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 - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Ms. Ross - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep handles Great. It drives like a breeze on the highway, but is not great for city driving. Poor gas mileage. BUT I STILL Love this JEEP.

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  Needs improvement - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jason - February 13 - 2:56 pm

  I will give credit to the fact that the new style rides and handles a lot better for everyday driving. The tractions control is a feature that should never have been added as I have found while pulling out into traffic on snowy roads the vehicle hesitates to get going and have almost been hit. There also seems to be a power band in every gear which gives it a sluggish feel when accelerating, not impressed!! I think the people at Chrysler should have just stuck with the 4.0 litre. The tire pressure sensor likes to come on when its cold out and the "Change oil" indicator comes on and doesnt shut off even after changing the oil?

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  Real SUV - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By appltech - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Cherokee with 42000 miles on it. except for few minor annoyances such as transfer case lever that vibrates now and again, an exaust system that vibrates a little on start up on cold days and a minor recall this vehicle has been very reliable. This is the real deal, not a car with 4WD so expect more of truck like experience. I wish jeep had up dated the cherokee in the same vein as the Grand Cherokee; by keeping the solid front axle etc.

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  98 jeep - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By derekw - February 13 - 10:00 am

  very strong vechicle can take whatever i can dish out

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  jeep wrangler - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By jp - February 13 - 10:00 am

  vehicle is fun to drive good visability because of height solid reliable vehicle(pulled out a few 9 inch tree stumps clearing yard) tires a little noisy when driving without radio on because of soft top top still tight enought after 1 year use to resist wind flap at high speeds

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  Jeep Liberty Sport - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By kearneybe - February 11 - 9:03 pm

  First it was a 84 Cherokee, then a 94 Wrangler and now my 02 Liberty Sport. So far I love the Lib. I test drove all the other sport utes on the market, and the Lib stood out, not only because of its styling, but because of having a low range 4WD. My only complaint are the seats. Not as a comfortable as comparable seats but it is what Ive come to expect from Jeep. If you need a grocery hauler, but an Escape, if you want something to take offroad, you need a Liberty!

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  A little gem - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Yazzhsh - February 11 - 11:50 am

  I read as many reviews as i could before test driving it. When i test drove it, I knew it was the perfect choice! I compared it to its competitors such as the Rav4 and the Honda CR-V but i felt that with the Patriot i was getting a lot of car for the extremely reasonable price. I am not disappointed with my choice. My family and i are spending a lot more time out of the house!!

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  I Love My Jeep So Far! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By gregbird08 - February 10 - 7:03 am

  I have only had my Jeep for a little less than a month, but I am enjoying it a lot. It only has 20,000 miles and its a V6 AWD, and that has plenty of power as far as I am concerned. I am getting about 16 mpg, and that is way better than our Suburban (what I was driving) and as good or better than many mid-size SUVs, such as Explorers. I love the way the Jeep drives, I drove an 06 BMW X5 before and I think the Jeep drives just as great!!!! I would definitely recommend a used one if you can find a good deal, mine was only $14900, that is way better than buying a new one! As for being an 18 y-o with his first car, I feel very save in it, especially with all those airbags.

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  Window regulators - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Frank - February 7 - 9:20 pm

  I had to replace the window regulators in my 2004 Jeep Grand Cher. Laredo once,but guess what,Im going to have to re-place 4 of them again. Ill never buy another Jeep Cherokee and will never recommend them to anyone else. These things cost a lot of money, which I cannot afford.

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  Mixed feelings on this! TRUTH - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By mixed feelings! - February 7 - 4:03 pm

  I live in Santa Fe NM. I purchased the car this past April. Traded a truck and a sports car for this. and with an extra bank discount I got a great deal. I purchased the floor room Jeep 4x4 all black with the sky roof open... The undercoat was not painted and after 3 weeks with the Jeep everything rusted underneath. Jeep squeaks when I brake! The roof is lifting and at first I was more than in love with the fact it made not a sound but now it is a wind tunnel from hell that even the great radio SAT system wont block out! I have a color called Black Pearl? There seems to be a sun spot on the hood small but does not look finished.The biggest headache of them all is Jeep does not offer a loaner.