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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  I love my Jeep. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By A² - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Im a 70 year old woman, 53" tall, and this Jeep is the only SUV which doesnt feel too big or hard to get into and out of. My silver Jeep Liberty Ltd and two gorgeous Chrysler LeBaron convertibles have given me more fun to drive than any other of the innumerable vehicles Ive driven throughout the years. And I absolutely love the attention my Jeep receives from young people. Next, I think Ill get a red hat to make driving my Jeep even more fun!

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  driver - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Ronald d - October 16 - 10:00 am

  using it to pull my boat and run around in.

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  2003 Liberty Rocks! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Liberty Lover - October 16 - 10:00 am

  One word can sum up my feelings on the 2003 Jeep Liberty. AWESOME. Never thought I would buy a SUV until I gave the Liberty a test drive. I was a Grandprix person. Atleast until I bought my Jeep. Handles great. Very driver friendly. I cant wait until the winter so that I can drive it in the snow.

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  Fun Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Repete - October 16 - 10:00 am

  My Jeep Liberty is such a pleasure to drive, I took it to Maine, and did not get tired driving it.

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  Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By angelabysea - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Good buy for smaller SUV

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  Less the MPG its perfect - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Purple Lie - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Finally a small to medium sized "truck- based" SUV. Its a well mannered truck that is well suited to proudly in front of the club house at your favorite golf course and is equally well suited to get you to the top of the mountain to your favorite hunting spot.

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  Love my Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Bears8b - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the first SUV we have ever owned. My wife and I both love the handling, the room, and the design. So far, so good. Was a little hesitant about buying a Jeep, as we have always owned Nissans. Have been very happy with its performance to date. Also Great AC

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  Overland - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Division One - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, fun to drive, and is a real head turner.

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  Lovin the new Wrangler - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By holly - October 16 - 7:00 am

  Traded in my 04 Liberty Rubicon for the Wrangler Unlimited X last weeked. Fun to drive, getting approx 17 miles to the gallon. Only complaint is the useless DVD Video feature (comes with the player but no screen and Jeep is currently clueless about this since they dont make a screen thats compatible).

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  Best SUV ever owned! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Mel - October 14 - 2:50 am

  I absolutely love this SUV. I drive around 100 miles a day to and from work ...and can not say enough about how smooth the ride is. I am not to high or to low to the ground. The 16 inch tires are wonderful. Love the room..the interior..the exterior. I can not think of one thing I would change. Does not feel top heavy. Accelerates with not hesitation. Quite engine...radio is excellent. The best purchase for your money. The YES interior is a mothers dream. I trade a Honda Accord for the Patriot and I was worried about the gas mileage...I was proven wrong. The Patriot gets around 28 miles per gallon. At night the halogen lights are wonderful...can not say enough! Truly a joy to drive.