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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  Great Weekend Vehicle! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dennis McDermott - November 16 - 8:17 am

  Reliable 2nd or 3rd vehicle, perfect for hauling, hunting, fishing or just running errands

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  6 Years with a 1998 Wrangler Sport - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepmanchuck - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I took delivery of my special order Wrangler Sport in January 1998. The combination of a 6 cyl., auto., and 3.73 rear axle gets you 15-16 mpg. Adding the K&N induction system has improved gas mileage to 18 mpg. The factory sound system is limited. Adding the Jeep subwoofer system has helped. Interior and highway ride quality is good. However, off-road is where this vehicle rules! I recommend the factory limited-slip rear axle for off-road driving, and the full steel doors to lower int. noise levels. For a second vehicle that will see limited use, it dosent get any better - a convertible with great off-road capabilities from the factory.

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  Jeep x wrangler - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By john doesitright - November 16 - 2:00 am

  great overall vehicle, powerfull, poor on gas, shackes if you dont down shift, but the truck as a whole is nothing but a pleasure to drive

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  Jeep Sport - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By arstevrich - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this on the advice of a friend who has had hers for about a year says its the best car she has ever driven or owned.

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  2004 Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ELIZCF18 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Driven Jeep YJs for 15 years and this is a nice change. Had to lift the front end 1.5 inches to make it level though. Much better looking and visability now.

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  I love this Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Callaway Girl - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this Jeep, it would be the perfect vehicle if it got better gas mileage. I feel confident driving it where ever I take it. We camp a lot and show dogs so we are off road many times, does great.

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  04 Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ramjb - November 16 - 2:00 am

  This is our 4th Jeep. I sometimes wonder if well ever own different kind of vehicle. We are definitely a Jeep family.

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  2004 JEEP, NO CHANGE IN STYLE - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jace - November 16 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS A SECOND TIME BACK TO BACK BUYER OG JEEP, MY PREVIOUS WAS A USED 1999 LMT V-8 JEEP. I AM IMPRESSED WITH THE COMFORT OF THE 2004 MODEL OVER THE 1999. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE FROM THE V-8 ENGINE IS UNSERPASSED AND NICE TO HAVE THE USE.

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  Its a Jeep - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By MC - November 15 - 5:23 am

  I just purchased The liberty about a week ago and i have mixed feelings about it. I was in The market for a small SUV and came across the liberty. I test drove the patriot but it lacked power. The Liberty is a smooth comfortable ride. The vehicle handles great on snow covered roads and that was one of the major reasons i purchased it. i have averaged about 20mpg mostly highway at this point but i expect that to go up once its broken in. Coming from a civic this is alot different and feels like you are driving a truck. the U-connect is a awesome feature that allows you to have bluetooth and ipod integration. Got a great deal on it but you have to shop around.

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  Best all around car ever built - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Phoebe - November 14 - 5:16 am

  108,000 miles, Classic package, AC/AT/CC/4.0/4WD, (even push-up sunroof). Beautiful, practical, dependable, lovable car! Just big enough, classic lines, most indestructible drivetrain ever built, nimble, responsive, turns on a dime, excellent reliability & safety record, excellent parts availability, easy to work on. Still looks beautiful inside & out, even the cigar lighter still works, feels so secure on NEs winter roads with the fantastic on-the-fly 4WD, not a rattle or squeak. Ive added a CD changer, a good double cupholder I bought on eBay, and a firm foam wedge cushion for more drivers seat support. Take good care of a Cherokee and it will take care of you for a long time