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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  Performance and Value - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By 95yj08jk - September 14 - 1:43 pm

  I purchased my 2008 Wrangler 4-dr X new in December 2008 after trading a Chrysler minivan for it. This is the fourth Jeep I have purchased in the past 15 years and I have to say that I love the new 4-door option. Compared to my wifes Grand Cherokee its just as roomy and a lot more stylish, its the icon of the Jeep lineup. Though the Grand Cherokee rides and drives better, the performance between the two is comparable. I overall average 23 MPG with mostly highway driving and the 6- speed manual transmission. I do have a K&N filter and run premium unleaded. In the past year I have put over 24,000 miles on the Jeep and have zero issues, tire rotations and oil changes are the only maintenance.

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  My Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Muneca - September 14 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Liberty is an exclent veh. It handles very well and is very comfortable. The Liberty loves the snow and rugh terian. The more the better. Great for sking and camping. Youll be the only one bot stuck. The ONLY drawback it that the Liberty runs very very rich. That is that it doesnt come near the sticker est. of driving milage. Other than that it is a dream. With the slect a track option it runs a little better but not by much.

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  Wonderful Automobile! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ericalg - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I have always driven a sports car, so I was a bit concerned about purchasing an SUV. I needed something to take me into the mountains and carry all my gear, but wasnt going to take a huge chunk out of my pocket. After doing all the research, the Liberty Renegade was by far the best choice! Ive had it for a few months and absolutely love it! Gas mileage was a bit shocking at first because I was so used to getting 33 miles/gallon, but its completely worth it, and still gets decent gas mileage for an SUV! I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. Its sporty, has enough horsepower to go fast up mountain hills, does great in the snow. I love my Jeep.

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  Great Jeeps - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BamaBert - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle, i have loved mine since the minute i first drove it, the only real problem i can find is gas mileage

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  new Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jrchevy - September 9 - 4:26 pm

  Just purchased this vehicle a week ago. Best car for my money so far. Roomy enough for my family with 2 car seats for the kids.

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  Mine - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By ken - September 9 - 9:16 am

  The extra room in the unlimited is great! I love the vehicle.

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  Very good - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ards - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I think that this car is built to drive in tough weather and also for enjoment. This suv is the savest suv i know i used to have a dodge durango and it was keep slipping and now i got the jeep cherokee and it never slips in the rain. Thank you for making sucha wonderfull car.

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  Great SUV - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Woody626 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Grande Cherokee after my 96, which I put 110,000 miles on. This is the most comfortable, driver friendly, quiet and still performs. I have had zero problems with it, except it seems to attract a lot of attention when spotted. It is black with the Chrome 17 inch rims and is truly gorgeous.

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  Simple and to the point, Jeep! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Yogi - September 4 - 3:00 am

  Roomy, quiet, smooth are not words that describe the Jeep Wrangler. But like no other vehicle close to its price will you get the fun go anywhere, open vehicle, invincible feeling you get every time you turn the key. The 4.0 6 cylinder leaves almost nothing to be desired. The ride is as good if not better than most small cars and pickups. Test drive it. YouÂ’ll either love it or hate it. Few people are in between. Opt. for the full doors over any other option

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  hesitation at 1200rpm - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By twigs - September 3 - 10:00 am

  i experienced a hesitation from new at 12-1500rpm in every gear, dealer thought i was a cronic complainer. i spent 35 years as a dealer mechanic and knew i had a problem. finally a service bulletin showed up to reprogram the computer and problem solved. i really like the car and feel it is a good value. it serves all my needs and is really a jeep.