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:

• 

  I love my jeep! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Mary Ann Conboy - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Perfect for my lifestyle. I drive 30 miles one way to work every day and live on top of a montain with a 1/4 mile driveway straight up. I usually put it in 4 wheel drive to get up the road.

• 

  Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Steves - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a new Jeep Liberty Sport. This is a wonderful vehicle with great maneuverability and handling. The styling on this vehicle is top notch. It seems like the engineers at Jeep knew just where to put all controls, so they are within easy reach. The Jeep is a pleasure to drive and I would highly recommend it.

• 

  Luv My Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By tlo - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It just makes me feel good whenever I approach it. I havent felt this good about a new vehicle, ever. I like the engine size, no delays when pulling into traffic. The response is great, and the mileage better than most. I would recommend everyone drive a Jeep, but lately, I am noticing more and more already are.

• 

  I LOVE my Liberty!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Lorrie Mitchell - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Liberty. It is a blast to drive! Its a cute, sporty, perfect size for me and my 2 kids!

• 

  If it aint trail rated its not a Jeep. - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RyanChristina - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The Best Midsize in its class hands down. I love mine along with my wife. The 4X4 is the greatest thing to have and Jeep excels in that department.

• 

  UAV - Urban Assult Vehicle - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By 97JeepTJ - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Five years and 62,000 miles and I still look forward to going - anywhere. 20 mpg new and still does it. 3.55 trac lock Dana. Feels like the old VW except it weighs twice as much and has 5 times the HP and A/C! Noise? I cant hear the noise. One recall for fuel sending unit. Had oil pressure sensor fail, replaced driver air bag and steering wheel both cosmetic, all covered by Jeep.

• 

  Its A Jeep ! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ssgtells - March 7 - 10:00 am

  It rides excellent on the highway and around town. And it drives like a Billy Goat off road. It leaves all others in its class in the dust. And ALWAYS turns heads.

• 

  Love My Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By D. Stokes - March 7 - 7:20 am

  This SUV rides so comfortably and we always get compliments on it. Very few issues. The computerized metrics/displays are really helpful and advanced.

• 

  Why did Jeep Discontinue the Cherokee? - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Shaun07 - March 7 - 2:40 am

  I bought my Jeep in 2003 as a used vehicle. It had 75,000 miles on it which is a lot for only being 3 years old. Since Ive had it nothing major has gone wrong with the exception of the right front brake caliper locking against the rotor. Everything that has gone wrong with it before that happened when it was still under warranty.

• 

  Great SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By kmag51 - March 6 - 8:43 am

  This vehicle is fantastic. The styling is timeless and it gets a lot of attention when I drive it. Interior (saddle brown) is gorgeous and very comfortable. Lots of room inside but the back legroom lacks a little. All gauges and switches are conveniently placed. This truck handles very well for almost 5,000 lbs. and the hemi has good power. Fun features are automatic wipers, headlights and Sirius radio. All in all a great truck and I highly recommend it.