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:

• 

  Jeep or H3 - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kyle - August 27 - 3:40 am

  Ive been looking for a SUV for the past 4 months or so. I really liked the H3 but realized that it may not be the most practical. I like styling in a vehicle and Im tired of spending top dollar for foreign car parts and service. I looked at the H3, Nissan, and Toyota. The Jeep seemed like the best choice. So far I have been pleased. Ive seen others complain about the cheap plastics. While I agree to some degree, it does have style to it. The car was designed to be an off road vehicle while still delivering great on road performance. It rides that tight rope very well. On top of it all, I got mine for a song, $22,500 out the door (with rebates). At this price, it cant beat!

• 

  Jeep Limited - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep man - August 25 - 10:00 am

  This is an all around great car. It has a V8 and drives great. The leather seats are comfortable, the moon roof is great and everything is awesome. I have had no problems. The limited looks great. I love the body style.

• 

  The Best Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Nick Sarette - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Does good at everything in my book!

• 

  2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7L V8 - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hadallthatri - August 24 - 8:10 am

  This truck will take anything you can throw at it. It has amazing seats and design in my 2001 JGC 60th anniversary. I have used this truck for everything from off-road to sunday drives. I have recently installed halos, a new sound system, LED fog lights, a cold-air intake, and a high-output chip to make this vehicle roar and not once has it not met my standards. People used to tell me "Its a Jeep thing" and I completely get it now. This truck is more than capable off-road and can still dust most trucks on the road.

• 

  Never seen anything like it!!! - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cherok1988_man - August 21 - 7:14 pm

  this was my first owned vehicle and i must say it has me bewildered! where can you not take this car and i bought it used and it runs like i just bought it brand new! now i am a proud jeep owner and i dont think i will ever change that!!!

• 

  Jeep Cherokee Sport - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By TF - August 21 - 10:00 am

  We enjoy our 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport. We use it on long road trips and enjoy the amount of passenger space and cargo space. We have a child and like the amount of space in the back seat and also the 4 doors, making it easier for him to enter and exit the vehicle. We also use our jeep off road and need the 4 wheel drive. Being a 4X4, this vehicle drives, handles, and rides great.

• 

  Rubicon Squishes the Competition - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jimmy Z - August 21 - 10:00 am

  My fiance and I decided to spend the extra cash and go all out with our new Wrangler and get a Rubicon. I have always driven a Wrangler and when it was time for a new vehicle I wouldnt have chosen anything else. The Rubicon has everything I would want in off road capabilities and when it comes to traveling, it handles like a dream. Smooth riding and a turn radius that cant be beat is just the beginning of the Rubicons awesome features. Worry free off roading in any conditions keeps the fun in driving this Wrangler beast. Looking forward to some great snow storms this winter!

• 

  Sharp SUV - just bought - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By billymay - August 21 - 7:06 am

  Considered Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Land Rover Freelander, but Liberty was the right price and IMHO the real SUV of the bunch. The Liberty doors shut with a perfect thunk, the noise level is right (hey it isnt supposed to be a limo), and for $21K its the sharpest vehicle out there. Highway cruising is nice and quiet, luggage capacity is fine for most of us. I just bought it, so have no info on reliability, but initial build quality seems very good -- no initial problems. I live in San Diego so bought the 2WD, hoping to save some weight/gas. Well see how it goes. So far, really happy with how it drives.

• 

  My Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Chanel - August 17 - 7:20 pm

  I just got it this past week so I am still learning more about it. I really like the ride. I traded in my 2003 Mustang GT because I wanted something a bit bigger. Its kind of better on gas than the V8 was ... thats for sure!

• 

  pleasantly surprised - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Jim Kadel - August 14 - 11:03 am

  Compared to my Grand Cherokee, the Liberty is easier to park, more agile, and a better size for two people (no one ever rides in the back seats). My wife likes the two grab bars on the passenger side to help with her slight physical handicap. The late 06 models have chrome side strips, chrome luggage racks and chrome wheels. The carbon-brown/black wheel trim is a good color combination with the Atlantic blue body color. I will most likely buy another Liberty in 2009.