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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  iownajp - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By iownajp - July 24 - 7:10 pm

  I love my JEEP; the only downfall is the gas mileage. Other than that, I am a JEEP lover.

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  ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By madd1121 - July 22 - 1:13 pm

  I drove my car from Illinois to Massachusetts and the ride was absolutely wonderful! Very comfortable and fun to drive. Cruise control is a wonderful feature, plenty of head and leg room even for someone that is 64". Very spacious in the back especially with car seats. Never had any mechanical problems and I got a ton of compliments on it. The only thing I would change is the gas mileage. City driving in Chicago is a pain and having a v6 tends to be a bit expensive. Over all a great car.

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  I like it! - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Mission - July 21 - 5:46 am

  Just picked up an 08 last weekend. So far I love it!. Fun to drive very comfortable and good on gas. I actually really enjoy the CVT transmission and when I need a change I go to autostick. You do not need any more power than this in a vehicle.

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  Jeep - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By CTeta - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The only problem was a rear axle seal leak that my mechanic brother found during inspection.Dealer said it needed the bearing to be reseeded. One year later when I had it in for inspection and the leak was still there. I took it back to the dealer AGAIN hopefully the work was done right this time.

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  Jeep Wrangler - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sandy Murphy - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have been a proud Jeep owner since 1998 and I wouldnt trade my Jeep in for anything in this world! I love it. It has been the best thing I have ever driven. You go Jeep!!

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  JEEPY - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By LOUIE - July 21 - 2:00 am

  HAVE USED JEEP ON BICYCLE TRIPS WITH FRIENDS. HAS BEEN EASY TO DRIVE LOADED WITH BIKES,AND OTHER GEAR.

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  Jeep? YES INDEED!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Michael L Head - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I am a 61 year old man, this is the first jeep I have owned and I love driving it. I doubt that Ill ever own anything other than a Jeep.

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  Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JerryLee - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Like the Jeep so far. Fun to drive but would like more driver leg room.

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  Columbia jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Douglas Curry - July 21 - 2:00 am

  It one of best Cars I had I had wagnaners and this is better car all round.

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  great choice - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By atwesq - July 21 - 2:00 am

  love this suv, on my three one right now.