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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  Love It! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By darcy - September 11 - 7:33 pm

  We bought the Compass after our Toyota Matrix was crushed by a tree during a spring storm. We love it! It is so quiet, fun to drive, gas mileage is good. It drives more like a car than a SUV. Go with the driver convenience package for the heated leather seats, sunroof etc. It is well worth it. Plenty of room in the back seat for children and dogs. And our car insurance went down.

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  Nothing else like it - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Kyle V - September 11 - 11:46 am

  I bought my XJ almost a year ago. After selling my 88 F250(needed cash) and GMC 2500(horrible truck!). I have put 35,000+ on the truck in under a year I drive about 45 minutes to work everyday. I also take the truck off roading dozens of times a month for hours at a time. It has a 4.5 inch RC lift and handles better off road then my friends vehicles by far a wrangler, bronco and samurai. Ive put it through hell and back and never been stuck or had any maintenance issues. Im 19 years old and I plan to keep it forever. It turns my 31 inch tires with all the added weight from the new heavy duty leaf springs and coil I installed. LOVE IT

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  miss transgender 98 Grand Cherokee. - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By miss transgender - September 9 - 3:46 pm

  ive had the vehicle 2 months and its one of the best things ive ever bought my self ever comfort is great i replaced the factory sound system am fm cassette to a nice cd system replace all speaker and added two on the dash i added a full dvd system i wash and wax here ever day got a closed in car port for her to sleep at night this is one slam up jeep ive got the 4.0 straight six lots of power and torque ever thing power in her rear pop up glass factory alloy wheels she great she my girl.

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  Jeep :) - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Art Perez - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I didnt think much about Jeep when i first started to look for a smaller SUV. However, after testing a few others, I went to a Jeep dealer, and drove off the that day with my new Laredo. Two years later, I went to check out the Jeep liberty. Wow.. what a huge differance from my other Jeep, so i traded in my Jeep and all I really love to drive these days. I just bought a Hummer(H2) but I prefer my Jeep for around town use.

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  I LOVE this vehicle!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By NancyHB - September 8 - 10:00 am

  It has everything you could possibly want in a vehicle. I feel safe in it. The doors lock automatically, and it has power features that I enjoy. I like not having to bend down to get in, nor having to make a lot of effort when taking items out of the back.

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  My first Jeep and its a terrific SUV - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By HunterinDallas - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This my first Jeep and it rides like a top and is fun to drive around town. It has alot more pickup and go in its performance than I thought. It was the best small SUV that I test drove.

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  One Year Later - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By RayF - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehichle. Performs as advertised. Comfortable on long trips, powerful and quiet. Build quality is excellent and have had no problems whatsoever. Only disappointment is fuel mileage but this is a heavy rough service vehicle so this can be understood. Mileage is getting better as vehicle ages.

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  My Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By AEWilliams - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Jeep Liberty. I enjoy it greatly. It is fun to drive and the exterior is very eye catching.

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  The best choice - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Car - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have ever had handles great in the winter

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  FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By TARA - September 8 - 10:00 am

  IVE LOVED JEEPS SINCE I COULD SAY THE NAME AND NOW BEING A PROUD JEEP OWNER I STILL FEEL THE SAME. ITS NEVER LET ME DOWN AND I LOOK DARN GOOD IN IT TOO!