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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  Initial thoughts - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By motor city - June 28 - 6:33 am

  Only driven a few miles. But I thought Id compare to previous 96 and 99 models I owned. I tested the Pilot, which handled typically like a front wheel drive bus, and both V8 & 6 cyl 4Runners, which drifted all over the road at highway speeds, and settled for another JGC because of in- laws employee discount and several rebates (financing, military, and general= $2500). Options included tow pkg. (class IV), 28F (v8), cargo grp. Stickered $32+K paid $26K plus taxes & plates.

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  my ride - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By ecstasy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Its defenitely a step down from my explorer in comfort/size. However I get better milage and better performance. It handles dirt roads at fast speeds and in 2-wheel-drive mode it can smoke the tires. Responsive accelerator, not the best braking. Very small in the back compared to a Ford Explorer. My roomate who is 65" hates it because it is too small. The ladies love it.

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  Id always wanted one... - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By jstevep00 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I always wanted a Jeep and finally I bought the 97 Wrangler used a few months ago. Im happy so far. I love driving it and actually think the noise and discomfort arent nearly as bad as I thought theyd be, even with my soft top. I love off-roading it (spins donuts really well due to the short wheelbase), but havent done any hardcore stuff yet. Love driving in summer with the top down and the heat in the winter kicks butt. Fun, comfortable, and more versatile and unique than anything in its price range. I agree, a little weak with the 2.5 and gas mileage still sucks.

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  Great Concept - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Doctor - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Most of our driving is in the outskirts of a major city, so the restricted side view was hard to get used to. 16K plus in the last year, its a terrific vehicle to drive. Two long road trips, both very comfortable. Off road in the Virginia mountains- Excellent performance. Not challenged at all by National Forrest trails. Replace the standard 16 tires ASAP with lower profile/wider skins- DRAMATIC improvement in all on/off road driving characteristics and stability. Thinking of buying another in a couple of years.

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  Best Truck Ever! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cleveland - June 24 - 3:43 am

  I waited years for a Jeep. Wanted A Wrangler, but I am a professional guitarist, and needed the interior room for my gear. I have had this Jeep almost two years now, and have very few complaints. It kills off- road, kills in the snow, and will track through deep mud almost like its on dry pavement. Handles great on the highway too, although high winds can be an adventure. At over 100,000 miles, it still runs incredibly strong. I regularly take it on long road trips without a second thought. It tends to chew up tires, its loud, not real cushy, and the fuel economy could be better, but hey, its a 4WD truck, not a luxury vehicle. I plan to drive it until it croaks or I do.

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  Nitro Killer - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By SaintTaz - June 23 - 5:13 pm

  I walked into a local dealership intent on purchasing an 08 Dodge Nitro. However, after the test drive, I found it very cheap feeling, loud, and didnt feel the price matched the product. So on the way home, we swung into the Jeep dealership and I got a look at the new Liberty. I hadnt even considered it based on previous models looking like something only a teenage girl or soccer mom could love. But looking at the 09 I couldnt believe how similar it and the Nitro seemed. And after driving it, I fell in love. It feels solid on the road, the interior is much more refined, and you get a sense of quality and reliability not found in the Nitro. And uConnect is GREAT. Test drive one.

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  Finally got it - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By ebenn - June 21 - 5:03 pm

  I just picked up my 2014 Wrangler Unlimited Sport S, 5 speed manual on Saturday. I love it. I went with the UConnect/Sirius option and it works perfect. It doesnt have navigation like I am used to but...its a Jeep and I am ok with that. Its simply a really fun car to drive. I havent taken the full roof or doors off yet but that is this weekend.

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  My first Jeep - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By scottka - June 21 - 4:00 am

  This is my first Jeep. Ive owned several SUVs and the JCG ranks very favorably with all of them and exceeds most. Although I went with the V6, I am happy with it. Im getting 20.6 mpg with 80 percent highway driving. My range varies between 340-360 miles per tank. So far I have 2000 miles and expect the mileage to improve a bit. The JGC handles good and seems well put together. The transmission shifts smoothly and havent heard the "clunk" so far. I think Chrysler has finally got the message about their poor quality reputation.

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  RaLLyE - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Rallye - June 20 - 9:23 am

  I just bought my 08 jeep compass 2.4L Rallye Edition in black with black interior and everyone ragged on me about getting a compass until I told them that I was getting the Rallye package. Now people are asking me where I got it and telling me how much they love it! The Rallye package sold me on it. Its no good without it.

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  Jeep 2005 Ltd (3.7L) - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Mel G. - June 18 - 3:00 pm

  Great vehicle for running around locally in all terrains. Sensational handling. You must stay alert when driving long distances as vehicle needs constant steering. Gas mileage for weight could be better. No driver interior thoughtfulness when designed. No place for storage other than small glovebox, no place for coins. Cargo area for its size is very good with the fold down seats. Gas gauge should be on right side of dash because you cannot see it as it sits behind steering wheel. Also after rainfall, I notice water under the rear door when I open it.