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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  Awesome Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Rachel - November 26 - 5:16 pm

  We bought this Jeep due to gas mileage and overall features. We spend lots of time outside and in the mtns and this Jeep has no problems keeping up with us. Even though it is a 4cyld it can keep up with our 8cyld truck in the mtns any day. It is full of great features as well. Very easy to drive and handle on the road and plenty of space for hauling stuff. One of our favorite vehicles ever owned. It is the size of a smaller vehicle but has many of the features of a much larger one.

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  AWESOME OVERLAND - UPDATE - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave L. - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Refer to Dave C. review earlier...I now have 68,500 miles on my 02 JGC Overland...original tires, brakes etc...I have not had any work done other than normal oil changes and tire rotation. Ive joined a local Jeep club and have taken the JGC in places I would never take my 4wd Dodge truck. Also took a Colorado trip and at 14k feet, the view is remarkable. Ill never own another SUV.

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  my first jeep; boy i love it - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By cdallas - November 26 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive, interior great quality feel, very nice leather for small suv

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  jenyuin - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By rellommihcs - November 26 - 2:00 am

  So far REAL good. Im happy with the vehicle I traded in a great vehicle (01 dakota 4x4). But it was to big for my needs.

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  2004 Jeep Spec Edition - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rylemm - November 26 - 2:00 am

  My second Jeep, very predictable, reliable, handles very well on snow and ice, V6 a bit sluggish would opt for V8.

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  Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark - November 25 - 10:00 pm

  This is the 5th Jeep Ive owned. I have so much fun going places most people only get to look at in a book. The Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is extremely capable anywhere I have taken it off-road and very quiet and fun to drive on- road also.

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  Been Around The World...and Back! - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By DJ... - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned. From extremes of cold winters in South Dakota, extreme heat of Turkey, fast driving of Italy, and tropical climate of Guam...this Jeep has never let me down. First problem happened at 84K when the catalitic converter went out...thats not bad. Will still line up with a new 4.0L and run the clock. Shes still purring awesome with over 100K on her. Wish I could say the same for my 97 with only 50K!!

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  I love my new Jeep - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By dlivr8r - November 24 - 10:00 am

  There are only a few things Id add to the Jeep -- see suggestions below -- and nothing I would truly alter. The Wrangler is doggedly reliable, endlessly versatile, and the most fun you can have with your clothes on. At least the Jeep can go topless if you cant.

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  What a Ride! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By sue - November 24 - 8:36 am

  This Commander is the 4th Jeep Ive owned, and the best! It already gets better gas mileage than the 03 GC I traded with the the big 4.0L HO engine. The Hemi takes a bit getting used to, but in the snow she shines! I splurged on the lifetime warranty and intend to keep her for a long long time! The only thing I wish she had is a remote start. I drive 30 miles round trip to work, and this suv makes that drive a pleasure. With that said, shes really built for the open road, and trips to snow country are great too. I dont even feel my boat when Im pulling it behind my Commander! This car is a keeper! Well done!

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  Great Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lonnie - November 23 - 11:03 am

  IÂ’ve driven 3 Laredos but this time I decided to go to the top. The Limited is really great to drive. I didnÂ’t think I would ever use the NAV but it was a big help when I had to find my son at a hospital emergency room. I only wish the NAV was real time so I could avoid gridlock. I am glad that the CD changer was moved from the rear of the vehicle to the dash. I love the tire monitor as well, great idea.