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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  Jeep - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Nick - June 13 - 4:36 am

  I love my Jjeep - as a college student I need a reliable car with lots of space to move my stuff up and back. This gives me all of that with a nice interior and all the features I could want.

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  Wow - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Christopher Nichols - June 11 - 2:26 pm

  Great vehicle. Small enough to handle yet able to haul plenty of stuff. Has some get up and go. Leather interior and many standard features make it a good, comfortable work vehicle, and can go out on the town and give the luxury you deserve.

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  Great Jeep - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By danbasting52 - June 11 - 12:20 am

  Had the Commander just over 3 weeks. So far, love it. We had to have a 3rd row seat and 4x4.Considered other larger SUVs (Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade, etc.) Found this one used with low miles for a great price. The only thing it didnt have was a DVD system and a hitch. The dealer added those items plus tinted the windows for no cost. That was the seller for us.

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  Overland best JGC EVER! - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JB - June 9 - 9:53 pm

  This is the best Grand Cherokee ever. It had all the features I was looking for voice activated Nav/phone, backup camera, HID lights, remote start, 1 free year of sirius sat radio, ipod connection and HDD to store all of your own music, no more carrying around cds. Oh did I mention the 357hp Hemi. The ride is what really sold me, it is so Smooth, easy and very very quiet. I hate cars that have rattles. I researched RX 350, X5, MDX with similar build and features I would have spent $20,000 more. With employee pricing, rebates, incentives and auto show cash. I saved $10,000 plus zero percent for 48 months.

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  GRANDIOSE CHEROKEE! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jaeh - June 9 - 9:26 pm

  I absolutely love my 2005 Grand Cherokee Rocky Mountain. I have tricked it out quite a bit and get so many compliments on its look. I really love driving it too! Great price also helps the enjoyment factor.

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  kpl - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By KPL - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Love this SUV. This is the 3rd one I have owned and the first Linited and fist V8. Will not go back to a 6 cyl. Rides like my Mercedes only more low end torque!. With black interior I get nothing but good comments.Real Plush looking. Have not had to take it back only for standard service. Only thing I do not like is gas millage. It is ok for a V8. It only looses 1 MPG against my wifes 6 cyl. Millage is typical with all similair SUVs.

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  2004 Grand Cherokee Limited V8 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MinnKim - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Jeep and the first Grand Cherokee. Its head and shoulders above the no longer made Cherokee in performance, comfort, quietness and fuel economy. I find it quiet and comfortable on the road; a real pleasure to drive.

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  lovin my jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By james - June 6 - 7:23 pm

  I love my Jeep. I drove my first one for seven years. I needed a larger vehicle with more space because of children. The new 4 door was just what I was looking for. The new v-6 is nice, but I would still like a V- 8. The ride quality and quietness of the new Jeep is much better that the previous year models.

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  Smart buy - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Like a rock - June 5 - 10:00 am

  The jeep patriot is a pleasure to own and drive for the price. I drive a lot for my job and the gas mileage is great from 28 mpg to 31 mpg. I have a 5 speed stick and its fun to drive and great in the snow. It has 31,000 miles not one issue the quality is there. I drove cr-v, rav4, the Jeep won, 31,000 miles later no regrets.

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  Move over Imports - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepguy - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I am impressed with Grand Cherokee, I did drive the Lexus, Audi, BMW, and a Ford, Ford got all wrong. The Jeep has stepped up to the plate and knocked out all competition. Hands down they got it right , great gas mileage, comfort, looks, and style. Also I saved about 20,000 in cash . Also lower cost of ownership. Take from a former import owner.