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 vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By normanviking - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used. For $16,000. It had 70,000 miles on it. The only thing I did was replace the cv boots. Everything else is great.

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Bikerdude - May 10 - 10:00 am

  A nice vehicle, however I have owned mine for less then a year, and it has now made 3 trips to the dealership for transmission problems, and is on its way to the 4th trip.

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  Send it back to the drawing board - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By mallfada - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Comfort-Seats are to high,cuts off circulation at my knees. Fuel Ecomony-Gets 11-14 On Highway 0n Cruise, 1% of my traveling is city, so I would hate to for the reality check on that issue.Approx -250-300 A MONTH IN FUEL COST...(IN ALL REALITY, THATS ANOTHER CAR PAYMENT) Interior Design-No lights in the middle, only the front,or way in the back.I HAVE TO USE A FLASHLIGHT. Exterior Design-The fender steel bolts, Discolor very quickly, and the orange runs down the side of the truck. Build Quality-Nothing more from what you pay for! Reliability-Every time I move from 2Wheel to 4Wheel, the truck goes in neutral, and stops and burns rubber, IF NOT PAYNG ATTENTION.

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  Renegade - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By guillermo - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Seats tooooo small. Gas economy a joke. Sticker promises 17-21. You get only13-17. Air conditioners vents badly designed

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  Just missing a Bag of chips - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Bubster - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I hate the window controls, and the remote entry is a bit wierd. Other than that, I love the Jeep Liberty. Even if the gas mileage is way less than I was told at the dealership, it is still better than my last truck.

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  Best Jeep Yet - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bwteeter - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Just traded in my 00 Grand Cherokee Laredo for the 04 Overland. Its hard to find another SUV that combines all the features and extras of the Overland for such a good price. The engine is strong although quite thristy...what do you expect from a V8? The seats are much improved from my old Laredo. The off-road performance is great. Already used the new quadra-drive system to pull my buddies explorer out of the mud!

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  unsatisfied - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dan - May 10 - 7:46 am

  This is my fourth Jjeep and I am not impressed. Vehicle seems to handle poorly on bumpy turns at highway speeds. Also purchased vehicle with 4.7v8 and it seems under powered. DonÂ’t rest your elbow on window when auto locks engage you get pinched. A/C not up to par and windows seem to fog up too much.

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  Renegade Fun! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By blacksheep - May 9 - 2:03 pm

  Ive had my Jeep for 5 months and I love it. Gas mileage stinks but it is a very reliable off-roading vehicle. I love the light bar on top. It turns the woods into daylight at night.

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  Dont Waste Time Researching - By This - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Mark Nahra - May 9 - 6:50 am

  Great vehicle. Researched Ford Escape and all other small SUVs and the Patriot is the best value even if gas goes up to $5 a gallon. No need for you to repeat my research. Been getting about 21.5 mpg on the first tank mostly city driving though. Sharp vehicle, with really great handling, I can get it into tight spaces. Have your cake and eat it to with this SUV. Cant wait to see how it will perform in the snow.

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  Great boy toy ! - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Great boy toy ! - May 9 - 5:30 am

  Have wanted a Jeep since I started to drive. Just purchased a 2000 SE with 80,000. 4cyl. Drives great. Have been making mods to improve performance. Great gas mileage with the 4 banger. You do give up some performance. having fun working on it. Kids are having a great time with the top down. It is only up if its raining.