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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  Do not recommend - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Disappointed - January 8 - 10:00 am

  We bought this Jeep Sept. 15 last year and it is now Oct. 4 of the following year. One month after we bought it the engine light came on, when we took it in they had to replace both catalytic converters. Last month the engine light came on again and they said one of the converters was bad so they replaced it, the day after we got it back the light came back on and they had to replace the other one again. The next day after we got it back the light came on again and they had to replace the oxygen sensor, then we got it back and sure enough the light came on again the next day so I took it to another shop who told me that I need either an oxygen sensor or my catalytic converters are bad again.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel Review - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By FrankW - January 6 - 10:06 pm

  Todays diesels are nothing like yesteryear. They are fast, clean, quiet and efficient. I average 27 mpg with my mostly highway driving. Acceleration can give you *whiplash* About half of the local service stations sell diesel fuel and there is never a line to get at the pump. Im extremely happy about switching to diesel. Hybrids are good if you live in the city with stop and go traffic. For suburbanites, diesel is the smart thing to do. Hey -- if worse ever came to worse, I could burn old french fry oil. :-)

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  Power and Personality - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Charles H. - January 6 - 9:00 pm

  I purchased my new Jeep Commander unaware that this aerodynamicly improper SUV would have so much power. Everywhere you go, people notice it. Not great on gas though, can actually see the fuel meter drifting leftward during hard acceleration.

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  First time Jeep owner - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By marcoose84 - January 6 - 3:35 am

  I bought my JGC about a month ago and it has 115,000 miles and so far I love it. The CD player has a mind of its own sometimes, but what do you expect for a 13 year old Jeep. Ive owned several SUVs and I have to say its been my favorite. I can honestly say I maybe sold on Jeeps. This wont be my last.

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  Beware of Battery cost - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By J. Scott - January 6 - 12:06 am

  This is my second Jeep and my last! I love driving it but I cant handle all the problems. I went through the rotor problems with the 2000 model, the transmission recall, a radiator that had to be replaced (at 6000 mi) on the current 2005 model. I purchased the 100,000 bumper to bumper warranty, but of course nothing is ever covered! The last straw is the replacement of the battery. I found out that the battery cant be purchased anywhere but a dealership and it cost 220 with install. since I cant shop around, I call that a monopoly. Customer service (which is outsourced) is patronizing and rude, if you can understand what they are saying. So much for buying American.

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  From Wonderful to Nightmare to Wonderful - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By jeepers21 - January 5 - 10:41 pm

  It drove great until about 4 months ago & thats when things started going down hill. It started cutting out every time I would go to drive (started w/ 2-3x before it would drive & increased to 4-6x, even cut out while driving down the road). Talk about stress! Took it to a mechanic who fixed everything he could (throttle body, cam sensor) but it turned out to be a computer issue, which he could not fix it with out Chryslers permission. Jeep, who after I told them what I already had fixed, was able to replace the computer (PCM) with ease. Also, Thank God for the Federal Admissions warranty thats out there bc this turned out to be a common problem with this model & would of cost $$$$$$$$

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  I have loved all of mine - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jmc19117 - January 5 - 4:53 am

  If you are looking for a car that is great on gas, silent, & not bumpy then pass on the Wrangler. If you like to have fun, get through almost anything & have a blast doing so then this is the one for you! I am a female & do not find it difficult to get the soft top on or off. Have not had a hard time with it in any sort of commuting. Easy to travel in also. Have taken it up & down the East Coast.

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  My Unreliable Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By C.SIMS - January 4 - 3:36 am

  I purchased this Jeep brand new in 2005. I have had nothing but problems. It has cut off on me about 7 times. One time on the expressway in traffic. Thank goodness it restarted. I do love this SUV. Its strong,the radio is powerful, 6 cd player is great, etc., but the reliability is horrible. The Jeep is built where there are no rattles,it goes over most things so smooth, but I am eventually going to have to trade it because of the most important thing,it cuts off on me and jerks and shakes a lot. What a shame! Never another Chrysler.

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  1999 jeep 2wd cherokee sport - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Thomas George - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the jeep since 32000miles and havent had any problems besides new breakes. Its a rugged suv, good for 2 kids or less and can take a beating. A great suv for the money, reliable, and you can beat the crap out of it. Modern suvs are crap and are not made for ture ruggedness. Who cares about the ride, it lasts!

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  My Dream Car - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By CatD - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Love my Jeep! Ive wanted one for so long and now I have one. Lots of power, very sporty. Im the envy of all my friends.