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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  ex-enterprise rental - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mikettt - July 20 - 1:03 pm

  Just bought a 11 GC that was from enterprise with about 15K on it. I am very tall and struggle to find vehicles that fit me well. I have always drove Japanese (Subaru, Mazda, etc.). Giving Detroit a shot. So far, from an overall experience perspective, best vehicle Ive ever owned. Im a little worried about reliability though every brand has its problems. If you are really worried get an extended warranty. It is a heavy SUV so the V6 does not shoot it off the line. Once up to speed it cruises nicely.

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  Its a Jeep thing - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Lynn - July 19 - 1:00 am

  I grew up with Jeeps and I have always wanted a new Wrangler. So after many years of saving, I purchased an 06. I love it! The gas mileage could be better. But, HEY! I knew that buying it. Just so much I want to do to it, not enough time, well money LOL. I completely hate the 2007s. I wanted a 4X4 plus convertible. Wrangler is the only one that offers it. My old CJ-7 has 245K miles. I am so confident that this will beat the miles on my old one. I love it!

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  The Worst Car Ever - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By libertydisappoint - July 17 - 8:43 pm

  Bought the car 2 months ago. Its been in the shop 5 times already. The heat stops working every time. Customer service is terrible. Corporate is unavailable. The car was a waste of money. Daimler Chrysler will not do anything for me. They should take the car back because that is the right thing to do. Daimler Chrysler said that they wouldnt. This car is unsafe and unreliable. Nobody should purchase one if they dont want the burden of a really bad headache.

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  Hell YES! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By SinisterSmitty - July 17 - 4:23 pm

  I just bought a used 2007 Jeep Commander Limited 4x4. Its white exterior and with all the chrome accents is a head turner, and the dark brown leather interior, with sunroof, 2 moon roofs, and 3rd row seating is beautiful and so comfortable. I love, love, love this car. I also own a BMW X5, and this is the only non-BMW SUV Ive driven that comes close to the smooth ride of the X5.

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  My Baby - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By BAS - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Except for a short wiring harness, which was fixed under warrenty. A rebult reverse brought on by severe weather and severe job requirements. A poor service department and an overstuffed sales man that was easily handled. NOT A ONE THING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. My wife , 1 daughter and 3 sons all will kill each other just to drive it.

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  the rubicon rocks!!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By teehan327 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my second jeep wrangler, it is the best most capable off road vehicle I have ever owned(and I owned a lot). It is comfortable and reliable. The fuel economy isnt great for a jeep it is okay. The only downfall is the storage space, i had to add a safari rack to make up for lack of storage for camping. It is the best vehicle for someone who is going to use it for its intended purpose(going off road).

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  Love my jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By mariacuts - July 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car!!!! The style of it is great...It rides great...The four wheel drive option to use it or not is wonderful...It rides great in the snow...My only disappointment is it is terrible on gas...I get about 13 miles to the gallon and the sticker said 21 mpg....

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  love my liberty! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By lovemyjeep - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our 2004 Limited 4WD Liberty now for 8 months now and have had great success with it! fun to drive... handles the road well... especially those off the beaten path. great cargo room and easy to maintain. my only complaint is that the glove compartment is so small, you can barely fit the manual in there! other than that... the liberty is awesome!

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  Love my Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lfulleda - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Its my third one now. Still am very pleased with it.

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  Never again - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Paul - July 16 - 11:03 pm

  I bought this Jeep based on the fact that I see them everywhere and liked the looks of them (and the lease was attractive). I used to drive a 1996 Grand Marquis with 210K miles on it and this thing made me miss that car. Windows didnt work right, moon roof never operated correctly (they didnt open or close correctly). The heat was horrible - either sweltering or freezing, no control. Seats were brutal. And to top it off, I opted for the v6 for "economic" reasons and settled for 15 mpg. A joke. Go for a Chevy or Toyota.