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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  Beep beep! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By BBeep - March 26 - 8:43 pm

  I leased the new 07 instead of buying used because I wanted the 3-piece Freedom Top. I have not been disappointed - its SO easy and the panels fit in back with seat folded up! I keep the panels wrapped in blankets when not on, and I have never had a leak. Acceleration and power can be problematic on any SUVs, but this is just fine IF you know how to drive it. I have left a Camaro in the dust right off a stoplight. Handles beautifully in all weather. Ive never had the stall complaints other people have. A few recalls (normal for a new model!) and dealer fixed everything. Read the EPA estimates BEFORE you buy a Jeep and complain about gas mileage, by the way.

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  Be Honest - Why do you want this truck? - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave - March 26 - 7:10 am

  In buying this truck, you need to be honest with yourself. Why do you want it? Do you need the utility aspect (ie. cargo space, towing, luggage rack, etc.)? Do you need something fuel efficient...scratch that...do you need something even remotely fuel efficient? Do you need to consistently move 4-5 people around in it? If you answered, yes to any of these, get a Tahoe, or Yukon. If you only need some of these occasionally (and rarely at that) then this thing is incredible. If you want a vehicle that is fun to drive and to look at, and occasionally need some versatility to haul stuff, or move people, then this Grand Cherokee SRT8 is worth a serious look. I bought this after owning a Grand Cherokee Limited.

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  Worst car Ive owned - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By char1980 - March 25 - 11:23 am

  I drove this car for 8 years. Regretted buying it after a year. I replaced or had to get the transmission torn down THREE times in less than 80k miles. Twice it was covered by warranty, but the third was all on me. Never got rid of a very loud and irritating sound, and the wiring wasnt ever correct due to manufacturers defect. I had no less than SIX recalls. Finally, the manufacturer instructed the dealer to put the wrong brakes on the vehicle - discovered when they melted into the wheels during a road trip. Mfr paid for repairs but not hotel stay - we were stranded waiting for parts. Just dont buy it.

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  Loving this Jeep - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Love it - March 25 - 6:26 am

  This is the second Jeep I have owned. I use to drive a 1995 Jeep Cherokee and now went to the 06 Wrangler. Love the car every since I have test driven it and taken it off the lot. Good pick- up for a Four Cylinder and not bad gas mileage been averaging 21 MPG with Freeway driving and Country highways (Lighted Highways). 4x4 is excellent. Wish the a/c reached the back seats, a center storage console was included and the front passenger airbag shut - off switch was included but other than that I would recommend this vehicle to anyone considering a four by four.

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  still a Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By smdoug - March 25 - 1:03 am

  I have only had the Jeep for about 1 week and I love it. I waited for 12 weeks to get the MyGIG in it and it is worth it. I love the way it handles as well as the look and response is not as bad as I thought. Got the 18 inch tires, great look. Manual transmission is smooth but engine revs stay up even when clutch is in, and foot off gas pedal. Doors have to be slammed shut. Interior is a Jeep no place for change or sunglasses, and poor position for cup holders up front because 6th gear blocks access to them.

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  Thought it would be better - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By kbrown07 - March 25 - 12:52 am

  I downsized from a f150 4x4 5.7l v8 to my jeep liberty. Believe it or not... I was getting better fuel mileage in my truck... I am not impressed with the Jeep Liberty at all and if I could go back I would. I have had it for 10 months and feel it was the worst decision I have ever made. I highly regret not researching this vehicle before buying it. It looks very good, but it is not at all. Wish someone would steal it so I can get my truck back.... That is how much I honestly hate it. ive worked at a car lot and I know a lot about cars guess I just jumped the gun on this one bc the price sounded nice. I guess that is what I get, should have known better.

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  Awesome! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By greatsuv125 - March 23 - 7:06 am

  This thing is a beast, what more can I say. I actually want to take it out on the snow drift covered roads because its that good. Ive passed Hummer H2s on the expressway when they were in the clear lane and I was in the snow covered side. 4.0L is virtually unbreakable and quick around town but it really needs another gear for truly good highway passing. Steering is vague but the brakes are fantastic at stopping the car even though my rotors were warped by 15,000 miles. Stock stereo has tons of thump to it, Ive never heard a better standard stereo and its not even the infinity version!

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  Hands down the best Jeep ever - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cheeks2380 - March 23 - 3:40 am

  Jeep has long been the best when it came to SUVs, and the new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee is no different. With a great new look and some cool interior accents, I love it. I have the base 3.7 V6 which performs just fine for my use and provides great fuel mileage (25.6 MPG highway). I would have liked the Hemi of course, but there are some things in life that we must give up. Everyone I have talked to and showed it too comments on how nice it is. I have the Light Khaki with Khaki interior and its a great color on the Jeeps.

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  2004 Wrangler Sport - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Adasm - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car.

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  2004 Liberty Sport - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Babyjinks - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my Libert! It is cute sporty and goes everywhere I need it to go. I feel safe and secure driving it and it is the perfect size for me not so small that it feels like a car and not so large that it feels like a bus.