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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  Renegade Rocks - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By G Wilkins - December 12 - 2:00 am

  All I can really say is BUY IT. If you want a jeep and want good value for your money, This is the one.

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  Bad to the Bone - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Rick - December 10 - 10:10 pm

  Reminds me of the driving properties of my 1970 Triumph TR-250. This is an exciting car to drive, with more driver leg room then my previous Ford F-350 had. Manual four wheel drive shifts effortlessly. Able to achieve 22MPG with a new motor which I expect to improve after break in period.

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  Another Very Capable Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Scorphitman - December 10 - 2:33 pm

  I purchased this Limited as a lease return. The vehicle has been a very reliable SUV. I had previously owned a classic Cherokee Limited. The Liberty makes the old Cherokee look like a hay wagon. A very comfortable ride and roomy interior. I am 63" and 250 lbs and dont feel pinched in the drivers seat. Ive put 40k+ miles on it in 2 years and it has never left me stranded on the roadside. Very good off-road performance on some nasty rocky trails in the Sierra. Pretty good in the snow. Driven it in 50 knot winds with rain and the part-time 4WD works just great. Instruments are straight forward without the "gimmicks" of the Japanese SUVs. Room enough in the back for my 100 lb. Golden Retriever.

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  Commander 4XHEMI - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Alia - December 8 - 6:13 am

  This is my very first Jeep as well as my very first American made vehicle. I have to say I am a convert and a Jeep lover at this point. I just bought the Commander after test driving every other SUV out there. None of them compared to the Commander when it comes to a luxurious interior, distinctive exterior, and a reasonable price! Jeep has a winner with this one in my book. Not many on the road yet but that should change quickly when consumers get a look at this top of the line SUV!

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  Fun time - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By koolcat352003 - December 7 - 5:33 am

  This has been a really fun Jeep to have and it gets where you need to go and also great in the winter time. Great in the summer with the top off!

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  I love it - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AMYJW - December 2 - 9:33 am

  I bought my 2000 JGC Laredo used last year. Previously, I had owned a 1998 Cherokee, the most basic kind. With the ease of being able to work on the 1998 Cherokee myself, I was a little skeptical of buying something that I may not be able to work on, what with all the do-dads and such. But so far, the only problem Ive had with my 2000 JGC has been the brake system. I knew going into the sale that this would need to be fixed. Luckily, the brakes were as easy to change on my 2000 as they were on the 1998. So far, I couldnt have asked for a better used vehicle. I dont know that Ill ever own anything other than a Jeep again. I hope my luck lasts!

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  Great! - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By codz - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Its a great vehicle...It rides so smooth on the freeway. I used to own a 94 Blazer, and it just would shake and rattle around. Whole new story here! Very smooth -- and even more powerful. Great stuff!

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  hoosjon review - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By hoosjon - December 1 - 10:00 am

  i have enjoyed this jeep and plan to get another one that is similar. fun to drive, this is an experience that makes driving more of an adventure and less a way to get from here to there.

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  1999 Grand Jeep Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By abanderas26@aol.com - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Awesome vehicle. Smooth, luxorious ride and fun to drive.

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  WOW - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pappy - November 30 - 8:23 am

  We drove 3 SUVs based on what we liked based on exterior looks. After driving the Larado , we new this was the one to get. We have a lot of room with a smooth ride. This is the first Jeep we have owned. We usually purchased GM vehicles in the past but the Buick SUVS and the Chevy Equinox did not even come close to our expectations. We also like the 4 wheel drive since we live in the country.