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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  NEVER AGAIN! DONT BUY JEEP! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By thensum - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Just had the rotors done again(3x in 3 yrs) brakes, and axle(s) rear and front. This is a big problem for jeep and they dont admit to it. I just spent so much money trying to fix the axle and it still didnt sound right so i junked it and bought a highlander. It was too scary to drive after that. Just didnt feel safe and didnt want to put more money into fixing it. Only 56253 miles on it!! I want a car to last at least 100k. Its too bad, though, because i liked the ruggedness of the jeep but not the quality.

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  Hot Rod Jeep! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JSBeller - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is our second new Jeep GC Ltd. The performance is marvelous! I blew away a Mitsubishi Eclipse at a stop light.

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  I have one, why dont you? - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By BJR - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my second jeep, knowing the history of the first SUVs I needed to see what he 2003s had to offer and I was pleasently pleased to see that jeep returned to their roots and put out a true suv that can be a city stop and goer as well a something you will be comfortable with in the backwoods of Maine.

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  It cant be trusted - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By Unhappy Jeep Owner - January 19 - 10:20 pm

  We bought this Jeep in Oct new with 3 miles on it. In Nov we began having problems with the drive train. In a highway passing situation the RPM would red line but the transmission would lose power causing the Jeep to slow. This has happened at least 5 different times. It has been to the dealer every time. Each time they say they cant find the problem and that all the codes are correct. The first time we were told it was still in the break-in period, next they told us to turn off the traction cont but it happened again. Twice this issue has caused a near collision. We have contacted Chrysler and so far have not had any help. We have now gone to the NHTSA. Chrysler has a problem.

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  war wagon - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By sapper2002 - January 18 - 7:43 pm

  Purchased jeep when I joined the army. I really didnt care for it at first but figured I needed a 4x4 for the colorado winters, after I really abused it off road over and over again I fell in love with it now I will never get rid of it. I have put 180,000 hard miles on it with no major repairs. I actually feel bad for the way I treated it because it never let me down. Has good power and great 4x4 going places where my buddies lifted trucks cant or end up high centered. Still cant figure out why they ended it. Not very smart.

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  The CRD Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bobs - January 18 - 7:16 pm

  Just purchased the new CRD Liberty and love it! The diesel is a little bit noisier than my VW TDI, but it runs great. First 100 mile trip, youll notice the diesel is only turning 1,800 rpm at 70 miles an hour in overdrive, yet has so much torque, that it pulls cleanly without downshifting. Gas mileage is already working out to be 25-27 MPG, and comfort and quality of the interior are first rate. We also live up a steep gravel road, and this baby climbs like theres no tomorrow. The perfect match--diesel torque and economy with Jeeps great off road abilitys.

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  Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jim Thompson - January 17 - 11:06 pm

  The HEMI engine is beautiful. I like the looks and performance and room both inside and outside. Would definitely get another Commander.

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  Dependable & Fun - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepn - January 17 - 5:20 am

  We purchased our Jeep used from dealership 2002. Replaced heater blower switch, regular maint.always completed, repainted wheel flares. Vehicle mileage 91051. Runs great, no problems, very dependable. Handles great on highway and snow. Easy to put into 4WD. Love driving it. Just purchased another Wrangler, 4 door model this time, kept 2 door model for fun.

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  I Love It - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Yves - January 16 - 8:03 am

  Very good vehicle so far, very tough frame, good for years and very effective in wintertime. Only bad point are electronic gadget but its a little thing compare to the great quality of the construction

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  35 years as a Jeep customer - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Steven McCrate - January 15 - 1:10 pm

  I have owned Jeep Wranglers since 1974 and I have yet to be disappointed in any way. I have owned 8 all together and at the present time Im in a 2008 Wrangler Sahara. I dont work for Chrysler, so I dont get employee discounts, and I still buy Jeeps. I feel safe and free to travel at any time in any weather that the Michigan climate can dish out. My job depends on me showing up for work every day bad weather or not. And my Jeep Wrangler gives me this feeling. I know what to expect and what not to expect from a Wrangler, same as you would from a Corvette or a pickup truck. I am very pleased with all my jeeps and I at the age of 60 years old I dont plan on any changes. Thank you.