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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  Best SUV outthere - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Justin Bittner - October 1 - 12:16 am

  The jeep liberty is the best buy for the money. Its 210 hp V6 can not be topped by any SUV in its class. I plan to keep my liberty until it just wont go anymore, than ill buy a new one.

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  Its a Jeep Commander Limited 5.7 Hemi - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By dr burke - September 30 - 3:53 pm

  I am very impressed with my Jeep. Its fully loaded and roomy, for a single guy. It has a 5.7L Hemi with variable displacement engine. On the straight away, I drive on 4 cyl in power saver mode and get 24 mpg @ 50 mph. Ive found the sweet spot to be around 1500 rpm, if you arent in a rush to get somewhere, it will increase your mpg by 5-10 mpg. I expect after more break in to average 26-28 mpg on regular gasoline. I am happy with my MDE. A few suggestions: When taking off, when you reach 25 mph, Resume cruise control. And run on 1/2 fuel to increase mileage. Use Quaker+Slick50.

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  Great blend of comfort and capability. - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Fred - September 30 - 10:20 am

  Where I live here in the Colorado mountains, I must have a solid and capable 4x4. The JGC has filled the bill with style. I think that those who criticize the JGC on bumps have not driven a 4x4 with solid floating axles front and rear before. It simply amazes me how responsive and smooth the JGC is considering the tough and proven components that make up the drivetrain and suspension. Mine had a bit of body roll too, but was practically eliminated with the installation of a set of quality tires with stronger sidewalls, in this case, Pirelli Scorpion STRs. The JGC is awesome on snow and ice through twisty mountain roads, and is smooth with good feel on the highway.

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  Time tested - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ba3k - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Simply put, there is no vehicle as capable in stock form as the Jeep Wrangler. Ive ridden them all (Hummers, Rovers, Cruisers) but nothing off roads as capable as a Jeep.

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  give me liberty! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Dymo - September 30 - 2:00 am

  love it! love it! i test drove just about every small and medium sized suv on the market and this is by far the best.

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  Only in a Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Freak - September 29 - 4:56 pm

  After buying several domestic vehicles and having horrible quality, we were ready to give into a foreign vehicle. I wanted something fun to drive, yet a good size and could fit the family, luggage and myself and something good in the snow. My friends who had a 95 Grand Cherokee said that they loved theirs and that they have had nothing but basic maintenance done on theirs with 162,000 miles on it (still running too!). So with that, we looked into them, found one with the strong, efficient, and long-lasting 4.0 I-6 and bought it. We have had it for 1.5 years and we have almost 36,000 miles of trouble-free driving. Its fun, great size, and gets 17mpg in city and sometimes 22 on the highway. Great SUV!

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  CANT BELIEVE HOW MUCH FUN IT IS! - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By rhicks - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my jeep thinking that the purchase may be a passing fancy. It has since become a passion. I love the vehicle. It is great in all weather (I have both tops). But you may need to have a garage if you want to get the most out of it. Leaving the top down in the summer is the only way to go. To do that you need a garage. Simple. I have not had any problems with the jeep at all. You must rotate the tires every other oil change if you get the 30 inch wheel package. Other wise, you will get radial striping on the tread wear which increases road noise.

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  Great All Purpose - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Bud - September 23 - 8:50 am

  Had a few Lincoln Town Cars and traded my 2003 Lincoln in on a 2005 Grand Cherokee Laredo in June 05. Saw the Commander and I really missed all the toys on the Lincoln. At 6ft 200 lbs also missed the room. Traded the Cherokee with 7000 miles on it for the Commander Limited with all the toys except NAV and entertainment. Im 64 years old and really enjoy the view.

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  BMW No More - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lighthammer - September 22 - 2:59 am

  This vehicle loves to be thrown into hard turns at speed. Very composed. The new wider track and longer wheelbase give it a smooth ride. Quiet cabin at 70 mph. Feels solid and comfortable. Exterior manages to look tough and sophisticated at the same time. As good as my old BMW X5 but much less expensive.much less expensive.

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  2008 Patriot 4x4 - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By ASG - September 22 - 1:16 am

  I commute 100 miles a day round trip and it doesnt beat you up. traded in the Subaru outback, and am very pleased with MPG (26-28) compared to sticker rating. I like the non carpet in the back, we have 2 large dogs. Visibility is great compared to other models. Tested out the 4x4 today and worked fine in the snow/ice. When my other SUV gets retired soon, I plan on purchasing another patriot (4x2).