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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  2004 Overland one year later. - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Paul Bok - August 4 - 6:06 am

  The love affair continues. Looking great, running great and the only problem so far, the voltmeter quit working. On order with the dealership. Coming from San Diego back to Arizona, there is a steep, long, descending and winding road. BMW X5 with low profile tires tried to loose me at speeds nowhere close to legal. He will for ever remember graphite Overland, and its oversized custom exhaust pipe.

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  Very Nice Older SUV - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cherokee - August 3 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle! I have had it for about 4 months now and I love it. I have never had a SUV so this is my first and I love this compact SUV. It has quiet a bit of power for a SUV. When I bought it, it came with 31 x 10.50 tires. So the gas mileage is right at 17mpg. But I like the big tires when I am four wheelin. This SUV is truely a Jeep, it does go just about anywhere! It is a very capable four wheel drive vehicle!

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  ok car - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By noah - July 29 - 4:40 am

  had this car since it first came out in 2007 bought it new. had to replace all 4 of the power window units several times,the ac unit has gone bad twice due to an electrical failure in the switch the first time,the second time the condensor coils were shot,great for road trips just be prepared to make alot of stops for gas.sucks down the battery life really fast,we have to replace it once every year.had a factory recall just 2 years ago due to if it got rear ended it could explode,so they put a hitch on the back thats somehow supposed to help or prevent that .it took them 10 years before they realized this problem and sent out a recall.overall its a great jeep and i highly recomend it.

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  Great Bang for Buck - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By D. Olson - July 28 - 4:56 pm

  I bought a 2005 Laredo 4WD, trading in an old Cherokee. NO comparison - this one is light years ahead. Got a great deal at end of model year. No problems with car in first 4500 miles. Good mileage with V6 ... although it wont win many races. Quadra Trac is very easy to use, but not for off roading, as it is really a highway AWD system. Love this new Jeep, think they got early production bugs out before this one was built in May ... glad I bought American.

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  Nice Vehicle for the $! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Charlie - July 27 - 6:30 pm

  Purchased approximately 1 month ago. Driven mostly in suburbs to and from work. Smooth, comfortable and quiet ride on freeway driving. Like the classic Jeep style (tired of the rolling egg look). Like this better than the Honda CR-V traded in.

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  Freedom Edition is the best. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeramie Murray - July 27 - 12:03 pm

  I love this Jeep, I have always been a Wrangler guy, but they are not the most practical for everyday use. This Liberty fits the bill, seats four comfortably and has some storage; also it is a JEEP. Will go almost anywhere which is the point of 4 wheel drive and the gas mileage is far better than the Wrangler I had previously. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  4.7L V8 w/Select-Trac - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jwd - July 27 - 10:00 am

  The exterior styling is exceptional; it has THE right look. Interior wise- Im a Large person (68" & 275Lbs) and am very comfortable. As for performance- once again its exceptional; mine has the "new generation" V8 and is very fast.

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  Jeep Overland 5.7 Hemi - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TBarnett - July 26 - 9:16 pm

  This SUV is a real fun driving experience. Every time I get in the vehicle and turn the key to start the car, a big smile comes across my face. Daimler Chrysler really hit a home run with this vehicle teamed with the HEMI engine. I had two Explorers and an Expedition before this. I had looked seriously at the new Hummer H3. But, when I drove the H3 and this Jeep, the choice was easy to go with the Jeep. It performs awesome with the HEMI engine and handles very well.

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  New Limited with Hemi - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By WC - July 26 - 5:26 am

  Purchased a 2008 JGC limited with a HEMI. Great ride, great comfort, very luxurious. Before purchasing, I test drove, the BMW X-3 and X-5, Lincoln MKX, Hummer H-3, and the ML 320. The jeep has the best ride of all, has the most features for the money, and has real capability. I did tons of research, then test drove the jeep and it clearly has been engineered with higher quality than the past models. The Hemi is a great engine, and does use gas quite well, but Ive been on the highway getting around 21 mpg. Im told it gets better.

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  My jeep - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rich - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2010 and I love it. I have both tops, and there is no wind noise or water leakage, even in heavy rain. Best fun vehicle I have ever had. Infinity sound system is perfect, and the A/C was great even with the soft top at 95 outside. I drive at a normal rate and speed so the V6 is fine. High spreed is also fine, with good control on the road. What can I say, but that I love itI am 57 and i love the color and comfort. It is a bad boy! I owned a honda pilot, but this is much more fun. Glad I bought it.