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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  Once You Drive It, Youll Love It! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By senseidave - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep Liberty today (20 July 2004) and I already put over 100 miles on it. The ride is solid and the feel is very good. Visibility is exceptional with clear views from all sides. I found the seats to be a little uncomfortable especially on the thighs. It feels as though more support is needed in the sides of the lower seat cushion. The lumbar support is just fine. The glove box is VERY small; I couldnt even fit the owners manual package in it! Aside from these minor deficiencies, I love the Jeep! I feel like Im in command of a truly well-built machine. The engine efficiency could be better but thats the price you pay for wanting this kind

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  Just bought the used 06...its 2010 now! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Melissa - June 10 - 3:33 am

  I just purchased the Laredo 65 yr anniversary edition. Its a great looking car. I like all the features. Ive heard jeeps drive rough so I didnt expect to much comfort before test driving. Im pretty content with it. However, Ive had it for 2 days and Im noticing some no-nos already! The problems Im seeing already is the low tire pressure light comes on at random. But the big thing is the seat belt light comes on and chimes through out the entire ride even with my seat belt on and nooo weight in the passenger seat! Im in the process of getting it fixed (hopefully), but I just wanted to put those problems out there just in case somebody else had the same issues

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  Finally... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mf012e - June 9 - 7:30 am

  A Jeep with some luxury. Ran my 97 into the ground with 200k+ miles and finally upgraded to the LTD with Hemi and all the options. Smooth, smooth ride for this heavy SUV and great power. All the features such as smartbeam and rainsense work surprisingly well. Very impressed.

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  I Love my Jeep Patriot! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By jmichaels531 - June 9 - 2:33 am

  The Jeep Patriot is by far the best automobile purchase I have ever made. For the price, I am getting much more than I paid for the vehicle. The seats are very comfortable; I love the chrome details on the dash and other interior components; the stereo system is top notch, and, contrary to the model review, the engine is quiet and hums along at a steady pace, giving me an unheard of 30 mpg. I was not looking for a large SUV - I wanted better mileage than it would offer - so I am pleased with the cargo space and especially appreciate the rear 60/40 seat split for carting around furniture, snowboards, bikes, and even my Dalmatian.

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  Mechanics special??? - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By MustangChris - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep. Off road it is superior to trucks twice its size and cost. However, my Jeep has been highly unrelaible, with constant repair being needed to the point where as much as I like being a Jeeper, if it cant get me to class or home reliably shell have to go. Much of my problems have to do with its frequent off road adventures, but its a jeep... isnt it supposed to be designed to do that?

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  I Just Totaled One - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mjsexton - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Despite the horrible accident, the Grand Cherokee was a very good vehicle. I was hit by 2 cars and walked away with only a stuff neck...not bad. I had my Laredo for 3 months and really liked it. It doesnt ride as smoothly as other SUVs in its class, but I felt safe, secure and compfortable behind the wheel. They made some changes from the 99 model I had which I dont like - - the 2003 doesnt come with crossbars for the roof rack, they made an extra step in the "fold the back seat down" process, the front and back seats are made of less-expensive material and it doesnt come with floor mats. Despite this, I would recommend this vehicle.

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  3rd JGC & 1Jeep Cherokee - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By glenn donald - June 9 - 2:00 am

  My first was an 88 Jeep Cherokee Limited, the next three were JGC 94, 96 & 2000. Only problem with any of them was AC coil on 96 at 65,000 miles. Had one set of rotors go bad AFTER I had a tire company turn them(ground down). If the rotors warp or need turning, just purchase new ones instead. $10 to turn and only $40 for a new one. Rotors never seem to last after having them turned down, just spring for the new rotors and new brake shoes. Their easy to put on yourself and the entire job will cost $100 and a couple of hours for one set if wheels...as opposed to paying a mechanic shop $300-500.

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  Pathetic build quality. - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By d120 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle had 8 separate mechanical problems (all under warranty, but each requiring a dealer workshop visit). Latest problem was clutch failure (pedal just flopped onto the floor, totally inoperable) just 2 weeks after its 10k service, which specifically included an inspection of the clutch system. This incident happened without any warning, and could have been fatal. This is by far the most unreliable and poorly built vehicle i have ever owned. Build quality and reliablity are truly pathetic, and I have requested a full refund from the dealer.

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  Jeeps are it! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By rjv565 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This is an incredable SUV. You certainly get your moneys worth. I looked at comparable SUVs (XTerra, Escape) and to get the same options in those cars, it would have cost me between 3 and 5 thousand extra. The car is solid, rides great and has alot of power.

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  WARNING DO NOT BUY - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jacquie - June 8 - 9:56 pm

  Bought this Jeep 5 months ago, have had nothing but problems, Had to rebuild front diff, bearings and now the front control module, which was not covered under the warranty... Wish i would have read more about this vehicle before i thought of buying this, i would have changed my mind....Very disappointing, Love the Style of the Jeep but very poor quality, Will trade this in soon as i can and gonna stick with Toyota or Honda.