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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  Gets dirty....Sees Mud....3rd Jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JEEP78 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 grand Cherokees and I have to say the WJ (99-04) is by far the smoothest I have owned. The ZJ (93- 98) that I owned where nice as well. I recommend to anyone that buys a Grand Cherokee to get the V-8 the difference in MPG is barley noticeable. The I-6 is a good engine but makes noise at idle and doesnt have the snap of the line. The H.O. V-8 is very strong. My current MPG is 16 City 23 Highway. Quadra-drive works great off road and in snow. Off pavement ride is by far the best I have experienced. If you but one take it off road. Will buy a 4th

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  In Liberty I trust!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bigdaddy - sd - June 8 - 10:00 am

  It looks great, it rides great. I just wished I had more time to drive it. Ive only had it 3 weeks, but its the funnest vehicle Ive ever driven.

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  Great little ride - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By D. Rose - June 6 - 10:23 am

  I LOVE MY LIBERTY! I traded in a luxury SUV (Lexus GX470) for this little baby and I couldnt be happier. While nothing rides like a Lexus, the Liberty is smooth to drive -- not to mention fun fun FUN. The sound system is terrific, there is plenty of room, its sturdy, rugged and has great personality. Makes my day just starting it up.

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  Lemon? - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Eleanor - June 6 - 12:23 am

  I bought a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with a 4.7L engine in February of 2009. It had odd electrical issues - the message center would constantly tell me to "service the 4WD system" but I never used the 4X4 and the rear passenger side window wouldnt roll up after being rolled down. And the car got terrible gas mileage! My previous Jeep, a 1999 model had gotten great mileage and I never had problems with it. It was a great car! Then my boyfriend totaled my 05 Jeep. To replace it, I decided on an 05 Limited with the 5.7 (Hemi). And this new one stinks too! Gas mileage is even worse, and the passenger side window wont roll up. Plus, the car leaks when it rains. I used to love JEEP!

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  A Sleeper Hit - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By tailgate - June 5 - 6:56 pm

  This medium sized Liberty CRD SUV is a blast to drive. Its quite, gets good fuel mileage, comfortable power range, coupled with a 5 speed transmission, and a seating/steering wheel position that fits me like a glove (unlike my Jeep pickup). When on the highway, I think its best on the open road, then again when driving around town, I think this is its best suit. This tells me just how much I enjoy the Liberty CRD.

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  Never again - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jules24 - June 5 - 9:56 am

  My Liberty is a very handsome vehicle, but they can be handsome all day long and it wont help you much if they are in the shop with something wrong, like tail lights that fill up with water, differential seal leaks, ball joint problems, A/C problems, windows that fail to go up and down all at the tender age of 4. And gas mileage that really stinks. Come on Jeep, you can do better than this.

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  (O!!!!!O) - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By (O!!!!!O) - June 4 - 9:26 pm

  Well I never owned a Jeep but considered because of the outdoor activities I do. The Jeep Liberty 2010 is the perfect ride for me! I am in Management and do some company traveling and the Jeep Liberty has the classy appearance for my rep! Although after work, I hunt, or fish off the beach and haul moto-cross and 4- wheelers so the ruggedness and off- road capabilities are there!!! Classy on the outside, all Jeep underneath!! The back road travels use to feel like I was busting my old car apart!!! Not any more!!

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  Its the Genuine Article - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeff D. - June 4 - 5:26 pm

  My first GP, a 2004 Jeep Wrangler SE 4 cylinder, 4WD, with soft top and hard doors, has been reliable, versatile, and just plain fun. Its a blast for all seasons ... goes anywhere in the snow (though ice is always tricky) ... doesnt leak in the heaviest of rain ... pulls my 16 ft. boat up a bumpy ramp with ease (especially using 1st gear in 4WD low )... and doesnt need air conditioning (just take the windows out on a hot day or lower the top). However, I do suggest that you keep both hands on the wheel in windy and rainy conditions because of the short wheelbase and wider tires. Theres plenty of heat in winter and you can adjust the vents to cover your needs. It has comfortable seats too.

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  Almost Bought a Land Rover - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By REM - June 4 - 11:53 am

  What makes the Jeep Cherokee so amazing is how the smooth shifting transmission is combined with a throaty and decently powered V-6. The content and build quality blew the Land Rover LR-2 away. And, the no-nonsense traditional Jeep styling will ensure it never goes out of style. Sorry ladies, but this is the only mid sized SUV that doesnt look like a soccer moms car.

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  everyone wants it - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By rj7138 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  no promblems ,lots of fun and looks