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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  My First SUV is a Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Andy - August 29 - 9:03 pm

  I looked a lot of vehicles and then I bought the Laredo with the X package. I drove two Limiteds (one with the Hemi), before deciding that I didnt want all that chrome on the outside with a wood interior on the inside. I got it with the 4.7 V8 and it has plenty of power. Unless you need to tow "bigger stuff" the 4.7 is plenty good and fun. It handles wonderfully well and doesnt "feel" as big as it is. Its very nimble and can make very nice (legal) U-turns. With the cornucopia of a la carte options you can really get the Jeep YOU want. Its both a blessing and a curse as figuring out what you can get and what you do get can sometimes be confusing. Do your homework BEFORE you go out.

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  09s the charm! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Todd - August 28 - 9:36 pm

  I traded my 08 Rubicon two-door for an 09 Rubicon four-door(my family is growing!) about a month ago. The 08 turned out to be a great Jeep, but it had a couple of initial problems with the hardtop leaking and a defective catalytic converter. My 09 is trouble-free, and I couldnt be happier. I used to think the four-doors were ugly, but the look has really grown on me. Theyre only about 20 inches longer than the two-doors, and the amount of extra space you get is amazing. Im not quite sure how the engineers did it, but I sure like it! Plus its a Rubicon. Ive owned a lot of cars and Ive never been happier with one of my decisions.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By can - August 28 - 6:50 pm

  Very pleased. Very light to drive and not too bulky. Interior is very simple. Excellent ride and very quiet. I leased 2000 Grand Cherokee and it was time to give it up. Commander is a great alternative.

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  I LIKED IT SO MUCH I BOUGHT TWO - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Rodney - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I test drove most if not all SUV’s under the $30,000.00 range and found the Jeep Liberty to be the best. I purchased a 2003 Liberty Sport in November of 2002 and had my wife pick up it up while I was out of town on a hunting trip. I called her from my tree stand and asked her how she liked her new SUV she exclaimed, “I love it, and you should buy yourself one”. Well in January of 2003 I did just that. Given my purchases, all of my winter concerns disappeared. I will be keeping both our Jeeps for quite some time. Remember, a Jeep by name is still a JEEP, any other SUV by name is just an SUV. James, Fergus Ontario, Canada.

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  Jeep Liberty is my first American car - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By TTBuyer - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Jeep for my wife because she wanted a small SUV. We looked at everything else before buying (Xterra, CR-V, Rav4,Forrester,Outlander, Escape, Tribute, XL-7) The Liberty was our choice because it has good space, good power and good looks. Havent had a single problem, the Jeep has been perfectly reliable (as it should be). We got a great deal on this car too (before any rebates were offered on the 2003) and feel that we very much got our moneys worth. We plan to keep the Liberty for 7 or 8 years, so I am hoping that the initial impression of high quality turns out to be accurate.

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  Technological Marvel - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 4TH Jeep - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4TH Jeep (3+3+3+1 years of lease) and I have had NO PROBLEMS EVER. Not even a burned fuse or bulb!!! NONE !!! Ergonomically - absolutely no match, Performance, Acceleration, Handling, Off-Road and TOWING capabilities ARE ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. When Im pulling my 24" 6500lbs Cruiser Boat people always stopping me suggesting to contact Jeep to shoot a commercial ;-) and on the ice, snow and crud Jeep just shines!

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  Enjoying my Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Janet - August 27 - 7:10 pm

  This is a fun vehicle to drive. I am a mother of two growing boys, have always owned Fords, decided to trade in my Escape for something different. This Jeep not only looks good, but it is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven. I love the 3 sunroofs, and the theater seating. The standard sound system is the best Ive had in any car, I mean sounds FANTASTIC. And that is real must have for me. The auto wipers and headlights/brights are so nice, its almost like not having to really do anything but steer, especially with speed control on....wow! Im getting spoiled. Im pleased with the quality construction too. Very nice vehicle, happy with purchase!

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  97 Jeep grand - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave - August 26 - 8:10 pm

  The Jeep was the best auto I ever owned. I have owned over 40 different types of autos, not one can reach he style and grace of my SUV. It looks good under the lights and driving in a blizzard. It is as a safe a high profile vehicle.

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  Likin it - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By azrljones - August 23 - 8:16 pm

  Always wanted a Jeep but need an everyday drive vehicle. This feels the order now, rides smooth and low noise. Averaging around 20 MPG. I have the freedom hard top and was in the rain once (AZ) and car washes with no leaks. I was out this weekend and drove 1300 + miles and was very comfortable. Offroad capabilities speak for itself. I did some things that we held out breath. On the trip I drove over a mountain pass with over a foot of snow on the road and I didnt use/need four wheel drive. I love my Jeep.

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  Great Deal - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By tom - August 20 - 11:00 pm

  I have been wanting a Wrangler for so long, took a while to find the right one for the right price. Got my 5 speed standard transmission, cruise and low miles. I love my Jeep; used to have the Cherokee, but have fallen head over heels for this Sahara. Not the greatest of fuel economy, but its the funnest vehicle I have ever driven. Rides like a Jeep, but is actually a lot smoother riding than others I have driven. I find it comfortable and very reliable with the inline six and the indestructible transmission; definitely one of the more reliable vehicles out there.