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:

• 

  Why did I wait to buy such a great Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Nothing better - March 11 - 9:30 am

  I had reservations on buying a Wrangler after reading the "expert reviews". But I always wanted a Wrangler- and after seeing the 2008 2 Dr Sahara- I had to buy one! I never even test drove one...now I have driven it nearly 5,000 miles- including a 1,500 mile trip over the Smokey Mountains w/ ave of 21 MPG and as high as 23. I know perfomance is not of my Hemi Ram, or Corvette...but better than my Tahoe or Saturn Ion. I expected comments on its great looking exterior- but nearly everyone remarks on how "nice" the interior is appointed... The ride is very smooth on interstates-seats are very firm and supportive...cannot wait for summer to take the "tops off"! Why did I wait to buy this Jeep!

• 

  Best Bang for the Buck - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By KCJAILER - March 10 - 12:53 pm

  Went shopping and checked out H3- Alpha, GM Avalanche and many others. Then I took the Jeep Wrangler for a Test Drive. It handled, shifted and drove very nice. The ride is nice and smooth but it is no Cadillac lol. The acceleration is lackluster but its good enough. The turning radius is excellent. Visibility is also excellent. By the way this is the only 4x4 vehicle where you can remove the roof, and the doors! Now the fun really begins!! Driving is back! I use a stick shift. Better mileage and you become connected with the car and roadÂ… or off road! shunned the high dollar 4x4 as some of the extras were not really needed. $24.000 for a Jeep or $47,000+ for the others. Nuff said

• 

  outstanding liberty - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By Frank P - March 8 - 1:40 pm

  Ive driven many Jeeps over the years, from Grand Cherokees,Commanders and XJ Cherokees (my favorite). My fully optioned w/ sky slider roof 09 Liberty LTD is an exceptional vehicle, what the Liberty should have been when the XJ was discontinued. the ride, and handling are greatly improved over the previous iteration Liberty, plenty of room inside, fit and finish improved over even the 08 model. The exterior styling is what a Jeep should be. The Red paint is flawless and it glows in the sunlight. the sky slider roof is an awesome concept with minimal wind noise and it is watertight. All of the creature comfort options make me think of the Libertys big brothers in terms of luxury. Fantastic

• 

  1996 - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LakeLisa - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Replaced AC core and catylatic convertor. Otherwise no problems. This vehicle has served our family of four well. From time to time we miss the second row captain chairs in our old van. Helps keep the kids from bothering each other. Overall, we have been very pleased with the car and its performance.

• 

  what i like - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By annette17 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  i had a 1999 jepp grand cherokee limited, sold that and bought a 2004 jeep grand cherokee limited, I love it 100 times better then my old one.

• 

  This thing can Tow! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Dave/Gillette, Wy - March 5 - 12:46 pm

  I was on my way home from a wedding on 07/08/06. About 10 miles from town (Gillette, WY), there was a 23 foot motor home that had run out of gas along side I-90 that was towing a full size, extended cab Chevy truck on a vehicle dolly. I didnt have enough room for a passenger and needed to get home. I hooked up a tow rope and hauled the motor home and truck to town. I didnt drive any faster than 40mph for safety reasons. I pulled up to the gas station towing that 23 foot camper and full size Chevy truck. I unhooked the tow rope. The guy shook my hand and offered to give me some money for my troubles. I told him that all I wanted was a hand shake and a Christmas card.

• 

  Fun SUV - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By vp - March 4 - 1:33 pm

  Fun SUV that my daughter and I take shopping regularly. We can park almost anywhere. This is my second one. I had a 2004 gas and traded in for 2006 diesel. Not a bad trade. Better mileage and that is what I wanted.

• 

  2004 Jeep Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By hoosk - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Although I think Jeep is a great product, but the Jeep Rubicon cant be a Jeep its to perfect. Feels like a dream driving it. Beefy tires, factory lift, Dana axels, locking difs. and more! Of corse its a Jeep and that means modifications! But it is one of the most excellent investments I have made in quite sometime. GO JEEP! ALSO if you live in the New Mexico area please be wise and do not buy your Jeep (or anything) from Casa Chrysler/Jeep located in Albuquerque. This company is un-trustworthy.

• 

  2004 Wrangler Rubicon (Manual) - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By pezell - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Jeep. Did I ever hit a home run! This baby will go anywhere that I have enough guts to try. Im doing my first Jeep Jamboree soon, and am really looking forward to learning more about the Rubicons capabilities. My wife loves it. She wont admit it, but I think she enjoys driving it more than her Corvette. There is no other vehicle on earth in this price range that can safely climb steep hills and slog through treacherous mud pits all with the greatest of ease.

• 

  This ones a winner - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Owner - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Just got a 2004, graphite Overland with GPS. Traded in my 2001 Limited This is a sweet ride. Much better seats than in the Limited. Side support and heating function much better.