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:

• 

  Hardcore - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Toozicon - January 26 - 10:00 am

  The Rubicon is the only way to go if you want a Wrangler. For a few bucks more its well worth it! I have been driving sports cars all my life and this is my first SUV...It is a little bumpy at first but lots of fun to drive. The weather has been bad so Ive had limited time with the top off...BUT IT IS AWESOME TO DRIVE when the top is off. Somewhat difficult to deal with the top but I feel that it can be taken down in less than 3 minutes and up in less than five...just takes a little practice.

• 

  A blast to drive! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Cody - January 26 - 3:13 am

  I love my Jeep! This is the first one I have owned, but when I was little mom had one. It deff takes me back 20 years and I love it as much now as I did then! Door off, top down is the best! Not a lot of power in this little Jeep but I didnt buy it for that. Handling is really good and ride quality is surprisingly great!

• 

  Lovin It! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rachel - January 25 - 8:00 pm

  Overall, my little beast is a dream come true! I love everything about it (except the gas mileage, but that comes with the territory)! I put a 3.5" Super Flex Rubicon Express Lift Kit suspension lift and a 1.25" body lift to fit the 305x70x16 (original rims) tires. Shes a little monster now! I couldnt have asked for a more fun vehicle to own and drive. Just driving around and watching the heads turn make me love it just that much more!

• 

  Its Great - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By truckres - January 25 - 10:18 am

  We spent over a year researching and testing vehicles before we decided on the Liberty. We wanted something that did 3 things. Could go off-road on some fairly tough trails, could tow a camping trailer, and can still be used as comfortable daily driver. The Liberty does all three very well. We have had it a month now, and find it to be very comfortable to drive, quiet on the highway, maneuverable, great in the snow, and though early perfectly reliable. The Limited has a nice leather interior and other nice to have features like power seats, bluetooth, etc. We strongly considered Xterra, FJ Cruiser, Wrangler, and 4-Runner. All were either too big, too expensive, or not daily driver friendly.

• 

  Jeep Commander A+! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Dawne Miller - January 24 - 9:20 am

  Cool, fun, and safe - great value and smooth ride! Compared and drove H3, BMW X5, and Jeep. Jeep Commander won - visibility very poor on Hummer 3 and no side air bags; ridiculous price with no features on X5. Jeep is loaded with heated seats, luxury package and tow package, leased with extra miles - cant beat the luxury, safety and price. I love it!

• 

  Nice surprise - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By jimmylake1 - January 22 - 4:16 am

  Great car. Wasnt interested at first since Id only seen women driving it, but Ive been very pleased and whenever there has been a little problem, Jeep takes care of its customers. Gas mileage is disappointing but thats the only thing that isnt great.

• 

  3rd Jeep - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jerry - January 21 - 4:03 am

  This is my third Jeep, I love them and my only complaint is that I waited so long to purchase one. I brought this one is 2007; I have not had any problems oil change regularly and it keeps me moving. I have to drive all over the Lancaster county for my job, I might start my day off at one end of the county and finish my day a the other end and my jeep always gets the job done no matter if I travel highways or dirt roads. Fuel is another story, but I am not willing to give up a car I love for money. Im looking forward to the 2011; they are changing the body again, it looks smooth.

• 

  Do The Math...Buy it or Move On! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Curmudgeon - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Drove it for two weeks before signing the check to determine if this is what I want to live in for the next 72 months. I love it. Not happy about fuel eco, but it helps keep the mileage down! Recommend it highly. Jeep NEEDs to standardize its amenities. Never did get the package I wanted, but Im adding on and find it cheaper to do so post-sale.

• 

  Love this Jeep - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By FiremanLuke - January 19 - 6:20 pm

  We just bought this Jeep this month and have had so much fun already! It already had the nice add-ons like a suspension lift, 33" mud tires, rear luggage rack, swing-out rear gate, spare fuel cans, custom bumpers, grille guard, air-locker 4X4 and a 6 CD changer! It has only 70,600 miles on it and we look forward to many years of fun from this car.

• 

  Wow! a Jeep! - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By Dylan - January 17 - 11:33 am

  I love driving this Jeep. i drive it everyday. it drives in awesome in the snow an ice its really good off road. its really good to drive in the city its small enough to fit in a parking spot that is hard to get to. makes turns easy.