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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  the 04 Jeep Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Justin snowborj22 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  this car is awsome its the first new car ive ever purchased and its great it handes great and it performs perfectly off road

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  Always wanted 1, Glad held out for this - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By MicheleS - May 11 - 10:00 am

  When I purchased my Jeep everyone worried I would suffer from buyers remorse since it was such a big change from my Honda Civic EX 4 door. I love this car and cant wait to go driving in it. It handles much better then any Jeep I have ever driven and I still smile when I get behind the wheel. I wouldnt trade it in for anything.

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  Go Anywhere - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rocking - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Besides my 04 Rubicon I also have a 2000 Sport 5m. Both have dual tops. The 2000 gets 17 mpg the Rubicon gets 12 MPG. I drive both the same. Its time to bring out the turbo diesel 4 cyl and see what it can do. Dont get me wrong I would buy it again. But like others my 3/4 ton chevy 4X4 gets 17 mpg. I am headed to Moab next week Ill see how it holds up.

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  Be careful in hot areas... - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By abloke - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. Not a cross-over SUV. Drives well, comfortable seating, a lot of power. We have had it for 4 months now and are considering trading it in because of an inadequate air conditioning system. We live in the south and when the outside temp rises above 85 the vehicle doesnt cool down much past 80. It is ok in the front when the vents are pointed directly on you and the fan is on high, but the rear occupants dont get cooling that way. When the vents are pointed towards the back it doesnt make much difference. Jeep has recognized this problem and offers rear air vents in its 2005 models.

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  Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Blaise Oates - May 10 - 5:33 pm

  Great suv even if you dont like off roading

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Giantsfan - May 9 - 1:56 pm

  This Is the best car i ever owned. It is a lot of fun to drive, and it is so reliable. Nice 6 cylinder engine gets up to speed fast, amazing off roading.

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  Jeep Overland Rocks - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cody Oh - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I never even considered a Jeep until this year. I been strictly a Chevy man driving Blazers and Tahoes. But a salesman at a Jeep dealer challenged me to just try one. I had already made up my mind a Grand Cherokee was junk. That is until I drove it. WOW!!! This Overland rode like a dream, handled very well and accelerated like a rocket. I thought the 5.7 vortec in my hoe was peppy. But the 4.7 high output v8 in this Overland blows it away. Itll be a long time before I ever buy another over priced, over rated, GM.

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  Jeep Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JIMRX - May 9 - 4:30 am

  Good-looking truck and easy to drive. Lousy gas mileage and not comfortable for a six-foot male. However, my 16 year-old enjoys driving it around town. Fun to drive.

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  WJ 4.7 HIGH OUTPUT: LOVE IT! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bart - May 7 - 8:23 pm

  I have a fully loaded 4.7Ltr High output, I have installed a Magnaflow muffler, Removed the main cat and left on the pre cat, installed a K & N cold air induction system. I am also running Michelin M S radials(E-rated). I am consistently getting 24 MPG. Go figure! the window sticker said 14-19, I have never go below 17 and I drive this machine hard and it it has more power than I care to talk about Best machine have ever had on and off road. loves deep snow. Bart

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  Cherokee worthy, love the new look - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By tbone - May 7 - 11:20 am

  Although we just drove it home last week, we have been able to take it out and test it in true Colorado fashion. The jeep name holds true with the 08 Liberty... Very impressed with how quite the ride is on the interstate as well. Going to enjoy this jeep for years to come...