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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  Review of Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep owner - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Liberty is just the vehicle I needed for my life style. Lots of outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, and four-wheeling require a vehicle that is capable off road. While it is very capable, it is also quite comfortable. It was relativly inexpensive to purcahse compared to other off road vehicles. It also rates high in crash tests. I have owned the Liberty for one year now and am very pleased with it.

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  My toy - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By susan19531 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned my Liberty for 2 weeks. I love it. I find places to drive to. Gas mileage could be better.

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  I love the Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Paul Leon - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the jeep with the idear of a well made form of transportation with a long history starting with world war 2. I am very happy with my choice of transportation the four wheel drive is grate. I have the qureda track four wheel drive with six cylender eigen and automatic transmission. I traded in a Toyota Rav 4 which was all wheel drive. The four wheel drive on the Jeep is a lot better than I had on the toyota. I am happy with my choice of a car.

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  Best Overall SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Silvestri - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have been searching for about a month now. Ive owned the 4 Runner and Highlander. I make long trips and the 4 Runner and Highlander were not that comfortable. Checked into the new 4 Runner but it lacked design both inside and out. Also checked into the Touareg, Pilot, Durango and Pacifica, but none had the Comfort and design that made me say wow! But the Grand Cherokee Limited was the perfect match for me and the wife. It had a sporty and refined exterior that really caught my eye and the interior is above all the rest as far as appointments and comfort. Best car Ive ever owned. Dont look any further, just buy the Jeep!

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  2014 JGC Overland Diesel 4X4 Advance Tech PKG - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Juan Danzilo - January 2 - 7:27 pm

  This is an update to the review I originally wrote on this car a while back. I have had the car for about 6000 miles and this is what my experience has been. Love the diesel. Given gas prices declining would go for a V8 today though. This is my 3rd JGC and is an amazing car - if it was reliable. Chrysler needs to realize they are not selling Jeep grand cherokees at $50K they are selling $50K cars period. With that should come better reliability, service, and build quality. My JGC has gone to the dealer twice for check engine light and will need to go in again next week. The passenger door rattles and the leather split after about 100 miles... $50K is good value but it still has to work!

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  Bring it on - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JSW - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been problem free. I always service when recommend and change the oil every 3,000 - 4,000 miles. Like any vehicle, if you are good to it, it will be good to you. I have definitely received my moneys worth and will get a good price when I go to sell.

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  Jeep Wrangler SE 4x4 - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By T Rex - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I find that this vehicle is a good buy for the money, it is very reliable, fun to drive (in winter and summer), looks good, and very little maintenance is required.... other than routine oil/brake/tire changes.

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  JEEP = JUNK - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rolltide - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Warning! Jeeps are junk! I purchased a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 V6 and had nothing but problems with it. First the braker rotors had to be resurfaced, then the fuel pump, then the passenger side window motor and finally the door locks. All of this within 17,450 miles! This should never happen to a new car with that few miles (Poor quality control).

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  Jeepy - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By Vehicle Salesman - January 1 - 3:41 am

  Not to bad for price, steering very tight , like a Nascar, to tight for me. Brakes ! mercy still cant get rid of the squeaking when backing up, they were replaced at like 10k , still have noises. believe the rotors get damp and rust over nite ( in garage) , if too early in morning , you need to put lite pressure on brakes as you back up, that helps muffle the squeaks. Problems we had seemed a bit early for miles, latest was the turn signal switch ( whole stick) , when you put left turn on , the interior lites blinked ( no warrranty) R&R stick $94.00 LR Hub Bearing (now warranty ) wear item ( ha ha , fast wear) we have 47740 miles on the vehicle. Bearing $243.00 one not all four. Hope the others spread time out a bit. Replaced original tires at 47140 miles also ( not too bad for factory tires) All in all not bad except for the Hub repair. I sold GMC/Chev/ Jeeps for over 40 years, first Jeep, might be the last. Oh, I called factory customer service , kinda waste time , didnt even ask for Vin Number. Good Luck