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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  3rd Jeep & Cherokee Satisfaction - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By davis - February 8 - 1:33 am

  Ive previously owned a 1990 Cherokee and a 2001 Cherokee Sport, both great vehicles. This new Liberty redesign was the perfect fit for my family now and my wife loves it, despite some reviews of it being too masculine. Its a pretty incredible vehicle and the fact that you can get a fully loaded, roomy real Jeep SUV for ~30k is amazing. I was very sad when Jeep discontinued the classic Cherokee in 01, but the new styling, size and features on the Liberty definitely show that it is the real successor to that line.

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  Love it! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mwar99 - February 5 - 2:04 pm

  I have only had the Overland V8 for a couple of days, but I love it. Got the mineral gray with the saddle leather interior. Best color combination out there. Jeep has done a wonderful job with the new Grand Cherokee. The interior feels like a luxury vehicle. Had a Range Rover Sport until August when the lease was up. I was shopping the LR4, but with the new Grand Cherokee I couldnt justify the price difference. Couldnt justify the maintenance price difference also.

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  Dont believe everything you read! - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dirtydawg84 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck a couple weeks ago. Color is Driftwood/Pearl. 5.2 v8. Automatic O/D Quadra Trac, Up Country Suspension Group, Infinity Gold Sound, All the bells and whistles etc... Very powerful low end torque, Quick! Smokes all other MPVs they cant keep up. Went to the rock quarry where I work and climbed our bulldozer trail with it! As good as my 72 Scout 2 on the climb with all the gadgets! Kids love it, Girlfriend loves it! 18 mpg city/ 24 hwy! 91000 miles, clean. One thing though is that other "SUV" (i hate that term) drivers seem jealous and tend to try and push a guy around! Go figure! Not my fault they have an Explorer or what not!

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  my Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By susan - February 5 - 2:36 am

  The Jeep Liberty Sport is so much fun to drive. I drive a lot in my work and have found going to work more fun. i love the fact that I sit up high and can see all around. I just feel safe in my Jeep!

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  FOR REAL! Best SUV / CAR in the World for the money! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By 08jeeplover - February 4 - 6:47 pm

  Have owned s-class Mercedes, 7-Series BMWs, Audi A-8 etc. But they are all way over-engineered hence have allot of problems. Our 2008 JEEP Liberty is the best suv / car in the world. Its great looking, safe, reliable, offers tremendous value etc. The best thing that I have done in 2010 is sell our 745Li and purchase a used 2008 JEEP Liberty. and but a 2008 JEEP LIberty.

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  BJS REVIEW - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By BJ - February 2 - 12:40 pm

  Love the vehicle. Great bang for the buck. Only problem since purchase is dashboards exterior temperature gauge faulty and has been since purchase June 06. Dealers excuse is faulty software problem and waiting for Chrysler to correct. Lame excuse if you ask me since this vehicle has been in production for over a year now. Also dissatisfied with exterior room when 3rd row seats are folded down. They do not recess into the body but rather take up valuable vertical space. Would rather have not had the 3rd row but unfortunately it is mandatory; they go with the vehicle rather than being an option as they should have been for us who never will use them.

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  My Second Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe D - February 1 - 1:10 pm

  This is my second 4WD Jeep Cherokee. I bought because I had such a good experience with my 1991 (which had over 250k miles on it when I sold it). My 2001 has 90k miles on it and, other then normal maintenance (I change the oil regularly every 3k miles) it has been a great vehicle for me. I plan to keep it for another 5 yrs and will likely replace it with another Jeep.

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  Jeep is the Best - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep is the Best - February 1 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the best built vehicles that I have owned in the past 25 years. Purchased brand new. Vehicle has 170k miles and still purrs like a cat. Oil changes every 3k miles and trans & axles every 35k. A/C compressor replaced at 120k miles, water pump at 70k. My teenager is now using it, and loves it. My mechanic wanted to buy it for his teenager b/c he thought it was in great condition. Jeep did a great job when designing this vehicle.

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  Wouldnt sell for $1million! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Gwynda - February 1 - 3:13 am

  I have wanted this car for 2 yrs and, two days after buying, rear ended another car. I feel confident in saying that I feel, if we were still driving my tiny cobalt, my daughter and i would have had several injuries. The gas mileage isnt beautiful, but the peace of mind knowing I am in a safe car outweighs this. The interior and exterior design are awesome. Even when this commander plays out on me, I will be shopping for another!

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  Brand new Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By fbj1445 - January 29 - 2:28 pm

  I just picked up a JGC Overland with the V-8 3 days ago in Stone white with black interior and I must say that I am very,very impressed ! It drives and handles better than I expected. The interior is simple the best Ive seen compared to others. The quality and workmanship shows in every detail from the hand stitched top dash, the real wood trimmings and steering wheel, to the leather seats with light grey piping. Dont think youll get anything better for the money! Especially for what it can do off-road. The overland edition is the way to go if your looking for Luxury and off-road capabilty to the fullest. Also get the V-8, its well worth the extra money!