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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  Just purchased my 2009 Jeep GC Larado - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NyerinNC - June 3 - 4:13 pm

  Great end of the year incentives, plus owner loyalty rebate, 1% less invoice price due to my company...over $9,000+ off the sticker price! Traded in my 04 Subaru Outback and got a decent price for it. Also got the Lifetime drivetrain warranty that comes with the 09s. Like the way it looks, decent pick up for a SUV, interior nice but a little heavy of a plastic, large interior.

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  Sahara 4 door lemon - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By alan - June 3 - 1:03 pm

  Only have 1,800 miles and have been back to repair Jeep Chrysler dealer 5 times for problem with anti-skid engaging while driving. This causes an unsafe condition. Chrysler customer service in uncaring. All they did each time was replace the crankshaft sensor. Last week they kept my Jeep 6 days while they put in a shim to stop the sensor from causing the problem. I was left with no ride. I love this vehicle, but would never buy a Chrysler product again.

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  An old work horse - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By pkelly502 - June 3 - 4:42 am

  Let me just start off by saying I love my JEEP! And there is no denying it this baby is a Jeep. Some people think the only real Jeeps are Wranglers but thats not the case, this bad boy even stock has the capability to do some pretty amazing things off road. The best part about this jeep is that while being able to take it for a fun weekend camping or 4x4ing is nice and easy its also a great car to drive on the road,in the city or on the highway. I have a 99 cherokee sport in automatic (not listed on this site if im not mistaken) and she has over 230,000 miles with nearly no major repairs aside from a starter and a new ac pump. And of course some body damage fixes but that my fault not hers

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  Happy Grand Cherokee Owner - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By george morris - June 2 - 7:00 am

  I purchased my Grand Cherokee new in October 1995. Although mileage is a low 66,000, it has been a very reliable vehicle. The Grand Cherokee performs just as well today as the day I purchased it. Jeep Quadratrack and stength of V8 engine proved to be a very good combination both on road and off. Thumbs up to Jeep!

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  We love our Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Ann and Evan Jr. - June 2 - 2:00 am

  We needed to replace a Jeep Grand Cherokee that got totaled in an accident. The Liberty was bought for myself and my 6 year old boy. Its great for us. I just wish there was lighting for the back seat, and the floor mats are a joke, I replaced them with slush mats. Most of all we like the fact that our 63" Dad and the two older sisters can come with us too, sometimes.

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  One Great Ride - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By djasonw - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Liberty for over a year now and I LOVE it. I have a little over 16,000 miles and have NOT had it back to the dealer. There are a couple of minor recall issues that I will get to once I need service. The truck is still solid, no rattles/squeeks and handles great in city traffic. The highway ride is pretty good for a truck and it handles bumps potholes like they dont exist.

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  all around driver - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By sport - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The car runs well, but it feels bumpy and stiff. It drives very well in snow.

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  New owner - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Wes O. - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up my Liberty Renegade yesterday. I absolutely love the vehicle. The leather seats are very comfortable and the interior controls are logically arranged. The seating area is every bit as large as my Ford Explorer Sport was. The exterior appearance is aggressive, without being overboard like the Avalanche. My only complaint was the difficulty in locating a Renegade with the options I wanted. I was unable to find one with antilock brakes in the Austin area and had to travel to San Antonio to find one. It was worth the drive. The 75 mile drive back to Austin was an absolute pleasure.

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  Having Fun! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By veryhappy07 - May 31 - 9:40 pm

  We have owned this vehicle for about a month now and we love it! We went with the Rocky Mountain Edition and it is different and fun to drive. It has a very comfortable ride and makes any rough road feel like nothing. My wife and I usually race to get in the drivers seat!

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  Love it! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By KRISTINA - May 30 - 5:10 pm

  I traded a decked out Buick Rendevous for my 4wd Jeep Compass, Sport edition. Truthfully I cant tell much difference in the performance and feel. The gas mileage was my main reason for purchase. While it doesnt get quite what I expected- average 24 mpg, it is still way better than my past vehicle. The interior is very comfortable. I can fit our two small children in the backseat with a little room to spare. The cargo space is very roomy. This car is fun to drive, and very comfortable. It even handled some very deep mud on our country road without difficulty. I would recommend this to anyone who is searching for a small SUV.