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 SUB - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Chris - May 21 - 5:30 am

  I purchased my 2006 Commander used in early 2007. It was the 3.7 V6 RWD model with all the option, Nav, Rear Seat DVD, etc. It had very few problems, rarely took it to deal for more than brakes and oil changes. I was in head on crash 7/18/09 and came away with no broken bones. One thing I wish Jeep was and would put into along with all auto makers is knee airbags. I really could have used that as the driver. Left leg cant put any pressure onand have to use crutches for a while, maybe even surgery, now sure yet. Knee airbag really would ahve helped, but car is total and I did pretty much walk away and as soon as I can, Im planning on buying another Commander.

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  95 Cherokee 2WD Sport - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Happywithit - May 20 - 10:00 am

  No serious problems with this vehicle ever. Total repair bills approx $1000.00 since new ownership. Excellent car, wish they were still being made!

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  Rubicon after two years..... - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By AZ Rock Rider - May 17 - 12:50 pm

  Still very impressed with my Jeep. I lifted 3" (Rubicon Express) and put all sorts of plates underneath. Other than that it is stock and so far has gone everywhere I wanted to go. I have been on several 4 rated trails and have never been stuck. The lockers are great! I have only had one small mechanical problem with the front locker and the dealer fixed it in one day.

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  Real 4WD - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jeffess - May 16 - 7:50 pm

  I was trading in a Town and Country AWD. Snowy winters in Northern PA. made 4WD a requirement. Room to haul gear was also a necessity. With the discontinuation of the AWD minivans (Caravan and then Town and Country) it was time for a new choice in the lineup. A Grand Cherokee? Too small inside. The Commander looked OK but I wondered if it would ride like a truck. It does not - actually quieter, smoother and more comfortable than the minivans were. A real 4WD system for the winter. And the Command View sunroofs (three of them) for pleasant weather. A long option list and nice interior packages round out the bill.

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  nice jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By joseph r clementz - May 16 - 4:50 am

  Very nice Jeep; the new model handles good and the stereo is good. Wheels and options on the Unlimited are a good package

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  I love the Jeep Commander! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Davin - May 15 - 9:10 pm

  We wanted 4WD or AWD, roomy 3rd row, rear AC, styling, and safety. The Commander outperformed all other 3rd row mid-size SUVs in every category. The V8 is bad on gas mileage, but will allow you to pass, merge, and climb up hills with ease. I classify this as a safety feature. Our old car did not have good passing capability and every car I passed on a 2 lane I had white knuckles. Have you ever tried merging onto a major interstate in a prius? I also consider having a capable 4WD system a safety feature. Ive experienced 3-4 feet of blowing snow blizzards in Colorado, and having the commander ready to blast through it all puts me and my growing family at ease.

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  My 7th Wrangler - I like em a lot - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By mrwrangler - May 15 - 6:10 am

  Can you get a better vehicle for the money? Drives through deep snow Subarus cant. Top down in summer and 4x4 in the winter - super! I use mine to tow a small aluminum fishing boat; back it down in the lake - no problem where many other rigs get stuck. 4.0 has sweet power; 180 hp and 225lb torque early.

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  Lots of fun - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By corya - May 15 - 1:43 am

  I bought my Liberty used with under 15,000 miles on it. I have had it a year and six months. It has been an awsome reliable vehicle. It has over 40,000 miles on it and have had no problems. Handles great on and off road. Low range torque is great. Average 16 to 18 for gas mileage. In town or higway. Doesnt pull small trailers very well.

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  Jeep loyalist - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By fastpete - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Jeep in 4 years. My parents got a 96 Grand Cherokee Ltd. I fell in love and got a 94 GC Loredo v8. Loved it but bills forced me to sell it. I then got a 94 GC Ltd v8. It drove like a Caddy 4 wheeling. I got talked into a 2000 Cherokee Sport at the dealership. This was the best Jeep yet. 4x4 is way better than the Grands. The only thing I have to complain about is lack of leg room, and no cruise control on my model. Otherwise I recomend to any seriouse 4x4 buyer.

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  a jeep thing - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By chris2234 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Excellent inxepensive suv with good re- sale value. The only problem is gas mileage. My 1990 crown victoria with 175,000 miles got better gas mileage.THis vehicle will no leave you stranded and is the best 4wd i have ever driven. THe only downside to a reliable engine is the gas mileage. ALos cheeply built with too much plastic inside. Rattles like a 10 yr old car. No complaints other than gas mileage, par for any suv, but rediculously low for this vehicle.