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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  My 1st Jeep (4.7l V8, Limited) - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 1stJeep - May 25 - 8:16 am

  My girlfriend and I purchased our first Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. What a purchase! We couldnt be happier with our decision. From the build quality of the Jeep brand (my father has an 04 with 120,000 miles) to our dealership provided LIFETIME warranty, this vehicle has it all. We purchased a certified pre-owned Grand Cherokee Limited with all of the options except the Xenon headlamps and the 5.7L Hemi engine. The driving is solid, fuel economy is what you would expect from a V8 engine and the overall ride is comfortable.

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  The Liberty Twins - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By RNman - May 24 - 10:00 am

  In February 2004 I needed a new commuter vehicle. I purchased a certified used Liberty Renegade in black with all the trimmings. It was on the lot and I stumbled on it. It was the only Liberty on the lot. after a test drive I (and my wife) was convinced that it would be the ideal vehicle to commute as well as be a workhorse on the weekends if I needed it. the problem came when I brought it home and My wife wanted to drive it more than her car (a new 2003 Concorde) I finally gave in, trading in the Concorde for her own 2004 Liberty. we now have two Jeeps and we are very happy with them both.

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  My First Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By JeaninesJeep - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new car purchase and my first Jeep. I Love this Jeep. I am a forensic toxicologist and my jobe is 365 days a year. There is no such thing as a snow day for me. My Jeep gets me there and back no problems at all. I will join the rest of the Jeep family and never go back to another type of SUV again. Its very Kid friendly as well. I have 3 of them.The heat in this thing works so good you can cook a meal in it !

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  The Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Scott E - May 23 - 10:33 am

  A lot different than what Im used to in a Jeep - the old type was based more for off road. And to me had a rough ride to it. The new Jeeps are still for off road but my Commander has a lot more room inside and more of car like ride. A wider stance and with the wider tires and 17 inch wheels adds to a more comfortable ride. Has a lot of nice features for the consumer. And the back up sensors come in handy on the SUV. Overall Im very pleased with my Jeep and the third row seating makes it nice for smaller children; they have their own cup holders, AC with controls is a big plus and they have a place to plug in their favorite games.

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  Very nice JEEP! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Joey - May 22 - 6:40 pm

  This is my first Jeep & I love it! Got the Limited, V6 with the leather, sunroof, heated seats & mirrors, 6 CD changer with Infinity speakers. The power is adequate for its class and has a lot of "get up and go!" I wish it was better at the pump ... only about 15-6 MPG. Im 61"/240# and I have plenty of leg room in the front; the back is a bit tight for me. Its fun to drive and handles very well. Recently took it on a long road trip, and its very comfortable and a smooth ride (It does get some wind noise). I was going to purchase foreign, but with the rebates and all that I got with this, I went with American.

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  super suv - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By justafriend - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had my jeep wrangler for almost 4 years now and it has been a blast. every time i get behind the wheel i feel like i just got my drivers license! They are really well made to tackle anything you throw at them especially off-road! jeeps can go anywhere and do anything vehicles. Buy one today and see for yourself!

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  Wonderful Vehicle!!! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LisaS - May 22 - 10:00 am

  This Jeep is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. This is the second Jeep Grand Cherokee Ive owned and its the only SUV I will ever own. Ive never had any mechanical problems and it runs like a dream.

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  A good choice - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By jeffinhawaii - May 22 - 9:11 am

  I recently purchased the 2012 Liberty Jet edition. Over the past two weeks that I have had the vehicle, I have found it to exceed my expectations from what I have read in other reviews on line. I bought it based primarily on an emotional response - I had a 2002 Jeep Liberty that finally died. I was looking at other vehicles and then test drove the Jet. If you are looking for a vehicle that has the power, capability and look to plow through rough terrain, but then transition nicely to a luxurious ride, the Jet does it in spades. The seating is comfortable, the cabin well equipped and understandable and it really performs on and off the road. No complaints thus far.

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  THE SPORTY 4.7L - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Willie - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I really like the suspension because you dont feel the bumpy roads of Puerto Rico. Also I really like the interior because it has lots of space. It runs quickly, and I really like the brake system, it really brakes good.

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  Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By tracey - May 21 - 9:40 am

  I love my Jeep Liberty. It is very reliable and suits my everyday needs. I am very excited about the new Jeep Commander. I cant wait to see it in person. I am seriously considering trading Liberty in for the Commander. It was love at first sight!