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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  Tight fit for infant seats - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Justin - December 31 - 2:20 pm

  I have driven this car for 18 months. I have had no problems to date. It handles very well in snow, rain, and muddy dirt roads. Fuel economy is around 24-25, but decreases significantly with anything on the roof. I just installed two infant seats and barely fit them in. I am 510" and had to pull the seat 1 click forward from my usual position to fit them in. If you have long legs and plan on adding a car seat, buy different car.

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  Love it! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike & Jenny - December 30 - 10:00 am

  We love our Jeep. It handles very well and has plenty of interior room. Im 65" and my wife is 510" and we have plenty of head room.

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  Highly Satisfied Buyer - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Robert Hager - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Previous 3 SUVs were GCLs. Particularly enjoy the feel, confort and the many "bells and whistles" of the Overland especially rain-sensitive wipers and tire pressure monitor. Appreciate pleasing interior design. Would highly recommend to my friends.

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  Ive had older Jeeps - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Marcus - December 29 - 7:13 pm

  Ive had older Jeeps but this one is the best Ive had. Although it doesnt have the V-8 that Im used to, the 4 liter has more than enough power to run down the highway @ 80 mph, and of course off-road on any trail that is suitable for vehicles. Havent done a lot of off-roading in this one, but the 4WD is torqued enough to handle anything, providing you have the right additions (lift, tires, rocker guards, etc.) I would recommend if you want something that is fun to drive and can take you wherever you want to go, this is what you need.

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  Great vehicle. Dont buy it for fuel economy - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By COMMANDER n CHIEF - December 29 - 6:56 pm

  Beautiful vehicle with terrible gas mileage 10.9 mpg city 13.5 on a good day for the highway

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  My 2nd Jeep Product - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By Randy - December 29 - 11:50 am

  I traded my 1999 Cherokee 4x4 Sport for the 2010 Liberty 4x4 Sport. I like the looks of this vehicle. So far so good. Have a small water leak in the rear thats annoying and hopefully will have that corrected soon. Vehicle feels solid on the road. I am happy with the Liberty.

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  Love the 59r - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By D-Roq - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Nothing slams you back in your seat like the torque of this jeep!! Performance and comfort make this a dream to drive. Fulltime four wheel drive provides great on/off road traction. This jeep will blow by anything but the gas station! Overall its a goodtime but good ole american build quality will come back to haunt you. New rear end, steering box and sway bar bushings have been replaced in the past 6 months due to "standard 80,000 mile wear and tear." My verdict, amazing vehicle so long as you buy a good extended warranty and dont mind filling up once a week.

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  JEEP ! Theres Only One !... - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Theres only one ! - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Jeep Products are just what they say Trail Rated. Great!

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  I ROLLED!!! Be careful. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By SAM6748 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Am very sad - loved my Liberty, but at 3800 miles was hit by an Explorer in the rear quarter panel and I flipped on my side!! We were both going only maybe 25 mph - I was swerving to avoid, but dont think it should have flipped. Only had it 3 months - Jeep was totalled, now am debating buying another for safety reasons. Gas mileage sucked, which I did expect (but didnt have to like!). I know I can drive it w/out rolling it - the other drivers are the problem for me.

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  Battery Problems - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By S Fryer - December 21 - 12:26 am

  Overall I am pleased with this vehicle. BUT I am about to put a third new battery in. First one dealer claimed sun roof was drawing power, second - no explanation, but there was no water in battery (one week after general service) - going in for service again tomorrow - one month after second battery replacement. Good thing this is a leased vehicle and can be returned!