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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  Help - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JGC Laredo - August 3 - 10:20 pm

  Have this JGC with over 100,000 miles runs great but today while driving all the gauges went on and off the rpm dropped to 0 but the car didnt stop or decrease in speed.

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  Liberty CRD is a great vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Perry Clark - August 3 - 5:36 am

  The Jeep Liberty is a good vehicle; with the availability of the new CRD version, it becomes great. Not for everyone -- this is a Jeep, and a diesel, and it lets you know it, though in a calm and reasonable manner. (If that can be said about a diesel, which I believe it can.) Seats are firm, could have more/better side bolsters, and there are several interior details that could be improved upon, but its a fantastic vehicle.

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  Made for driving off-road - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By nd826 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine as a lease return and have had only one problem - the transfer case was shot, probably because the previous person drove with PT 4WD on *all* the time (clearly not the brightest). Warranty covered it, so it wasnt so bad. Every other aspect runs beautifully - tons of power from the in-line 6 cyl. engine, and amazing off-road capability. Ive been in snow and mud up to my fenders, but my cherokee climbs right out of it. The MPG isnt bad for an SUV - 20-22 MPG on avg. for me. The ride comfort isnt great, esp. in the tight back seat, but Im happy to trade a little on-road comfort for the off-road/bad weather confidence :)

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  97 Gr Cherokee - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jhosler - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been one of the better vehicles I have owned. I do most of the PM on the vehicle, so I know its done right.The main problem Ive found with the vehicle is the exterior paint job from the factory, which easily chips and requires touch-up on a regular basis. Ive never owned a vehicle longer than this Jeep, so I guess it says something for my satisfaction with the product.

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  check it out - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By fro - August 2 - 2:00 am

  a little gutless 4 all the hype..after market chip,exaust,air brought it up to expectation...now a lift will be a killer road worthy,trail worthy,daily driver

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  Down sized - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By GatorPal - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Had Ford Explorer since 1995 so this is a down size. Might take a while to get used to but figure it looks good, drives well, and is sporty -- so what the heck! (Did love my Explorer though!)

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  06 Jeep Liberty Renegade Review - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave - August 1 - 3:16 pm

  Bought this new in the summer of 06 and it has been fantastic. Really fun to drive, lots of power, 4WD system is fantastic and everyone admires the rugged looks of the Liberty Renegade package. No it isnt great on gas, but if you slow down on the highway, its not too bad (hey its not a Corolla!).

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  I Wont Miss It - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By MyMistake - August 1 - 7:20 am

  I bought my Jeep Saraha Unlimited in August of 08. I traded my Honda Ridgeline because I wanted to drive American. Big mistake! The Jeep is very underpowered. If I even tow an empty 5x8 enclosed trailer, I know it is there. When I tow a single Waverunner the Jeep struggles and revs excessively. It is a good off road vehicle, if that is what you are looking for. I have had Jeeps before and this one was an improvement in areas like ride and interior comfort. Keep in mind that even with the longer wheelbase, the ride is still that of a Jeep. It is a lot of work to take it on a trip of 300 miles of more. It is affected by small amounts of wind and the interior is noisy. Not recommended by me.

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  1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By rllr - July 31 - 8:50 am

  I bought the 98 Cherokee Sport brand new in June 98. Eleven years later it drives like new. Its engine has gained fame has incredibly reliable, the best of the best from Jeep. Ive driven it everywhere. It can go 100mph comfortably and get out of any snow bank. Its a shame they discontinued it. As someone over 6 feet tall, I really appreciate the great head room!!

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  Reliable and Long-lasting - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By RdeB - July 30 - 1:40 am

  We are at 250,000 miles and going strong! This car has served us well, so we are keeping it, even after 10 years! The drawbacks have always been the same: it is noisy, and there is no leg room behind the drivers. We chose the Jeep because of the wide space in the back (fits a 4-ft wide object in the flat, and is high). We also like the rack on top and the comparatively small outside dimensions & lots of window area (maneuverable & easy to park), and on slippery roads in the winter we like the safety of 4WD.