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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  This is one fun vehicle! - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kayley - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I havent had any major problems with my Jeep - the only problem I have had (and still have after having it in to be fixed twice)is with the heater not working correctly - its a small price to pay for an otherwise reliable and fun vehicle!

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  2006 Jeep Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Miti - July 3 - 11:53 pm

  Its a nice driver. Power, though not great, is more than adequate. In town, its difficult to keep the speed down less than 40. Power windows on console took a while to get used to, but it works well. Good vision all around, and I like the solidity of the side view mirrors. I also like the versatility of the vehicle. The 60-40 rear seat is a good idea. So is the pop up rear window. Saves damage. All in all, its a good car, although Id like it if it were a bit more fuel efficient.

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  Fun for any age - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Big T - July 3 - 4:53 pm

  This is simply a fun vehicle! It has good room, comfort and good safety features. Cant wait for the warm to take the top off but the Atlanta inch of snow was pretty fun too. Nope, not a little Hummer.

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  Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By tinacole01@comcast.n - June 29 - 5:03 pm

  I love this vehicle i feel very safe in it. the only issue is the design to access the 3rd row seating. other then that i love it. I love the power when you need it. If you have to merge onto the freeway or interstate quickly that is never an issue. I will be sad to see that under our new administration in the white house that our safety on the roads will be comprised over the new large lies about the EPA. So with that said i hope to hold onto my commander for a long time.

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  Straight Review - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepman18 - June 29 - 8:09 am

  Jeep liberty 2003 V6 3.7L 4x4 This is an AMAZING vehicle! Ive read so many bad reviews on this and I have never had any problems with ine AT ALL! I have driven a wide variety of vehicles From Hyndaui accent to a Dodge Ram and this has to be my favortie! All these people ho say they have to replace their brakes every 4000 miles are full of crap! How many times do they slam on their brakes bc they werent paying attention to the car infront of them? Alot Im willing to bet on that.

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  Best vehicle so far! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By CliffB - June 28 - 10:00 am

  After the first test drive I was hooked. I had always liked the Wrangler but in the past I always needed a more practical vehicle. The Wrangler is not all that practical but it is fun. There is nothing like driving the Jeep with the top down on warm sunny days. Other Wrangler owners wave and everybody else is envious. The soft top takes some practice but mastering it comes quickly. The upgraded stereo is powerful enough to use on the highway with the top down. The short wheelbase and tight steering radus makes manuvering in tight spots a breeze. The gas milage could be better but that dosent seem to matter so much when the top is down.

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  escape eat your heart out - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By mike in phoenix - June 28 - 10:00 am

  owned a few suvs this is by far the best rides like a tank off road like a merceds on the hi way i highly reccomend the limited

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  A stick in the spokes, but better now - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Paul - June 27 - 8:33 am

  I purchased a pre-owned Liberty 65th Anniversary Edition last month. I was deciding between the Dodge Nitro and the Liberty and am glad I chose the Jeep. I should mention that I had a major problem after the first week of ownership. The engine light came on and it turned out, I needed major engine work. Sounds dire considering I just bought the vehicle but everything was covered and the dealership fixed the misfire problems that were internal. Moving on I must say I love driving this vehicle. Its a delight to hop in and just shoot around town or taking it off-road which is the real reason I purchased the vehicle after owning a Mazda Millenia for the last 4 years.

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  my review - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Aaron04 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  i like the car. its fun to drive. I always keep the top down. just wish there was a space specifically for the windows to be stored so they dont get scratched

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  great - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By c - June 21 - 4:10 pm

  very happy with our choice..We have the standard features but upgraded to the 4.7 v8 -- I get 18mpg and have lots of punch when needed. Feels and drives like a more expensive vehicle. We drove 4-5 competitors and this was an easy winner Jeep hit a home run with this one.