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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  A true SUV - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Lara - February 10 - 3:46 am

  I purchased my Jeep Cherokee sport a year ago and I love it. Despite getting bad gas mileage (16 mpg city), I realize that this is an SUV, so its understandable. The only complaint I have is that the engine is extremely loud and roaring. Otherwise, its a very sturdy car. It accelerates well, has great steering, has comfortable front seats, and pretty good road traction. The real fun begins when you go off road, though. This is not an SUV for someone who really needs a station wagon (aka Ford Explorers, Expeditions). The ride on rocky ground with bumps is surprisingly smooth. This is a classic, REAL SUV that will remain a favorite of mine. And, whats cooler than having a JEEP?

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  2008 Jeep Libert = My THIRD JEEEP - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Richard Harrison - February 10 - 12:23 am

  I read a lot of these reviews and find that some people should write on their maintenance reliability. If you take care of the vehicle as stated in the Manual, most Vehicles will go well beyond their manufactures warranties. My first 1986 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, had 135,000 miles on it when I got it. I sold it with 280,000 miles on it. My 2nd 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee I still own and its got 336,000 on it. This Jeep Liberty was very SUPRISING comfortable. Slips in 2 wheel drive too easily on wet pavement. However switch to 4x4 and no issues. Mileage I would have figured would have been better then my 96 Jeep but it was about the same.

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  1st Jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By GJM - February 9 - 10:36 pm

  I have put 4500 miles on this rig in 6 weeks. I had an AWD Subie that I put 157,000 miles on in 4 years. This is roomy, fun to drive and will go through ice and snow easy enough. I am getting anywhere between 22-28MPG depending on whether or not it is 4 wheel drive or city driving. I bought this because I could not find a 4x4/awd for less money. I plan on keeping it for 30,000 miles. If it holds up I will buy another one with options. If I have any issues, I buy another forester.

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  98 Grand Cherokee is grrreeat! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By call me a jeep guy. - February 9 - 1:36 pm

  Well, I have owned this vehicle for a little over a year it has been wonderful. I have had little to no problems. It is essential for driving in snow. Particularly in the wondrous Rockys in Aspen, Colorado. I would also say any logical person after some dope in snowy conditions would be perfectly fine traveling in the up coming snow shower. (not even a snow storm(lots of emphasis on shower)).

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  Under powered gas guzzler - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jaded JK - February 9 - 2:20 am

  After 60 years the Jeep as we know it and have come to love is very much improved, but sadly, with much more to prove. I personally own the 08 Jeep JK, Sahara, Wrangler "California Concept". I got a great deal, considering the bad economy but read my other comments below to appreciate my findings.

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  Used 1999 Limited Grand - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Phil Ferguson 100 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Great value SUV. Brought it used in 03,a local lady had owned it. Perfect condition and paid 2/5 of original cost, with 60k mileage. A bit boxy, stiff ride, some drive train noise comes through in the 1999 edition. Great in the Wyoming winters, outdoors, off-road. Nice highway use, but still an SUV in terms of a highway feel. We put Waag grill/tail light guards on it and it looks tough. Great package for the money!

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  jeep liberty sport - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By tappen - February 8 - 2:00 am

  the best 4wd i have driven. had a blaze never again. the jeep dealer was very helpful and did not try to sell me something i did not want.

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  2004 Jeep Overland - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeff Hicks - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Good looking, handling, pleasure to drive.

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  Excellent Job Jeep! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Robbie - February 7 - 12:00 pm

  I love this SUV. I turn heads driving down the freeway. Love the sunroof and heated seats. The people at Jeep/Chrysler are very experienced, and know how to make a small SUV. I got the 3.7L V6, but also tested the CRD. I like how the V6 is very quiet. Ride is very smooth, compliant and comfortable.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Trent - February 7 - 9:10 am

  I bought this vehicle in March 2006 and ever since I loved it. The 6 cylinder engine has just the right amount of power I need and isnt too bad on gas. Highway driving was excellent. City not so much. The interior is nice and roomy and the controls are easy to navigate. The styling is great for this generation of grand cherokee. Nice angles and smooth lines which makes it stand apart from the rest of the round bubble suvs on the market.