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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  2003 Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By thefisherking - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 94 Cherokee for 224,000 miles before it was crashed beyond repair. I purchased the Liberty expecting improved results. Overall, I enjoyed the Cherokee better & wish it was still offered.

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  Daimler Chrysler - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Poisson - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I have a sister who has owned Mercedes for the past 40 years. You would not believe how much Mercedes is in my Liberty. Even the ride is comparable to Mercedes. It feels so tight. Now Im looking to buy a Liberty diesel, as mileage is not very good.

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  Excellent Vehicle! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By TPS - April 6 - 12:06 am

  Got my 09 Patriot 4WD and love it. The CVT transmission is peppy, and the vehicle handles my bumpy twisty back roads wonderfully. Its sure-footed in foul weather, and really well-equipped for the price ($5-7K less than comparably equipped CRV or Forester, + LIFETIME powertrain warranty!) Im happy with my Pat! If youre in the market, put it on your must drive list.

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  Boy Toy - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By KB - April 4 - 4:10 pm

  We traded in our Tahoe for the 4 dr Jeep and Ive had some trouble getting used to the loss of luxury. I know we bought it as a fun car, but in this day and age, every vehicle should come standard with power mirrors and power seats. And what about the small things like mirrors on the visor? Plus there are no pockets on the back seats so pretty much everything you put in the car flies out if you dont have the hard top on. Which is what makes the vehicle fun...no hard top. We purchased this car for our children and dogs and thought it would be a good practical car. I just think they could have made this a little more kid friendly and a little less man friendly.

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  Good vehicle, a few problems. - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steve Peck - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought mine for a price that couldnt be refused. Paint seems to be excellent by American car standards or anyone elses. Wasnt garaged for the past six years, but it looks like new for the most part. Exhaust manifold and bumpers were cracked, but replacement wasnt costly or difficult. (Bought replacements online.) Excellent stereo speakers. (factory high-end option) A minor oil leak that I can live with. Hood release wouldnt. All minor stuff. Anybody who complains about the cost associated with the GCs typical problems (radiator, manifold, AC evaporator, transfer case) never owned a Mercedes.

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  Easy SUV to drive - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By JamesCommander06 - April 4 - 4:53 am

  Ive owned several SUVs and full size trucks and this thing rides better than any. Its got a better truning radius than most full size cars. I did have an issue right out of the start with the transmission down shifting hard into 2nd on deceleration. The dealer reset the computer and it went away. The gas mileage is also very poor averaging a little over 15 mpg mixed use. On long road trips the seat puts my legs to sleep and I get sharp pains in my legs. I wish I would have gotten the Hemi.

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  tomd used jeep purchase review - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By trtrudey16 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  These cars are a "gas" to drive. You want to throw on aflannel shirt and your hiking boots and head for a field. The other people who drive them wave to you so you feel as if you are part of some "club". Im not certain if its a vehicle or a "lifestyle". I love it so far.

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  First week impression - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By pumposo - April 1 - 10:00 am

  After having driven the much larger Chevy Trailblazer for the past three years, its literally refreshing to drive this vehicle. This is my first Jeep and I have no regrets. While I do miss the cushy ride of the TB, I certainly feel much more comfortable in this Jeep. I actually feel more secure going off road with it.

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  whats better then a jeep - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By diablo1111d1 - March 30 - 11:32 am

  brought my jeep grand cherokee larado 2x4 used 1 year ago and i love.brought it as a 2nd car for the weekends to go to the beach,rivers and mountains.i live in dominican republic and the roads to the beaches and rivers are really rocky.wanted a suv with true off road capability and that could take a pounding with rough roads.thats what the jeep brand is made 4 and thats what it does.love the air suspension shocks.i v never had a problem yet with my jeep.i see alot of people writing bad comments but i dont understand why.every car or suv in time i guess needs some type of maintance.no car or suv is perfect.u eventually will have to replace parts.jeep takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

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  just bought my jeep renegade - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jansjeep - March 30 - 10:00 am

  So far, so good. Have only had a few days.