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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  Great SUV - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Molly - June 14 - 4:53 am

  I have only owned my Jeep for 5 months, but am happy with what I see so far. I drive it to the mountains every weekend and use it to commute to school and have not had a problem yet. The only concern I have is that the gas mileage is not too great.

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  You get it all in the Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By DAC - June 13 - 12:20 am

  I traded a Wrangler Sport for my Rubicon. I found that the Rubicon would go where the Sport would only try to go ...without adding a lift, tires, and lockers. This Rubicon is simply a better stock Jeep. It has the same great features as the Sport such as the covertible top, ease in parking, and fun driving. In addition, I found that it will go off- road where the Sport could only dream of going with the Rubicons stock front and rear lockers, 16 wheel set, and the additional lift to accomodate the 31 wheels. This Rubicon is truly the Jeep that I would expect all Jeeps to be.

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  jeepers creepers - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By bob - June 10 - 2:06 am

  I have owned 4 jeeps similar to this one. The jk has the smoothest ride so far. All the nice things in the "S" package are great. I was really shocked about the drips and wind noise- -the worst ever. But my local jeep dealer in Clarion, PA fixed the problems.

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  Best SUV out there by far - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jack Tawil - June 9 - 2:00 am

  preforms like no other king of the road

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  Not enough storage, seat not comfortable - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jackie - June 7 - 4:20 am

  My husband just brought this home for me last week. Because of the jump in gas prices over hurricane Katrina, he traded in my Suburban. This is a very fun, solid SUV. However, if you are looking for storage areas to put your stuff, forget it. The glove box isnt even big enough to hold my few maps, no sunglass holder and the seats are not very comfortable, so I am not sure how it will be on long drives. I think this car would be great for a 20ish year old for getting around town or a quick ski weekend, certainly not big enough for a family, and not comfortable enough for me, but until gas prices goes down, it will do, then it will be handed down to my two boys to fight over.

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  Fun unless on the highway... - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By erik1493 - June 5 - 1:24 am

  Jeeps are great, fun, and reliable cars. The ride is bumpy, but if you buy padded seat covers you will be VERY comfortable. Dont, and I repeat, do not, get a Jeep with 4 cylinder engine. My jeep has the v4 and honestly, I can barely pass cars on the highway at 60mph

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  My Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeeper01 - June 3 - 11:13 pm

  I bought my jeep Cherokee Sport 3yrs. ago and never had any problems with so far and it has 140000 mi. on it.It is a great vehicle for off roading to get to my fav. fishin/campin/hunting spots here in PA..fuel economy is getting better with a Gibson Perf. exhaust and a K&N cold air intake and I just added a BBK 62 mm. throttle.There is so many mods. that you can add to this vehicle. that makes it so fun to own. Looks are great for town and off roading to.

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  Robs Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By the911guy - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 2000 Ford Mustang for my Liberty and havent looked back. It has been an absolute joy to have. The only negative Ive noticed is that gas mileage could be better. Interior room is adequate and Im over six foot. Room for the kids and their stuff too. Peppy six banger and smooth transmission and transfer case make even off road use easy and fun.

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  Jeep Review - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gail Bratholt - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado is an excellent vehicle. I previously had a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado and traded it for the 2004 model. It is a very dependable vehicle.

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  3rd Grand Cherokee and final one! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Marmay - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Our 3rd GC a Christmas present.At 200 miles the "check engine" light came on.It was fixed. Every 200 miles after that it came on also, after 1,000 miles Chrysler is buying back to SUV. Faulty software in this model when fuel tank is 1/2 full and going up steep hills!