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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  A true lemon - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jrg11 - June 4 - 9:47 pm

  Picked up my 2002 liberty from a family member that nurtures her vehicles. This problem child does not give up when it comes to costing me dollars for repairs. The list is long, and now a #2 cylinder valve issue. Obviously, Chrysler knows about this, but take sno action in resolving. Once I junk this pig, I will never touch another chrysler vehicle again. [non-permissible content removed]

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  Should have kept this instead of new 2015! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John - June 4 - 9:34 pm

  This was a great car. 55,000 miles and never a huge issue. Sure just had to bring it in for regular maintenance but with the 7 year warranty coming to an end this month we traded it in for a beautiful fully loaded 2015 Limited. While no transmission issues like a lot of people have, my 2015 has a lot of electrical issues that just piss you off! However, my 2008 was a Jeep and it drove like a truck. Crappy gas mileage but a great all around car, no electrical or engine issues ever. Had a small hole in muffler at the end that I didnt repair because I was getting rid of but it was very reliable. I wish I could get it back and maybe trade it in now for something!

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  Nice For The Price - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By ron - June 4 - 1:16 am

  What you see is what you get! Solid little runabout. I use it for work and at 62 and 200 lb with long legs, I am quite comfortable. The fold down front pass. seat allows you to haul 8 long items. The only thing a bit small is the rear cargo area width and height. But I knew that going in. I get 23 to 25 in mixed driving. I am not heavy footed and I dont see doing much better. Speeds over 70 and heavier loads drop the mpg. I think you can get 27-28 at 50-55 mph. Like the looks and convenience features of the limited. Got it for under 20k out the door with rebates. Exceeding my expectations.

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  2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport Very Dependable - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jonathan Harris - June 3 - 6:31 pm

  So first, I have to warn others first, BUY A SPORT MODEL. Dont buy a Sahara, or a Rubicon if you are wanting to modify it heavily. The Sahara has issues with electronics, and the Rubicon has constant issues with the motor in the Electronic sway-bar disconnect motor burning out, and electronics. The sport model, however, has almost no issues. Some things that me and other Jeep lovers have noticed about this Jeep that you may need to do/address: 1. JEEP WAVE! When you buy a jeep Wrangler, you will notice that a lot of other Jeep Wranglers will be waving to you. This is part of owning a jeep. You MUST return the wave. A head nod does not cut it. If you dont want to wave, dont buy a jeep! (Comes with the territory) 2. Remove the rear seat, its a cheap way to double your cargo room. Plus, for me at least, it caused my jeep 2 door to do a rocking motion when going over bumps at high speeds. Removing the back seat allowed the rear to be a little stiffer, and remove the rocking motion. 3. Get a cargo cover. I personally have a Tuffy Security enclosure in mine. 4. DONT LEAVE ANYTHING VISIBLE IN YOUR JEEP! Unless you want your top cut. (new cloth top costs almost $1000 dollars... even with a 2 door) 5. Dont expect this to be a quiet and easy ride. Its loud, noisy, whistles, and on the highway with a strong crosswind, its difficult to control. But hey, Its a jeep! Every one has had the same issues. (THIS IS NOT LUXURY! IF YOU ARE BUYING A JEEP FOR LUXURY, BUY A MERCEDES, THIS IS NOT FOR YOU) With all that, thats it! Welcome to Jeeping and loving a Jeep! Some people love it, some people hate it. [HTML removed]

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  Best of the 4 Jeeps Ive owned! - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By eas - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Reliable as the day is long! The V-8 has lots of power when needed. No rattles or squeaks. Change the oil and drive it - thats all Wax 2xs a yr. finish is still like new. Interior is still in great shape. Well thought out drivers layout. Auto shut off of exterior lights is great when parking in dark places. Cruise is childs play to use.

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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By OOJack - June 3 - 2:00 am

  There is seriously nothing like a jeep. I bought mine new in 1998 (Green Sahara Hard Top), and have put 75,000 miles on it. Other than basic service and minor warranty work, I have had no real problems. If your considering buying a Wrangler, make sure you comfortable with the expected wind noise, bumpiness, fuel mileage etc. Wranglers are just plain fun. You get looks all time, jeep drivers usually wave at each other, and this thing turns on a dime.

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  2002 Wrangler Sport 4.0 Liter Engine - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Paiute - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Only one time in shop for warranty repair of defective multi-switch on steering column. My Wrangler has 5000 miles on it now. It is a 2002 TJ Sport.

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  Great Small Truck - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By river rat - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Its great on the beach in sand, I have no problem towing a small boat anywhere. It handles much better on the road than reviews would lead you to believe.

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  Good Buy! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By 452drexel - June 2 - 8:36 pm

  I bought this car for my wife, but was surprised that I, at 64", was so comfortable behind the wheel. Interior room and layout is deceptively large for a smaller vehicle. Ride quality and acceleration are also better than I expected. Overall, a well-built vehicle that will serve us well for years to come.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By 71charger - June 2 - 7:20 pm

  Othen than more horsepower and/or torque I dont know how they could make this vehicle any better.