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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  awesome - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By rvnclaw22 - March 8 - 3:23 pm

  i thought that the car had a little comfort issues but it was amazing.

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  Jeep Wrangler YJ - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By texasjeepguy - March 8 - 2:00 am

  My Jeep YJ is great as a second car. If this will be your primary car, then you better be ready to turn int o a true Jeeper.

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  Joyous Jeep owner - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steven Taylor - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Very driver friendly SUV. So convenient and pleasurable to drive.

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  Good for me.. - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kgl - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Other than the fact that changing out the rear two spark plugs on the engine is a bit of a nightmare...and that a differential case gasket began to leak...the Grand Cherokee has been flawless. Very stable on rainy, wet streets, good to excellent acceleration and plenty of room for 5. Interior has held up very well...no problems there. All power options continue to work without problem. Fit and finish good for an SUV. Overall...one of the best Jeeps I have owned and driven (of 5 so far).

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  2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Special Edition - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tim Chowning - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Special Edition 4WD with 31,000 miles. Excellent Condition both mechanically and physically. Vehicle has perfomed flawless, however it does appear to be less fuel efficient than my 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 2WD.

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  Solid as a rock - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark0 H - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun,solid and go anywhere vehicle. People that like jeeps buy jeeps...people that are looking for a cutsie mobile look elsewhere.

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  Mags review - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jmag - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I think everyone should own a Jeep

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  2004 Jeep Wrangler Sahara - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gift Check Bob - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The last Jeep I owned was a 1991 Wrangler. This 2004 Wrangler is a greatly improved automobile. The fuel economy could be better for its size...but overall I am very please with the purchase. No buyers remorse...

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  Liberty Limited - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By LJS2 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Sharp looking exterior, especially with the 17" wheels. Interior is part luxury with leather and part sporty with aluminum accents.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By toria - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed this vehicle very much. I would certainly recommend it to anyone. It has a versatile interior and an adorable exterior. Super overall!