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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  Incredibly Fun - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Itlbfun - March 10 - 10:00 am

  I have had several Jeeps, and this is by far the best one ever. Traded my Avalanche that I loved in on this, and dont regreat it for a minute. I have both hard and soft tops, but bought it for no tops. Absolutely fun to drive anytime anywhere, and it can go anywhere. Live at the beach, and I couldnt have a more appropriate vehicle. Thanks Jeep...

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  Great Family SUV - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Dillys - March 7 - 9:36 am

  We previously owned a Jeep Liberty and had to upgrade in size. The Liberty was a great Jeep, so we decided to stay in the Jeep family. For a family of four, the Commander has been awesome. The kids love riding in the third row because their feet reach the floor - only suitable for little ones because theres no leg room. The front is very spacious and controls are easily accessible to both the driver and passenger. I dont much care that there isnt much storage behind the third row when its up, but it wasnt a deal breaker by any means. We look forward to our road trip next month because well have plenty of room for comfort and storage. Overall we are very pleased with this vehicle.

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  Gotta Love Them - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeeper - March 6 - 10:30 am

  This is my 4th Jeep Wrangler, and they just keep getting better. You cant beat them offroad, trust me. They will climb just about anything you put in front of it, and they are extremely dependable. The 4.0 six cylinder is very powerful, but it only gets around 17 mpg in city. I have owned Chevy, Dodge, and Toyotas, and you simply cant beat the toughness, dependability, and offroad ability of a Jeep. They are so much fun to drive, especially with the top down, and everyone is looking at you with envy. Ill always be a Jeep man. I think everyone should try one, and theyll be hooked too.

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  Best Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep05 - March 6 - 5:30 am

  I bought the 4.7L V8, not the 3.7L V6. Its not an option here, but I got it. The Boston Acoustics Speakers sound as great as the Bose Speakers. Im glad I got a better value than the Limited.

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  the best - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By jc 3 - March 4 - 9:50 am

  i love it, she just dont quit she starts every day and runs great my wife owns one too and she love hers

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  its awesome - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By PRINCESS - March 3 - 4:46 pm

  I just recently bought an 06 Grand Cherokee, traded in my 05 that had nothing but problems. the 06 seems to do just fine its only got 15,000 miles on it bought it with 14,000 it drives way better than the 05 i dont know what the difference in 1 year can make but let me tell you it did. i love jeep and i dont think i can ever drive another vehicle again...i understand the "Its a Jeep thing you wouldnt understand"

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  Gotta Love My Jeep! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By AKDanica - March 3 - 10:00 am

  My second Jeep purchase. I owned 2 Nissans (functional), 3 Dodges (constant problems). In 1998, I bought my 1st box-type Jeep & fell in love! Around town or a snow bank, my Jeep always comes through! Both Jeeps are far beyond any expectation I had on the Jeep lot. Negatives? Road noise. "Rough" ride. SUV gas mileage. Positives: a blast to drive! Handles well on cement or off. Takes brushes with death with style & keeps on ticking! My 2000 has endured Alaskan winters, fishing roadtrips, a fender bender, & a mud pit a Hummer/4x4 Ram couldnt help themselves out of.. I see myself in the Jeep Cherokee until I turn it over to my sons 1st vehicle in 10 years!

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  JeepAholic - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Vatche - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive always wanted a Jeep since I was young and that dream came true in April of 1999. This has been my daily vehicle respectively for the last 4.5 years and I love it. Not for everyone tho. I have fixed it up with lift kits and larger tires which is the reason for dismal gas mileage but its really worth it because it looks awesome. The noise from the soft top has been eliminated by my upgraded sound system. Very reliable off road and in scorching desert heat and cold snowy winters, amazing what this baby could do.

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  Built for adventure : Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By creed - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I have 1,200 miles on my 04Liberty Ltd. I love it!! I traded my 97 Jeep GC in. Reliability was very good, excellent offroad capability. I expect the same from the Liberty. I was looking to keep the price under 28-30 k.Leather heated seats,sunroof,6-disc cd chgr and more for $28,310, and got it under invice. Fit and finish- interior is excellent. Very solid feel.I looked at other small suvs in this class, for what you get for the money. This is it! Do your homework and check around. If you are looking for something small to midsize, and offroad capability. Take a good look at the Jeep Liberty.

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  Love my Commander Overland w/Hemi - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By KmanCommander - March 2 - 1:13 pm

  This vehicle is awesome The more I drive it the more I like it. I actually miss it when I am not driving it, and we are talking about a vehicle! It is unique looking, not like all those crossbreeds currently flooding the market... It is fast and powerfull I doesnt do to well with gas mileage, but what to you expect with a vehicle that is around 6k lbs? With a huge 8 in it? It has 330+ HP and always in 4.. I have been driving around looking for piles to drive this thing over.... It has so much power that nothing is intimidating. The electronics a cool.. nav, rear monitor, sensors, automatic window sensors.....etc I would buy it again