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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  please hold together - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe - September 18 - 7:16 pm

  The limited is smooth on the road, polite off the road and comfortable inside. NAV, SAT radio and all the toys a must on long rides. Room up front is fine and has OK storage. So far the Limited is enjoyable is drive. There is nothing outstanding except for the HEMI. The kick-in response could be better. It does not respond like the BMW but the cost to power is really fine.

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  Love the car if not in shop - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Corey - September 14 - 8:06 pm

  I love the performance of this car and it drives great but it has a lot of mechanical problems. I have had the car in the shop 7 times in the first year and a half. I have had two sets of driveshafts go bad. The air bag light keeps going on and the service brake light does the same thing; lots of rattles and it has never been off road.

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  Liberty Sport 6 cyl. of off road fun. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jermac - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Excellent off road vehicle.I drive it at least twice a week on the beach.It handle well and nothing slows it down.It is a BLAST to drive.The jeep also handles well in the snow and heavy rain.I would reccomend it to anyone who plans on using the vehicle for occasional serious off road use.I have driven other small SUVs off road and their is no comparision.

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  All-Kinds OFun! - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Roc Ingersol - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a great toy... NOT a commuter vehicle – if you want to commute, get a Diesel Golf or a used Audi A4, same money either way. Gas mileage is not good in any condition, but who cares if it is a toy. Take it on or off road, this Jeep is VERY capable right off the showroom floor.

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  Mr. Reliability - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jim/PA - September 8 - 6:46 pm

  I have 105,000 miles on the Jeep and it still runs well. The mileage is poor, but it starts up ever morning. I had both the hardtop and soft top until the soft top ripped off while driving on the highway. The driver seat is comfortable and the seatbelt holds you in your seat over all terrain. I planned on having the car til it dies [ or I die], but Im getting sick of the water puddles. I have the hardtop and I had to remove all of the carpet and plugs so I do not have the musty smell. I definitely recommend the Jeep, it was well worth the money I paid in 97 -$18,000. Not to mention the resale value is great!!!

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  Amazing Summer Vehicle - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kevin Maude - September 8 - 6:20 pm

  I bought my Wrangler as a second summer car and boy did I make a great decision. There is nothing better then taking the top down and riding with the tunes turned up in a Wrangler! And dont forget to give the "Jeep Wave" to fellow Wrangler owners - priceless.

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  The Good and Bad - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Escott - September 6 - 5:10 pm

  The Commander seems to be a decent driving SUV so far. It has a very comfortable luxury ride. The vehicle can be challenging however for shorter drivers, due to the high back row seats.

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  Its A Jeep Thing - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepin1 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Number 2. This is my second one and after i sold the first one i couldnt wait to buy number two. I had and SE first now a sahara. Its great never a problem yet. I miss my hardtop on number one though. Definately Reccomend that.

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  Get a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By pokefan - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Have less than 19,000 miles on this jeep and it just got towed to the dealership again. First at 13,000 the waterpump went out and the serpentine belt broke while going 70 on a 2 lane road. Very Scary. Then at 18,000 the heat went out, took it in a got some recall item fixed at the same time. Diamler-Chrysler sucks. Maybe I am spoiled by Hondas. Had 3 w/ 250,000+ miles w/ 0 problems. Last Jeep I ever buy. Let you know my recent prob. later.

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  Great Looking and Plush - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bill kennedy - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I find the GRand Cherokee a nice vehichle with many amenities. I was goingto buy a limited but found a laredo which is more sporty looking with the exact same options such as leather heated seats, Sun roof and electric everything. The 8 Cylender is a plus.