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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  Always a jeep owner - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By SEEKAUFF - December 19 - 6:46 am

  80,000 miles on the first set of tires. Love the selec trac transmission. Absolutely no problems so far only routine maintenance. Love the heated seats and moonroof. Lots of storage space inside. Heater will cook you and A/C will freeze you. Had an 89 cherokee that I sold at 265,000 miles. Hoping to make this one last as long too.

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  Fun but only for so long... - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Doovie - December 19 - 3:06 am

  I really like that it is small and nimble, but also large enough for a family. I bought it new and was told 87 octane was fine. Ive since learned otherwise. It has died on me just sitting at a light several times. I also have had problems with wind noise through the driver door. The key fobs are HORRIBLE. Ive had them worked on (supposedly) at least five times and they still dont work. The absolute worst feature is that if you are in the back you either sweat to death or the passengers in the front freeze to death as they go deaf listening to the air on high.

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  Dual purpose - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kevin - December 16 - 3:30 am

  Ive wanted a Jeep as long as I can remember and the Unlimited finally made it practicable. The ride is good for an SUV - the longer wheelbase helps a bunch, the extra storage room in back is reasonable. Its my all-weather convertible with removable hardtop. Its been trouble free so far. Love it.

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  Bad Gas! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Matt - December 15 - 3:53 pm

  I have the V6. I love the truck, but you wont get anything near 16/20 miles per gallon. In almost a year, I havent averaged over 14 miles per gallon and I do some highway driving.

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  A good drive - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim Westfall - December 14 - 12:46 pm

  I have only had my Jeep for 3 months but compared to my 2002 Jeep (which I also like) the 2005 is a great improvement.

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  An OK Little SUV - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jay - December 13 - 11:20 pm

  I have had my compass for 2 years, and I have had no major problems with it, aside from the computer needing to be flashed twice for recall stuff, but that seemed rather minor. I bought the FWD fro gas mileage, but after reading some other posts I appear to be getting pretty bad gas mileage, averaging only 25-26 on the highway, and about 20 in the city. Overall the interior has held up well but it is a bit boring when the "new" wears off. (hard plastic everywhere) I may be a bit biased (this is my first car with less than 220hp), but I think it needs more power! Put a V6 in it! All the safety computer stab. equipment works really well, but thats for another forum.

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  Its new to me. - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JJ Man - December 13 - 10:00 am

  too soon to tell

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  I would not buy another jeep liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Lfrench - December 13 - 10:00 am

  For the young and adventures, yes. I find it to be a rough ride especially long drives, it uses alot of gas and I dont find it to be very comfortable.

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  Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jd12540 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  A great looking car, with a solid ride and aggresive style. A great car for weekend drives and offroading.

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  3rd one is a charm - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By scubabeachnjohn - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had two other wranglers. This one is clearly the best of the best. I have had the chance to take it off road on several occations and it performed great. Im always getting compliments on it. It gets more attention than my friends Corvette Z06. The only complaint is the gas mileage. @15-18mpg with manual trans. However, I knew that going into it. Get one before they stop making them. A true collectors item.