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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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Christopher Flood - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I owned and 1990 Cherokee with 150k miles on it when I bought my Green V6 4WD Automatic Jeep Liberty Sport in May 2002, and what an upgrade it is! I have had no issues with the vehicle whatsover. Steers simply and more carlike than many competitors, and handling is very straightforward. It is super sure footed in the winter, and a breeze to drive on and off-road in the spring, summer, and fall. The front seats are comfortable enough to drive between New York City and Columbus Ohio without much discomfort. It is great to tool around town, and it has safely taken me through feet of snow in the mountains of West Virginia.

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  Love this Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By rtg77 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I have never had so many compliments about a vehicle. My other car is a Volvo s80 so Ive gone to the other extreme with this Jeep

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  Gotta love it! - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By zabes - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is just fantastic, first car I havent traded in after 2 years! There are soo many fun things to add to them too, bumpers, grille guards, lightbars, etc. It doesnt get that cold in the winter, vinyl doesnt get as cold as metal and in the summer its fun, A/C isnt a bad option though on the humid days or with rain. Overall its a great car to drive!

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  Sky Slider does have wind noise - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Texas Man - June 18 - 12:40 pm

  Great vehicle. I have only owned Toyotas in the past and my wife currently has a RAV4, but I am EXTREMELY impressed with my new Jeep. How can you pass up a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty for free, and a Lifetime Bumper to Bumper warranty for only $2400? I will never buy an over- priced Toyota again! I absolutely love the Sky Slider roof and always drive with it open, but when the roof is closed it does create pretty significant wind noise on the highway when driving 70-75 mph. Overall, I have only experienced minimal wind noise with the Sky Slider closed in the 60-65 mph range!

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  Exceeds our expectations - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By RonK - June 17 - 8:46 am

  This is one excellent SUV. It has not needed anything but lube, oil and filter changes since we purchased it new in 07. Gas mileage averages 20+ MPG around town. The AC keeps us cool even in Tucson, AZ where we live. We also pull it behind our motorhome as it is so easy to disengage the drive train and get rolling. It rides like a car and is very quiet inside. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive. I installed a K&N air intake system and it increased the power while increasing MPG.

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  Just Fun to Drive! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By rivera7205 - June 16 - 10:03 am

  I fell in love with the Compass within the first 5 minutes of the test drive. Its so much fun and easy to handle. I traded in an Oldsmobile Bravada for this smaller, more fuel efficient crossover and have not been disappointed. It has tighter handling and is easier to manuever, especially when parking. My husband has a Grand Cherokee and it seems much stiffer in its handling. Like most new cars it took a couple hundred miles to break the engine in, but after a little driving under its belt the engine is extremely smooth. Overall the Compass is perfect for day to day driving.

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  Fun to Drive - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By PB - June 16 - 1:13 am

  This is the 6th Jeep Ive owned. Its very well built. The seats are very comfortable. Sirius satellite radio is awesome. Gas mileage is 16-17 with most being around town so far. The hard top works well with no leaks so far and Ive been out in quite a bit of rain. My only true concern is how underpowered the engine is. It upshifts on any type of hill and just needs more torque. Theres room in the engine bay for a larger gas or diesel engine.

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  First Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gern Blanston - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Jeep. I remember driving a 1983 CJ -7 and this Unlimited blows it a away. The ride is shall I say "Tons Smoother" than the old Jeeps. I traded my Toyota Tundra in on this vehicle and have not regretted it. I was used to the Toyota build quailty and was not dissapointed with this Jeep. Yes, it doesnt have the same creature comforts as my Tundra, but for a Jeep, I impressed! Arranged the whole deal over the Internet with the dealer and it was painless. Does pay to shop around and play the other dealers against each other.

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  Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By cuellm - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The best vehicle I have ever owned

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  I LOVE THIS SUV - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By MEDIALIZ - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS SUV ... ITS LUXARY ON THE INSIDE AND HANDLES GREAT - HAVE PUT IT THRU SOME PACES ... TERRIFIC, ONE SNAG - WISH IT GOT BETTER FUEL ECONOMY- FRIGHTENING $2.25 PER GALLON ... THE PRICE YOU PAY FOR THE CAR YOU LOVE