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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  Only family car for tall families < $20K - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By fishgutz - March 14 - 8:46 am

  This is the only family car you will find under $20K, gets 39 MPG highway even though rating is 25, and that fits a 63" teenager behind a 510" adult. Very impressive response from the 2.4 L and CVT. I like it. So does the wife. It will be her primary vehicle. More room and better fuel economy than our 1999 Cherokee. I would have no problem recommending this to anyone.

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  so far so good - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By kenster - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle currently has 5500 no problems. great ride, good power, fun to drive, great interior design. Avergae gas mileage so far about 16-17 highway and city.

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  Love my Jeep - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sandra Crabtree - March 11 - 11:29 am

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  Cool air from vents.. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By dr burke - March 11 - 8:56 am

  I own a Jeep Commander 5.7 V8 Limited and try not to drive with the air conditioner on, for fuel economy. But, Ive discovered how you can get cold air out, without using the compressor and still get good fuel economy. I have the dual control with a vent dial and fan speed dial. If you turn the right dial to auto and turn the fan speed to where ever want it, with the temperatures dials all the way down, you will get cool air out, but the air conditioner light doesnt come on. I think the dehumidifier is taking the moisture out of the air and pumping out cold air, without using the compressor. Give it a try and see what results you get. dr burke.

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  Jeep Liberty 2004 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Ursula - March 10 - 5:26 am

  It handles great, and maneuvers like a car. Easy to see all around, even for short people (5.3"). Small turning radius.

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  I want another one - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By HappyOwner - March 9 - 6:06 am

  This Jeep is awesome. It drives and handles like a luxury car, and not a truck. I love the stares I get when people watch me drive by. Jeep has truly outdone themselves with this hip new stylish SUV hybrid Jeep. My only concern is the gas mileage or lack thereof. I average 15 mpg back and forth to work, but dang. Did I say this truck is awesome?

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  Nothing Like it - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By 03 Wrangler - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had this Jeep for a week now and I must say that it is the best Vehicle that I have owned. The 2.4l 4 cylinder is much more powerful then the 2.5l of older models. Ride is a little stiff, but what can you expect it is a Wrangler after all. I have taken it out on the trails once already and it rode nice. Cant wait for the lift kit and bigger tires.

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  2002 JGC - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By xyzxyzxyz - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV!! I recommend it to anyone! Great value for the money! Bought it new and now have 12,000 miles on it. No problems with it at all. Ive taken it to the scheduled maintenance appointments and thats it. I bought it while the 7/100,000 was still standard which Im happy about because it gives me a piece of mind. Rides great and I get 18-19 mpg in mixed driving and about 23 mpg on the highway. I have all options except sunroof and heated seats. Looks great and the inline 6 has enough power for what I need. (I dont tow anything) I plan on keeping this car for a loooooooong time.

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  Excellent Jeep. - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By relivnj - March 3 - 9:50 am

  Ive always loved Jeeps. I bought this Jeep from our local Toyota dealership back in 2003. I just couldnt resist this Jeep classic. Its been such a wonderful vehicle to own. Never had any problems with it. The engine is a bit loud, compared to other SUVs. But its not, really. Its the typical Jeep Cherokee sound. And the torque on this thing is tremendous! I got the Limited model. The interior has a nice, clean layout. The heated leather front seats are excellent during winter. Great sounding stereo. This is our weekend ride. We take it for nice, long leisurely drives, always confident that we can to anywhere and back in our Jeep.

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  The Lil Jeep that could! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By John Chadwick - March 2 - 8:20 pm

  Ive owned large SUVs and trucks. I am surprised that so many people overlook and underestimate this vehicle. Ive taken my Liberty off-road and have yet to see a Hummer or Ford F150/Explorer out there with the rest of us Jeeps. Where are these big bad dudes?