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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  Jeep Accessment - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeff Stewart - August 14 - 10:00 am

  OK. Not overly impressed

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  This Jeep Rocks! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BigRedDad - August 11 - 5:33 am

  Wife bought this as a surprise b-day present. Great surprise! Thought we were going to have to go smaller, but got a great deal and the Jeep has been great so far. Had it for about six weeks and took it on a 2600-mile trip to VA and back; performed like a champ and got 20 MPG with the 4.7L V8! Comfortable, roomy and looks terrific in Inferno Red Tint Pearlcoat. Easy to get into and out of. Looking forward to facing the challenges a Minnesota winter will throw at it. So far, so good - Im thrilled with my first Jeep!

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  Worth the Money! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Kinsan - August 5 - 4:53 pm

  It seems like a lot of people who write reviews on the Jeep Liberty do nothing but complain- about the ride, about the poor gas mileage. It will never be confused with a BMW or Mercedes SUV, but neither of those vehicles will ever perform the double duty of driving to a concert on Friday night and then hitting the trail on the weekend. That is where the Jeep Liberty excels- being a little bit of everything. Sure, the interior is plastic, the seats are rock hard and the 3.7l six cylinder engine is sluggish and a gas guzzler. But, the Liberty looks stylish enough to be an "adult" vehicle and provides enough performance to get you to any destination your heart desires.

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  Fun Jeep! - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By BL - July 31 - 11:36 am

  Traded in my 2004 (8 cyl.) Buick Rainier for a loaded Sahara. Having owned a jeep 20 years ago; I was expecting a huge drop off in cabin comfort, on-road driving, and acceleration. I am really surprised at how well the new Wrangler compares in these areas...sure there is a bit of drop off; but with power everything, leather trim, and NAV/Hard drive/Satellite, Im not missing the Rainier. This model and options make this a more than capable day to day family vehicle. I dont feel like Im giving up much to have all the fun and capabilities of a Jeep. I think my kids were more excited than me when I pulled into the driveway. Looking forward to years of fun with this one!

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  What a warranty! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By The Bybees - July 31 - 9:50 am

  Our family of five (6,8,13) fit perfectly in the Commander with room for friends. It is the perfect size for us. We live on a country road and it handles the bumps with ease. It rides very well on the highway and exceleration is adequite. The sound system is very good and I love the manual shift auto transmission. We have not tested the mileage which I usually dont until after the second oil change and start using synthetics. I will pay the extra fuel costs for the comfort. I have the same issue viewing traffic thru the rear glass with the third seat in the upright position. The rear sensing alarm is cool. Jeep offered a lifetime full coverage warranty for $1100 that was awsome.

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  Love it! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By coolbreezesd5555 - July 31 - 4:13 am

  Ive had my Grand Cherokee SRT-8 for about 2 years. It is so much fun! It is not a daily driver of course, with low gas mileage, but for trips to the mountains, or beach there is no better performance and utility value out there. The engine is just incredible and the sound of the exhaust is awesome. Ive only had troubles with the electrical windows which were fixed. I dont think well see a vehicle like this, with 425HP, available in the auto world much longer, Im glad I have mine.

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  Why Jeeps should be MORE expensive - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeeps rock - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Cherokee Sport 1998 edition. This Well crafted vehicle should be priced at a more extravagent price i bought my Jeep in 2001 at 19,000 now i cant even get 11,000 for it (not that i am selling)

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  Transmission - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Dave in NC - July 30 - 5:50 am

  At 7500 miles vehicle began grinding going into 5th gear and occasionally popping out of gear. TSB states this is a known problem with synchronizers. Took to dealer and they ended up replacing transmission. Besides this very happy with vehicle. MPG is 31-32 on highway 27 around town. Ugly rims, I plan to replace when I need tires with aftermarket. Interior is cheap plastic that scratches easily but I knew this before buying. I got a nice 4wd SUV with 4WD and upgraded sound system and trailer prep package and engine block heater and 26E group for under 18k out the door so I am still happy with my purchase.

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  Glad we bought it, love the Liberty! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe - July 27 - 6:36 pm

  Three recalls but normal for a new model. Now have over 40,000 miles and no problems at all with it. Fuel consumption is good for the amount of power (16-22) and handles really well in snow. Comfortable for driver and front seat, rear a little tight for large passengers. Watch out for dealers servicing, 3 of them have tried to rip us off on regular maintenance service.

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  Good Stuff - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dublea - July 26 - 10:00 am

  Well, Ive only had it a week, and its our first Jeep but we love it! the only complaint is we have to take it in and get a new windshield put in it because the one that came in it has air bubbles in it... a little disappointed but nothing major and theyll give me something to drive while they do it. Other than that so far its great, drives wonderfully and I personally think the Grand Cherokee is still a sharp design and is one of the best looking SUVs on the road.