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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  Jeep Wrangler Review - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Natependley - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been an absolute dream to own and to drive. Every aspect of it has been better than I imagined. Reliable and fun and well engineered.

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  Timeless - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By exoticjeep - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Holds its Value with minimum depriciation! Everyone loves to ride in it. It handles so bad with 2 straight axles on springs with fat balloon tires its actualy fun to drive!

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  Hooked! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By alicat379 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had my wrangler for 5 years,never had any problem whatsoever! Its fun to drive,great to put the top down and just go! We took it from Ohio to Tennessee,had a great time in the mountains,it goes anywhere.This jeep does much better than my hubbys ford truck in mud or snow,both 4wd. Im hooked!

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  Love my Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By tooswt - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Liberty in Feb. 2003. Drove it off the lot right into a blizzard with no exaggeration. It handled like it was on dry road without using the 4wd. Had to use the 4wd once while in Michigan. Shift on the fly, smooth as could be. As fun to drive as a sports car and if I have to do a U turn has a short tight turning ratio.Love it so much I gave it a name...Abraham

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  Its a Jeep Thing - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Ronni - September 8 - 10:00 am

  As soon as I test drove the Liberty, I knew it was the vehicle for me. I have always owned a Caravan and was ready for something smaller. Let my KIDS drive the vans now. I immediately bought a bike carrier for my Jeep that carries 4 bikes and take my older granddaughters biking with me often.

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  Great Vheicle - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ajulie - September 8 - 10:00 am

  4wd capable with a great ride. Quality has been perfect and I love it.

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  WOW! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Crookster777 - September 7 - 8:43 am

  What a great SUV. Looks great. I got the Black/Slate Gray combo. The Hemi is powerful, it runs quiet, the Nav is great. The leather/suede seats are great. Much, much better than my WJ, but I miss it. The Overland attracts a lot of attention. I have received so many compliments and I have only had it for 2 days!

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  Great alternative to look-alike SUVs - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Meangreen - September 7 - 3:16 am

  We got the Sahara back in March and we love it. It gets lots of looks and weve had people stop and ask us about it. There are tons of H3s around here and this vehicle is so much better. We have the hard top and it rides very quiet and the front leg room is excellent.

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  Patriot Value - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Kangrapes - September 6 - 10:00 am

  Great value in a four wheel drive. Getting 26 miles per gallon on an easy commute. Very comfortable and the controls are easy to use. It is a much better build than I expected and so far rattle free. CVT takes some getting used to, especially the low speed braking. But to get the power they get out of a four cylinder the CVT works great.

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  My new toy - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By tricia - September 6 - 10:00 am

  This will be my 3rd Jeep and by far the new sports package with the interior electronic features ie:electric windows/Sirius/steering wheel push button features and added quiet interior feel like luxury in contrast to my others. My last wrangler was a 98 and being clueless about the mechanics of cars Id have to say I can detect less engine power when Im getting up around the rocky mountains and need the power boost. Its a pretty big downside to this Wrangler. Also, after an hour or less the drivers seat isnt terribly comfortable. Lots more visibility out the windows and easy lift back seat is a good feature. 7 speaker infinity is nice & pass. side lift seat. over all very pleased.