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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  2006 Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark - August 28 - 11:10 am

  This is my first Wrangler and so far has been a real fun vehicle to own. I bought it with all available options and upgrades including automatic transmission. The ride is a bit stiff and you feel all the bumps in the road but rides good on smooth roads, better than my pickup. Acceleration is good and maneuvers well. The hard top makes it a quiet ride which I will use more than the soft top. Shoulder room felt a bit close at first but have gotten use to it.

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  gas - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By tricki - August 28 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle to drive. very versitle vehicle to be driven to any event. gas cost to much but fun.

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  Liberty 4WD Limited / Hi-ho silver ! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By BP - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love it. It is fun to drive and cute, and has had no mechanical problems, aside from a slight stumble at times. But it will climb and get in and out of anyplace, and looks good doing it. Air and heat work so quickly no matter what the weather. Bad points are: Getting in and out the back doors is a challenge. I would not like to have to use the back seat every day. Gas mileage is not good for in town driving. Add slides in visors/block sun further back like older Grd. Cherokee had. Miss feature of windows able to raise/lower for a few seconds after key is off. Very noisy with windows down. Sounds like a helicopter is hovering over you even at slow speeds.

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  I LIKED IT SO MUCH I BOUGHT TWO - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Rodney - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I test drove most if not all SUV’s under the $30,000.00 range and found the Jeep Liberty to be the best. I purchased a 2003 Liberty Sport in November of 2002 and had my wife pick up it up while I was out of town on a hunting trip. I called her from my tree stand and asked her how she liked her new SUV she exclaimed, “I love it, and you should buy yourself one”. Well in January of 2003 I did just that. Given my purchases, all of my winter concerns disappeared. I will be keeping both our Jeeps for quite some time. Remember, a Jeep by name is still a JEEP, any other SUV by name is just an SUV. James, Fergus Ontario, Canada.

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  Jeep Liberty is my first American car - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By TTBuyer - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Jeep for my wife because she wanted a small SUV. We looked at everything else before buying (Xterra, CR-V, Rav4,Forrester,Outlander, Escape, Tribute, XL-7) The Liberty was our choice because it has good space, good power and good looks. Havent had a single problem, the Jeep has been perfectly reliable (as it should be). We got a great deal on this car too (before any rebates were offered on the 2003) and feel that we very much got our moneys worth. We plan to keep the Liberty for 7 or 8 years, so I am hoping that the initial impression of high quality turns out to be accurate.

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  Technological Marvel - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 4TH Jeep - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4TH Jeep (3+3+3+1 years of lease) and I have had NO PROBLEMS EVER. Not even a burned fuse or bulb!!! NONE !!! Ergonomically - absolutely no match, Performance, Acceleration, Handling, Off-Road and TOWING capabilities ARE ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. When Im pulling my 24" 6500lbs Cruiser Boat people always stopping me suggesting to contact Jeep to shoot a commercial ;-) and on the ice, snow and crud Jeep just shines!

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  Enjoying my Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Janet - August 27 - 7:10 pm

  This is a fun vehicle to drive. I am a mother of two growing boys, have always owned Fords, decided to trade in my Escape for something different. This Jeep not only looks good, but it is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven. I love the 3 sunroofs, and the theater seating. The standard sound system is the best Ive had in any car, I mean sounds FANTASTIC. And that is real must have for me. The auto wipers and headlights/brights are so nice, its almost like not having to really do anything but steer, especially with speed control on....wow! Im getting spoiled. Im pleased with the quality construction too. Very nice vehicle, happy with purchase!

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  97 Jeep grand - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave - August 26 - 8:10 pm

  The Jeep was the best auto I ever owned. I have owned over 40 different types of autos, not one can reach he style and grace of my SUV. It looks good under the lights and driving in a blizzard. It is as a safe a high profile vehicle.

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  Good used SUV - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By BILL HEARLE - August 26 - 10:55 am

  I purchased this vehicle last January. It has great in the snow and very comfortable when its cold outside. Bill time 4 wheel drive is very nice. I would buy it again.

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  A Jeep Convert - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Happy - August 25 - 4:03 am

  A great city car. The high stance and small size make it a great car for getting around New York City area. Its small size makes it very easy to park and maneuver in crowded areas. You are also relatively high - you can see around corners and over parked cars. My Jeep is a blast to drive. When I go upstate, the car handles great in the snow, doesnt fear puddles, and is sure-footed on steep hills. With off-road tires, gas mileage is poor and it is not the best choice for long road trips - but thats not really the focus of the car. I only started off-roading after I bought my Jeep, and I am very happy that it gave me a new hobby.