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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  this car is great! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By anybody12431 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  this car is great, i love it!

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  Awesome Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Korbanjax - April 14 - 4:33 am

  I have a 2000 with only 48K on it. The nice 4.7L V8 definitely packs a punch. Towing my motorcycle trailer is no problem and at times you wouldnt even know you are towing anything. Sporty design, awesome leather interior for those long drives to bike week. The V8 gets about 16-17 MPG as I dont drive that far to work. This is an awesome Jeep and they just keep on getting better.

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  Great SUV for the money - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Joe - April 13 - 1:20 pm

  Lots of plastic is good, easy to clean. Manual transmission has more than enough power to get through the grapevine faster than anyone else. A bit tight in the knee area for tall guys, but plenty of room to make up for it in other places. Cargo space may seem small, but I just went on a 4 day camping trip with 2 other people, no problem fitting all our stuff in.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Judy - April 13 - 10:10 am

  My Jeep Liberty 4x4 is the best thing I have ever bought. I love the idea that if I get stuck in traffic and I dont have time to wait I can just cut through the grassy/swampy median. I would say if you are not sure of what kind of vehicle you should go check out the Jeep Liberty. It is also not true about it being a gas hog, it is a V-6 not a 4-cylinder. So dont expect it to get gas mileage like a 4-cylinder. It out preforms any 4-cylinder you could ever drive. I think the Jeep Liberty is top in its Class!

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  Its a Jeep - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Knight - April 12 - 11:06 pm

  I have wanted another Jeep since I wrecked my CJ a few years ago. I cant believe how far Jeep has come in those few years. I took it off road the first week I had it with a few off- road buddies, and I embarrassed them in a completely stock Jeep. It made me realize something though... these things should come with a winch and a camera.

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  Great Jeep - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Koons - April 11 - 8:33 am

  To date very pleased with most aspects of this vehicle. Great power for towing and the get-up to pass even while towing my boat. Backup camera is very useful as is park assist. it has a very nice ride and corners very well.

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  Gotta Luv It - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By dawg1 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Great all around car

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  Box full of fun - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chuck - April 10 - 2:56 am

  My TJ is a weekend driver only. The top never goes up because I purchased it for pure pleasure driving. Had to have it when I found they were changing the body style for 07. Mileage is good for a box but size would make you think it should be better. Lifted, tires and a winch makes it turn more heads than a Vette. It would be nice if it had better highway manners but I wouldnt trade it for anything else. A go anywhere vehicle with the reliability in the highest degree. Since there wont be anymore "original" jeeps built this one will be mine forever.

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  Jeepers Update - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepers - April 7 - 4:56 pm

  Well, we now have had problems with a window regulator. Luckily, the dealership replaced one with the new updated model that corrects the defect. Although the dealership would not use the word defective. Our mileage continues to be great after the syn lubes, PI in the tank, Costco Michelin tires with nitrogen. 25 mpg not too bad for 4x4. We cannot thank our Master mechanic enough for recreating our Jeep with great parts like Bosch Platinum+4 100,000 mile spark plugs and Amsoil synthetic lubes. We change oil only once a year now, we like that. And under the Magnuson-Moss act of 1974 syn. extended oil changes cannot void warranties. If the dealership says otherwise they are lying.

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  New Renegade Convert - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Sweeney6 - April 7 - 10:06 am

  I was going from a MINI Cooper S to an SUV. This was not going to be an easy transition but I feel like I have upgraded in lots of ways. I like the color (Light Khaki) and the interior is functional and very comfortable. Will be used for the daily 30 mile commute and getting out of the snow 30 miles from civilization. Doesnt seem too gas hungry for a real 4WD.