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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  I love the Commander - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Garry - January 24 - 6:53 pm

  I love the Commander. I spend about 2 hours a day commuting in this vehicle and it could not be more fun and comfortable to drive! The rear cargo area could be a little more spacious but it works great for what I need. The Commander is so rich looking, inside and out and everyone who gets in it is very impressed.

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  Its a JEEP! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Myke Tripp - January 24 - 1:50 pm

  Ive owned my Liberty for almost a year. Ive towed a U-Haul trailer to Texas and it had awesome control. Granted, better fuel economy would be nice but Its a Jeep! If I were buying for mileage I would have looked for 26+ but Ill settle for 18-22. It climbs off road terrain like a goat, especially in low 4! So far, I havent had any issues and I keep up on my maintenance. On the Hwy you have to put your foot into it to accelerate to pass, but thats only when Im trying to prove something. All my friends like it but most importantly I do too!

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  good 07 Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By 07 wrangler by Bob - January 22 - 4:53 pm

  Our previous Jeep was a 98 Wrangler SE with four-cylinder, 5 speed manual. The new critter is six-cylinder with a six-speed. Ironically, the highway mileage were getting is better by far at 70 mph than the four-banger got. This Jeep is also quieter with full doors with roll up windows. So far we have had no problems. Lots of plastic on the interior, but its washable so who cares. Plastic cladding over the bumpers is a bit un-Jeep, but everything else is pretty rugged. Sixteen inch wheels are also a plus. We found with the old Jeep that tall skinny tires work best in snow. That is also the experience with the 07 as well. Just go with factory wheels.

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  Love it! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Acadia - January 22 - 1:03 pm

  I was a bit nervous going from a 2003 Jetta wagon that practically drove itself, to an SUV, but absolutely love my new Liberty. After a month of driving Im getting 20 MPG and love the visibility of being higher up. The Liberty handles very well, has a very small turning radius and excellent power. Ride is a bit bumpier than the Jetta, but I would expect that from an SUV. Seats are comfortable, it corners well, seems quite stable, and handling is very responsive. Overall, Im extremely happy with my Liberty.

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  Dream come true - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By jepguy99 - January 20 - 2:40 am

  I bought this Jeep with 90k on it. I now have 125k just a year and a half later, I have had no mechanical problems whatsoever. I have put a 4 inch lift and 33 inch tires on this Jeep and I am still happy about the gas mileage. It takes me wherever I need to go. The engine is very powerful, I can spin the tires whenever I want. Ive wanted a Jeep since I could remember and I dont plan on ever selling it. If it gets totaled I plan on buying another one. I love it and recommend it to anyone.

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  great car - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By steve - January 20 - 1:10 am

  I have had the car for 1.5 years now. Everything works fine. Car is comfortable. Have had no problems

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  I love my Jeep. - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jrbarth - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep Wrangler. Its the best car you can have. Youve got the best of both worlds, its a SUV and a convertible. What more could you want?

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  NH Review - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By NH Nutmeg - January 18 - 2:00 am

  A great vehicle. Very tight, fun to drive and sporty looking.

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  A good value - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bert Lile - January 16 - 11:40 am

  The first SUV my wife and I ever bought. Of course it is neither a car or a truck. So we dont compare it to either type of vehicle. But it is comfortable, no slouch on the local tollway where one must be able to run to not be a hazard to others. Its big, uses gas at an alarming rate, but I like it. Having dropped a lot of cash for the 4x4 capabilities, rest assured there will be no blizzards in Chicago for a few years!

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  08 HardTop Water Leaks - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By OIIIIO - January 15 - 8:20 am

  We own a 2008 Unlimited X 4-door. Since day 1 weve come across a mayor issue with water leaks coming from the hard top and deposits on the driver side floor causing a bad smell. Dealer did a test and the warranty part number 68004562-ac is on a "nationwide backorder" not available for anyone. Mean while our Jeep keeps getting deteriorated as a cause of the part not being available to any customers anywhere on the entire USA and Puerto Rico. No one can tell us when will the parts be available. Mean while, we might have to invest $1,600 on a soft top to avoid having continuous water leaks which can rotten and rust our floor panel. What a shame JEEP... not a good experience for us.