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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  Go Anywhere! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By TBNNashua - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep. Having always wanted one, I am happy that I finally have one. The noise is not as big of an issue as I had thought it would be. It is noisy, but I can still talk on a cell phone while driving, and the person on the other end can still hear. There is really no major negatives to this vehicle. It is great!

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  Every Car Should be This Fun!!!!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By colorado1974 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Dont get this if you have a 2 hour daily commute or need to carry 5 people all the time. Get this if you want to grin from ear to ear every second you are behind the wheel. Nothing in the world compares to this! This is the only convertible you can buy that will carry a Dog, your wife, luggage and pull a boat all at the same time. Hell, you could to all that and cross a 3 foot deep puddle.

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  great - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By whitley - February 1 - 2:00 am

  i love libertys they r awesome

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  liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By nattyb - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I love the smooth ride of this vehicle! Im also pleased with the roomy interior, although it needs more storage and a much bigger glovebox. I really like the look of the round headlights too. It feels nice to drive.

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  Jeeps Alive - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By wami - February 1 - 2:00 am

  We found this Jeep a great improvement over the 98 we had,the 4.7L h.o. kicks assp and I get 24.8 mpg running prem gas.The ride and handling are great and its quiet great fit and finish with the inferno red paint job. No problems to date

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  Built like a Wrangler but luxury comfort - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Brillo2 - January 31 - 1:40 am

  Never thought I would enjoy the Liberty compared to my 2005 Wrangler. I have all the comfort and luxury with the integrity and durability of a Wrangler. My Liberty is so solidly built and quiet. The stability and traction control is so amazing in wet weather.

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  The real thang - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Karpindur - January 29 - 9:56 am

  This vehicle is the best I have ever owned. Its a kick to drive, has a classic, handsome style that stands out more as new models of SUVs get weirder and weirder. I wish I had waited for a 4X4, but my wife had to have our gunmetal blue Cherokee. Backseat passengers tend to complain on long trips, but hey, its not about them is it? We put an awesome sound system in it, and use Mobil One synthetics in the oil, tranny and differential. We change oil every 3,000, and the boy runs like the day we drove it off the lot (now at 102,000). So far, it has been Uber Reliable. This weekend I fixed the problem with the oxidation of the exterior plastic trim. We plan to keep this one forever.

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  Were a Jeep family! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By gardeningfreak - January 29 - 4:33 am

  I purchased my 06 Liberty last July and traded in my Chrysler Pacifica (more luxurious but the mileage was disgusting!!). Hubby bought a 98 Cherokee used 3 years ago...has 160,000+ miles on it and still going strong! I love that Jeep reliability. Love the traction control and the 6-speed tranny. Improved my gas mileage by using a tank of high test once a month. Went from 13mpg to 17mpg in the city! Ill never own anything else!

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  Dont ever let go! - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By harold - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I got to keep a jeep when I left the army after hitch#2. My wife had me trade it for a Cadillac when we had another child. I was miserable. I finally got another and will never let it go! my jeep will go ANYWHERE, especially after I mounted a snorkel. Such a blast to drive. Do not get one after 95 as they are not as durable. You dont even have to remove the engine to rebuild it! easy to tinker with like an old car! The most durable vehicle you will ever own!

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  Theres Only One! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By revit - January 29 - 2:00 am

  A true SUV!