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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  Love the Hemi Soccer Moms need not apply - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cyclone1 - October 21 - 6:50 am

  I traded in an Acura RSX for the Family Truckster. I also own a Mazda Tribute. The Hemi is a must Have option. I would say that I am very happy so far but I do have a couple of issues. First the warrantee is very limited. With Acura the warranty covered everything up to 50K. This warranty is not even close, so be warned. Also I am wandering if anyone else has noticed what I term fluttering of the engin at low RPMs going up hill? I might be just feeling something that is not there. Finally, your vision is limited with the low profile windows. The SUV has great power. The style is much better than the normal soccer mom SUVs and all the features are useful. For the price this rocks

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  my jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By onenottaken - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I was pleasently suprised with all aspects of my Jeep Liberty.After testing several entry SUVs my Wife And I were unanimous in our decision to purcase it.It has an eye catching design, comfortable and roomy interior, and handles very well. From the interstate to the red clay back roads of Georgia , it has been a great vehicle.

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  I love my Jeep! - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By surrealistic_star@ya - October 19 - 11:46 am

  My Jeep is the best vehicle I have had. I have, unfortuatley, been rear-ended twice with absolutly no damage to the Jeep at all. Its stock but still a beast off-road, gas isnt too bad. It takes me 45(give or take) to fill up and I get about 250 to a tank around town. 100 miles on the freeway uses about 1/4 tank. The convienence of the soft top is great and fun! I definitely suggest anyone have one at some point in their life at the least!

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  Not my first choice...but ok - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By rpsims82 - October 19 - 3:49 am

  We got a good deal on it, first off. Bought it new with only 29 miles on it, and $5k less than book. Good running vehicle, but its gutless, really. The 4x4 and traction control system are amazing! Ive never had a vehicle with such an awesome system.....when they work. Weve got 40k miles on it, and the transfer case control module has issues. The steering rack sprung a leak, rear tire pressure sensor went out causing everything to shut down. Couldnt use 4x4 with that out, and the rear hatch light comes on with the dome light at times. Rides like a rock, but turns on a dime. There is only a few inches of suspention travel, so dont get too crazy off road becuase it is not forgiving

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  So much fun - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By brentg - October 16 - 3:06 am

  This thing is just too much fun. Everything is better than I expected. Longer wheelbase gives it a smoother ride than I expected, the interior is quieter than I expected, and the millage is even slightly better than I expected. The power is what I expected. In low range it will climb anything, and it will easily tow a Toyota FJ out of the mud that you just crossed. On the street, however, you are going to get beat across the light by a Chevette. This thing has been everywhere, up mountain trails, in mud up to the frame, over rocks and boulders, and even stuck in downtown traffic, and it has never disappointed us. Had a great summer, now I canÂ’t wait to get it into the snow.

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  Neely - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Skip Edmonds - October 15 - 12:11 pm

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  I Like It - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kcrutchmcfr - October 15 - 11:43 am

  Bought new in time for first child. Wanted something safe to carry him around. Been thru many blizzards with no problems. 76,000 mi and only on second set of tires, 2nd set of brakes. Just came out of warranty with no issues. Very Comfortable on long trips. 4.0 six is one of the best motors out there. This thing has been unstoppable. Just wish I could lock it into 4hi.

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  Jeep Cherokee Country - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By dknorpp - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been awsome. I have had no problems. Plenty of power. It has 78k miles and still going strong. I replaced the AC unit about 3 years ago, but other than that I have only done normal maintence to it. I hope my next vehicle is just as good.

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  First time Jeep buyer - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By SUVLOVER - October 12 - 7:33 am

  Overall, the ride is nice. The mileage is better than I expected. I get 23 miles to the gallon, but these are mainly hwy miles since I commute to work. I love the style and to get a 4WD drive for $20,000 with all the features. I bought it used with 3,000 miles on it. I feel I got a very good deal. I traded my Camry because we are moving to the mountains I gave up some luxury, but there is no way my Camry could have handled the mountains.

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  Loving my jeep - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By alex - October 11 - 4:20 am

  I have had this jeep for about a 1 1/2 years now. It replaced my cj7.This has to be the best all around veh I have owned. As far as comfort (its a jeep) not built for that. Its a fun no nonsense type veh. I did replace the fan to an electrical type.Installed Banks cold air intake, mickey thompson rims and tires (15X33.12.50) and a 4 inch lift with one inch body lift. Reliability has been great. I love this truck and I recommend it to anyone.