT I WANTED, SALESMAN ASKED ME HOW I LIKED MY PRESENT VEHICLE, I TOLD HIM IT DID EVERYTHING I WANTED IN A LEASURE TYPE VEHICLE. HE ASKED ME IF THERE WAS ANYTHING I WOULD CHANGE. THE MORE I THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT I WOULD BE GIVING UP IN ANY OTHER VEHICLE I MIGHT BUY LED ME TO ORDER A NEW WRANGLER JUST LIKE THE ONE I WAS TURNING IN. MY WIFE AND I ARE JUST APPROACHING RETIREMENT AGE BUT STILL LOOK FORWARD TO THE 900PLUS MILE TRIPS WE HAVE TAKEN AND WILL BE TAKING IN OUR JEEP.

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  Review - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By HagenHelgeson - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Its a great utility vehicle for a city / suburban dweller like me. Its fun and sporty with a great interior.

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  MY 2008 JGC IS GREAT! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RON - July 5 - 9:53 am

  I bought my JGC in Aug of 08 and have now had it 6 mos and put 14,000+ on it. The ONLY problem I have had is to replace the RF window regulator. When I picked it up it had no problems for warranty repair and none since til the regulator. Drives great and gets up 26 mpg on the hwy and 18 to 22 in town. The roof, due to the sunroof, is too low, but otherwise I love it. The only other problem: the reset for the trip computer is on the steering wheel and is too easy to accidentally hit getting in or out and you inadvertantly reset it without knowing it! Put the reset on the dash. So far, it has no rattles or odd noises. This is my 3rd Jeep and by far the best. Good acceleration.

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  Great ride! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Jackie - July 5 - 9:00 am

  Purchased this due to the 3rd row, as that was the main factor in buying it. I absolutely love the car, it rides amazing (we dont do any offroading) and I feel 100% safe with my family and my 2 year old son, with the side airbags. But with the 2nd row having a small amount of leg room, theres barely enough room for his car seat, I dont know how hell fit in it in a another year while still in his car seat. Also, wish it was a bit lower to the ground. Stadium seating is great, but takes away a few inches of cargo room.

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  2006 Jeep Wrangler X - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By rubiru2299 - July 4 - 5:23 pm

  This is my first wrangler. Always wanted one since my Barbies white and pink one! I LOVE the 06 because its the last year of the original JEEP style. It runs great and I can take it anywhere! The top is a little difficult to get back on and does require two people to put it together, but is def. worth taking off. Its def. a dog friendly vehicle! I have two labs and they love riding in the back with the seat out. They have plenty of room and its safer for them rather than standing on a seat. I always get compliments on it, both riding and looks wise. Honestly dont know what Ill do for my next vehicle. Hopefully theyll go back to the original style within the next few years or so!!!!!!!

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  JEEP IS MY LIFE - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By ABUHAMAD - July 4 - 1:20 am

  This is my second jeep Wrangler in my life, Its noisy on long trips but even though i drive it every where and all the time. and no plan of having any other 4X4 except this. It looks more great when the hard top is off, gives u the feeling that ur the Hero and that nobody else enjoy the weather like u do. Its powerful and gives u everything that u need in off roads.

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  Love My 05 Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RC Copeland - July 3 - 2:40 pm

  Ive only had it for a short time but Im loving it. Ive driven SUVs since 1984 and this has the best ride and handling by far. Everyone I show it to talk about how good it looks.