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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  2004 Jeep Grand - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mlynn - March 5 - 10:53 am

  This is the second Jeep we have owned and we love it. It is very comfortable and takes a rough road great. Cleans up nice too. The only thing I would change is the gas mileage. I had a Honda before this and ouch!

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  Great Car Wrangler 6 cyl. - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By madi - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought it used, owned it for 5 years already. Ive had convertibles before like the saab turbo, but this is different. Its fun, reliable, more powerful and faster than you think. Seats are comfortable. Tops are a little of a pain to work with, but they have newer versions now. Its a little loud when youre driving 80, and can be a little bumpy if you dont have good shocks. Love the resale value too.

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  2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SC - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, very sound vehicle. Great styling

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  Great Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Glowtoes - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Solid ride, great design - True Jeep.

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  all i ask - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By dave1399 - March 1 - 7:39 pm

  i have owned 2 cherokees before this. i was ready for an updated version of what i had. i needed 4x4. when this became available i was ready to buy.the gas milage is right.as we know jeep doesnt make a "4 door sedan" i went in asking for the vehicle i expected and i promise this is it. the quirky things you might hear about this car are not quirks at all. it is a pretty sofisticated enginering marvel... my jeep is a 4 letter word , love.

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  Love it! - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By marichelo - March 1 - 7:03 am

  The 2009 Jeep Compass has been the best vehicle I have purchased so far. I have no regrets whatsoever. Great fuel mileage, comfortable, easy to clean, roomy, quiet, great interior and exterior look. The new lifetime warranty is the best!

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  Solid Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Pete - February 28 - 11:00 am

  Bought Jeep new in Jan 04. Had transmission issue shortly after getting it but was fixed under warranty and never had any further maint. issues at all. Just had to trade it in for van since 3 kids will not fit in it.Was great vehicle, made several long distance trips up and down East coast, and cross state trips. Had plenty of power, decent gas mileage avg @20MPG. Did my best to follow Manufacturers maint schedule. Besides hiccup with trans. had absolutely nothing go wrong with it at all. Held up very well was very happy with it overall and would recommend to anybody.Very fun to drive.

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  Way to Go Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Tony - February 27 - 9:30 pm

  This vehicle screams fun. Have had it for about a week now and just love driving it. It is very comfortable and offers a smooth ride. Build quality is great; the vehicle is tight, shifts smooth (I have the automatic) and the radio sounds great. Took it on a highway trip and got between 21 and 22 MPG. If youve always wanted a Wrangler but found them too small and rough, that excuse is gone. If you like Jeeps, you will love this one.

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  the best - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By john roga - February 26 - 10:00 am

  i like this a lot but think i should have waited tell the 05 came out

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  Tough comfort - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bruiser - February 22 - 3:53 am

  Bought this for my wife. Cant wait until it gets 75k on it so I can use it for outdoor stuff. Im 62", 225# but the drivers seat and area are much more spacious and comfortable than the Ford Explorer we had. We live in a remote area with bad roads so the off road capability, plus the option of being in rwd, awd, 4wd, or 4wd low was a plus. Engine has a lot of zip. Rides a little rough, but not as much as I expected.