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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  Great Mid Size SUV - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JJIgga3000 - August 2 - 2:36 pm

  Ive Owned and driven many types of SUVs, from the Ford Expedition, and Explorer, Suburban, Dodge Durango, which Ive all owned. To the Hummer, Cayanne, Range Rover, which my friends own. Im very impressed, with Jeep Grand Cherokee, it has a very sturdy, yet comfortable, luxurious drive. The layout of the controls, and room and the car are great. If you are thinking of mid size suv to get. I highly suggest this one. One thing that might help you over the top is the fact that this is the Suv choice of many millionaires.

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  2nd Grand Cherokee - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mark - August 2 - 2:16 pm

  So far have really enjoyed owning this vehicle. Previously owned a 2001 Grand Cherokee Limited with V8, sold it with 189,000 miles on it. I am confident that this Jeep will satisfy as well. MPG so far is ranging 17-19 around town. Have yet to make a HWY trip to determine what that MPG will be.

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  very well done - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jorro - August 2 - 2:00 am

  we have the JGC with the V8 and selec- trc II full-time 4wd. The vehicle is fantastic in sand and snow. The V8 has tons of power and averages 16.5 mpg overall. Out local dealer upgraded replaced my front calipers under the recall.

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  My first new vehicle - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By John Miller - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving my 2003 liberty since June 2003. The dealer ripped me off unfortunately but the liberty is great. I owned a Wrangler before this for 2 years and yes i miss having the top & doors off. But the Liberty gives the comfort and handling that i wasnt used too. I am already considering buying a 2004 at a much better deal i was given for this one.

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  Love my Rubi - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By BNGPN - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2004 Rubicon and have been pleasantly surprised with its performance and comfort. I had purchased a 98 Wrangler SE new for my son 6 years ago, and he still is in love with it. It doesnt look at all like the jeep we bought, due to all the excellent upgrades that are available. But it has been trouble free, so I expect the same out of the Rubicon. The difference between the 4.0 litre and the 2.4 is big in performance and smoothness. The Rubicon also is a much more comfortable ride with the Quadracoil and gas shocks, and generally has pretty good road manners.

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Brdlygat - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Have had the Liberty Columbia for about a week now. Overall, extremely fun to drive and can handle the 6 inches of snow last night without even blinking.

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  Definite Jeep Fan - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By J Payne - August 2 - 2:00 am

  The name Jeep should sell itself. You are either a Jeep person or youre not. The Liberty rides a lot like the Wrangler but much quieter a little more smoother. It is the perfect vehicle to tote the kids around to practice or take to the beach. The gas mileage is not that great but I can get about 300 mpg in the city and about 350-400 on the highway. I love how the vehicle handles and rides. If you are a fan of the outdoors and enjoys fun vehicles then the Liberty is for you. Please note, it will not impress those who are use to a high end car.

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  Eli-Star - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Eli Jones - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Best car I ever owned.

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  My Jeep is Noahs Ark - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By malutz - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Limited is the best car I ever bought! It rides as well as our Volvo T6 S80, and drives beautifully, too. Going through snow it is like a big safe sled. Not one skid, slide, or hesitation going over the mountain pass in several inches of snow. In my mind this Jeep is the best all around SUV for the money. A huge improvement over my previous Jeep.

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  Excellent car - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By hinge1616 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about my Wrangler. It the most fun car to drive that Ive ever imagine. Its versatile, looks great and surprisingly practical. I will always own one, even if it is as a second car.