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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  Excellent Ride - Envy of neighborhood - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By alexcooke - May 25 - 8:51 am

  Only problem I have had is I had to replace the starter at 40,000 miles. Vehicle looks and is tough.

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  In Love with My 3rd Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ally - May 24 - 7:36 pm

  Started when I bought my 1st Jeep, a 94 Cherokee 2 door manual. I was hooked. The only thing wrong with that car was it did not come with anti-lock brakes. A leased 96 Cherokee 4 door followed, not one complaint. I finally gave in to my true desires & bought a 00 Jeep Laredo with 35,000 miles just off a lease. The car was clean with new tires. Have only changed the oil & rotated the tires every 3,000 miles. The car is comfortable, design is simple, had the dealer install leather. It rides smooth, takes bumps better than most cars & handles like a dream. Nothing like a Jeep off road! Only complaint is gas mileage, I average17.6 miles with average driving. Would recommend rear a/c vent. I would definitely buy this car again!

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  Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By mark - May 24 - 3:03 am

  An excellent vehicle. I love the CVT transmission and the engine surprises me with its performance. The paint job is very nice and the overall quality is good. I really like this car.

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  get one - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By turtle - May 23 - 10:00 am

  problem free since purchase, best car i ever own

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  Best 8 years of my Life! - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Nancy - May 21 - 11:30 am

  I have enjoyed owning this Jeep so much. The only reason I can see to sell it is I dont recommend putting car seats in it. I loved it in the winter as well as the summer. Its 4 wheel drive, so I never had problems getting where I needed to be. Not even in a blizzard! Its so fun owning a Jeep, especially when you have a hard top, soft top as well as a bikini top. I recommend it to everyone, except if you have an infant to tool around with.

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  Fun Jeep - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kent - May 20 - 6:16 am

  Have only had my Wrangler for a short while now but that is not to say I do really love driving it. I find the seats very comfortable even though I am tall and the legroom in the front is plenty for me. Ride quality is good and yes it is rough but not jarring. All switchgear is easy to use and straightforward...in fact the whole vehicle is that way...no gimmicks or extras you dont need. We own other cars with the gimmicks so the Jeep certainly doesnt need them. Even though I have the cloth top the interior is fairly quiet although you do notice the wind etc. a little more then with a hardtop. Would definitely buy another one and recommend highly.

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  4 Months And Lovin It - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark - May 20 - 3:46 am

  We have owned this 08 Wrangler for 4 months now and totally love it. Reviewers keep harping on lack of acceleration. I have no problems with the V6. It is very sufficient. If you want sports-car acceleration, you should buy a sports car. For Gods sake, this is a SUV. It wasnt designed for extreme acceleration. It truly does everything in an extremely FUN way. You need to test drive one to understand.

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  Awesome SUV - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By richgiles - May 20 - 12:13 am

  The Liberty is by far the best vehicle that I have ever owned. It has a great new look that that turns a lot of heads at intersections. The interior is simple, but nice. There is a lot of plastic but it is not nearly as bad as the cheap plastic of the patriot and compass. The suspension is very firm but does not throw you around. It makes the whole driving experience fun that you can only find in a jeep. The turning radius is amazing. Gas mileage is okay, Im averaging about 18.6 right now, and hope for it to get better after the engine is broken in.

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  SUV that ACTUALLY performs off road - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Patric Payette - May 19 - 7:13 pm

  One of the best SUVs Ive ever driven. It handles on road well and off road even better. With no after market parts Ive taken my Liberty far into the bushes and it handles mud pits with ease. When on pavement it drives nice, has good power and does everything an SUV should do on the road. Other SUV makers should take note. This is a true offroad vehicle unlike most SUVs in its class. If your a soccer mom Im sure it would fill your needs as well. Nothing is more fun than driving downtown with my Jeep Liberty covered from top to bottom in mud after mudding and seeing all the looks you get from "city drivers". I have absolutely pounded on this Jeep and havent had any breakdowns.

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  1993 Renegade - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By boowak - May 19 - 2:00 am

  My 1993 Jeep Wrangler Renegade changed my life. After driving sports cars and trucks for 15 years, I purchased my first Jeep. Ill never go back! Not the most comfortable ride on the highway, but when others are stuck on the side of the road I know I can get through. All the best!