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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  Amazing and Fun! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Brandon Lingenfelter - November 16 - 1:10 pm

  Since owning this vehicle (2 weeks at time of review) I have put over 1200 miles on it including some off-roading. I can honestly say that Jeep has provided a ruggedly refined vehicle with ample room for everyone and the great off-roading prowess we have all come to expect. The vehicle let out a few loud groans but those were mostly due to the engine putting out some more torque to get up those hills. Surprisingly I am getting similar mileage to the Jeep Liberty (14 in city and 19 - 21 on highway). Overall I am very pleased and impressed with this vehicle.

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  Best Ride Ever! - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeff - November 16 - 1:30 am

  I bought my Jeep Wrangler as a demo in 1998. Ive put 188,000 miles on it and have been more then happy with it since day 1. It goes everywhere, from the tropics to winter blizzards. Ive owned many high end vehicles and get more enjoyment out of this Jeep then any of the others!

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  2008 Jeep Commander LTD 4WD, 5.7 Hemi - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By jeep lover - November 15 - 10:43 am

  Solid build quality, roomy, no blind spots, great Boston Acoustics stereo, solid as a tank, very fast, drivers seat moves back when key is removed, nav system easy to operate, rear camera, parking sensors, remote start, great vehicle with many features for the price.

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  Jeep Wrangler - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By waltmac71 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I have used my Jeep for around town and out of town trips for over 3 years with never a problem. The only drawback is the noisey drive....but it makes up for it in how enjoyable it is to drive.

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  STOP & look @ this - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brian Peterson - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Make special note to yourself when driving a Wrangler that the wheels are very prone to locking up on dry pavement. Ive taken tactical driving courses & have driven everything from Police cruizers & armored trucks to Ambulances-However, my 2004 X model is still @ the body shop. (As embarrassing as it is) At 40mph the vehicle locked & slid one& a half car lengths on dry pavement.

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  Awesome Jeep for FUN - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Fijiman - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I had a Grand Cherokee and have exchanged the SUV version for the Wrangler ... It is awesome ... I was worried about the engine, but the 6cl does a great job... its fun Ive had it in mud and on the beached of NCs outer banks ... Ive even towed a boat ... youll love this vehicle

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  love it - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By maisey - November 15 - 10:00 am

  this is the first new car I have ever bought for myself and I could not be happier, unless it got better gas mileage. But the good look and the great ride make up for that. I have the Laredo Special Edition so I am spoiled with the leather seats and all the extras... I will definately be a repeat buyer.

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  great little truck - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By qsplimited - November 12 - 5:16 pm

  This is about the most practical and best built, simple and tough vehicle I have ever owned. It has been through a lot of tough torture at Lake Meade and handles the desert like a champ. On our second weekend at the lake we were unpleasantly stuck about 5 miles from a road and had to be towed up a cliff by cable to get out. After a short bath and a new ball joint she was beautiful as always. The look with the chrome wheel skins is great and they are quickly replaced if scratched or lost for only $25.00 The paint is very rich and the truck still looks brand new at 50,000 miles. I highly recommend to used buyers; remember though it is a truck based vehicle from the 80s. Dont expect a race car.

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  I LOVE IT......... - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By treeovus - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Had this pure white puppy 2 weeks and wife and I love it. Our son bought one last year and as we drove it and rode in it. WE HAD TO GET ONE.

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  Great in the snow - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike - November 10 - 12:10 am

  This is our second Grand Cherokee. We travel a lot in the snow and ice. We have yet to find a better vehicle for that purpose. Handled our snow mobile trailer with no problems, even in deep show. The ride is 100% better than our 2003. Mileage averages 18-20 on the highway when I keep my foot out of it. (we have the Hemi)