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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  WJ 4.7 HIGH OUTPUT: LOVE IT! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bart - May 7 - 8:23 pm

  I have a fully loaded 4.7Ltr High output, I have installed a Magnaflow muffler, Removed the main cat and left on the pre cat, installed a K & N cold air induction system. I am also running Michelin M S radials(E-rated). I am consistently getting 24 MPG. Go figure! the window sticker said 14-19, I have never go below 17 and I drive this machine hard and it it has more power than I care to talk about Best machine have ever had on and off road. loves deep snow. Bart

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  2003 rubicon review - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Robert Fillion - May 5 - 10:00 am

  I have changed the suspension system by lifting my jeep 2 1/2 inches with a rancho lift system. The stock suspension system was a hard ride and this lift heped soften it upas well as give more clearance for off roading, my intial purpose for this ride. I have not had any major problems with any systems on this vehicle. It has been a great ride both on and off road. I have been able go places that I would not go with anything less than a 4 wheel drive with locks could go.

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  My first Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jetmyke - May 5 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy driving the Rubicon. It performs well for my daily commute and is civilized on the road, given its off road capabilities. Off road this machine is absolutly top notch. I have taken it through the "Gap" in the Catalina Mountains outside of Tucson, a 4+ rated trail, and it pulled right through. The Rubicon climbed through the boulders like a goat, (the lockers are great), and had plenty of power for the steep ascents on rock faces. Wound up breaking a wheel, but that happens in the rocks. I forgot to air down the tires. I did add a winch, rock sliders, tube bumpers and a K & N air filter. Over all very satsified.

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  WoW! Im probably just dreaming! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NewJeepFan - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Well, I found this car on eBay and didnt think it would end up in my price range. Had been leased out for a very short time-11,687 mi. to be exact (banks still considered it new as opposed to used). In flawless condition he sold it to me for $17,800 with zero hassle/haggle. I couldnt believe it all the way home, (apx. 300 mi.) it rides great, it has great pickup for a 6 cyl. It corners like a bicycle compared to other SUVs (must be the Jeep in its blood). The leather feels great and it steers like a dream. Im an audio aficionado so eventually I will have to replace the sound system but for now this one is actually okay. Best car Ive evr had. Get one !

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  Love the Orvis - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MQTennis - May 3 - 4:23 pm

  Very fun to drive. I like the exterior look of it. The Orvis has a excellent green paint job. Seats are very comfortable. Had to replace the CD player and battery is on its last year. Orvis is not a common car on the street. Drives decent on snowy roads. Some times it slips up in slush due to power and gear ratio. Not good gas mileage. A significant amount of rattles in the rear. 95000 miles and still running strong. All around good vehicle.

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  05 Limited 4x4 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Smitty1938 - May 2 - 10:10 pm

  This Jeep has been a great vehicle. It has been off road in the mountains and in the mud with out any problems. On the highway at 70 mph I am able to obtain 22 mpg. Around town it is about 17.5 mpg. No too bad for a vehicle that weighs almost 5000 lbs. The full time 4 wheel drive is great in the rain.

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  2002 Liberty Sport with 21,000 miles - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By clancyomal - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Purch. 7/01 and now have 21k miles on it. 18 years of driving a CJ-7 a change was in order but wanted to stay with Jeep name. I havent been disappointed. Reliabilty has been excellent. No signif. mech. problems. I have had squeaking/creaking which seemed to come from rear shocks. Dealer replaced them, and padded a few cables that were hitting the underside of the wheelwell. For the most part this solved problem. Too big of deal being made over location of window controls. You get used to it and they are fine. I have used it extensively in 4 wheel drive in the snow and it handles as good as any vehicle I have ever driven.

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  Review of My Jeep after 1 year owned - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steven Sturm - May 1 - 11:26 am

  My personal experience has been very good. This is the first Jeep that Ive owned. The Jeep has been around in my family for years and many of my friends have Jeeps as well. Ive never owned a vehicle so great off-road. I have no trouble in the toughest snow/ice, through streams, on unpaved back roads & trails. Recently I experienced a problem where the Jeep would not shift out of 2nd gear, the dealer updated the computer & I havent had a problem since, also, the power window motors when bad & were replaced around 22,000 miles, I am currently at 33,500 miles. I use full synthetic oil & a fuel additive & get about 17.4 MPG city, 21.4 highway. My only complaint is the speakers, easy fix.

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  My third Jeep - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dana - April 30 - 7:23 pm

  This is my third Jeep and I really like this one the best. Mine is an 8 cylinder Laredo so I am very happy with the engine power.

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  "Crash Tested" Patriot - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By VA-Nurese - April 30 - 3:40 am

  I bought a new Jeep Patriot in June on 2009. After owing it for only 6 months I was involved in a head on collision with another lager SUV at a combined speed of over 100 mph. My boyfriend and I walked away from the accident with only mild injuries compared to the severity of the accident. My Jeep was totaled, but I think that it preformed remarkably well under the conditions. The EMTs at the crash and my doctor in the ER both said that it was amazing that we were not hurt worse or dead. When all was said and done I purchased another Jeep Patriot to replace my 09 as I felt very safe in this car after our accident. I would recommend the Jeep Patriot to anyone.