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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  The Hotness - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By X-Rated Wrangler - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Its such a fun and great Jeep compared to my older 90 Cherokee, plus its a drop top for the ladies to flock. Gas prices are rising so is the importance of fuel economy too...but that goes along with the territory of a Jeep. Its a great vehicle for the beach.

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  ITS A BUY!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By MICROECONOMICS - January 15 - 10:00 am

  We just love our new jeep! This truck, is just that, a truck. It feels so strong and rough yet its quick,nimble, and agile. My wife loves the high seat level for a great look of the road ahead, but doesnt have to have such a huge vehicle to move around. Lots of head room and leg room along with enough power to get up and go makes me happy too. Quality in the build is clear, not a bug, rattle or glitch in a year.

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  Driving is Fun Again - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By priceylane - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep Liberty experience. It gives you the feeling of being on top of the road and the control of a car. I think the ride is smoother than many SUVs but you still get the feeling your driving something big. It has plenty of room for people or stuff.

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  So glad I made this decision - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By LoveMyJeep2422 - January 13 - 2:40 am

  I was debating on purchasing this Jeep after driving my Acura. I am so glad I made the change! This is my first SUV. I had done a lot of research and test driving comparable brands, but this one was by far the best. I have the Limited. The U-Connect phone is my favorite feature so nice to be able to drive safely. Yes the cup holders are in a awkward spot, but its not a big deal. I am getting 24-26 around city and 27 on highway MPG. I had been looking at a Pathfinder, but thank god I made the right choice.

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  Wishes for 2011! - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rick - January 12 - 11:10 pm

  Grand Cherokee is the grandest vehicle, my all time favorite, fourth I had!

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  I love my Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Nelson gridales - January 12 - 10:37 am

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  Excellant SUV - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep6855 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd. is the best SUV I have ever owned. Everything has functioned perfectly in everyway and for a V8 4X4, 21-23mpg on highway is great. Also think the ride is just about perfect, not too smooth and not too firm.

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  This isnt my fathers JEEP! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JimSonn - January 11 - 2:00 am

  The comfort, performance and styling make this one of the most fun cars Ive ever driven. Ive got 10,000 miles so far and have had not one problem.

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  Jeeps are dependable - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By lil - January 10 - 5:03 am

  I bought mine new and put every mile on it. Over 155,000 now and I like it just as much as I did when I bought it. Only needed one repair. Keep the oil changed and kept it clean. Been an excellent vehicle.

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  Love my 5 sp Limited - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By JeeperCreeper - January 9 - 7:00 pm

  We bought a 5 speed Limited after driving numerous others including the ridiculously over-priced Escape Hybrid. That Pat blew them away in price, MPG and styling. On summer blend fuel it gets 32 in combi driving and up to 34 on the open hwy. Winter blends about 30 combi. No problems and its cheaper to insure than an Escort hatchback (that one really shocked me). Ive had it in the hwy, city, and mountains and it performs well in all venues. This is one of Chryslers best kept secrets..