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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  owner of this car - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mark zonis - December 1 - 2:00 am

  i love this car this car have evrithin i need

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  bad @$$ suv - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepguy@aol.com - December 1 - 2:00 am

  very nice and fun with an excellent 4x4 system and comfortable both on and off road would be nice if jeep came out with a 4x4 car like the audi a4 or subaru impreza though.

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  Best in snow - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ny123 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2001 4Runner that is downright scary in the snow. We had a lot of snow in the northeast this year, and we have put about 10,000 miles on our 2004 Grand Cherokee since 11/03. The 2004 Grand Cherokee is the best thing I have ever driven in the snow...I think, its the best "real SUV"(not like the Pilot,or Highlander types) for the money.

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  Love you Baby - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Stevie O - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Always wanted one and now I have one. The experience is more fun than I thought. I would get another so I could have one just in case. Dont want every one having one. Ah, ok... Test drive one and yourll be hooked. I was tossed between a 2002 Camero SS and thought this was more of a change and looked and drove alot more in control. : )

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  Great Suv - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hmattison - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2002 Grand Cherokee. Love it, great suv. It drives very smoothly, for a suv. I drove in other suv, and this is by far the best. If you are looking for a jeep. This is the way to go.

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  Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By paco - November 28 - 10:16 pm

  I just am flat out loving my new Jeep, Chrysler hit a home run with the Commander.

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  Loving It! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By discod - November 28 - 12:01 pm

  I traded in my little Mazda for the Jeep Liberty Limited and am loving it! I was worried about handling and parking a bigger SUV, but it maneuvers just as easily as a small car. Great styling, a very attractive, no-nonsense Jeep. I have the leather interior with the sunroof, and its beautiful. Still looks like new and feels solid. Im so happy with it and cant wait to take it up to the snow.

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  Great Jeep!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jon - November 27 - 7:13 am

  I have owned Jeeps in the Past and like all their models. Read some of the other owners reviews, I did want to clear one thing up, People it is a In-line 6 cyl. not a V6, Big Difference and was the only reason why I purchased my 04 as 2004 was the last year they offered the I-6 engine. That engine has been around for years and is bullet proof. Great in Michigan snow and off road. Very comfortable, nearing 80,000 miles and just doing regular maintenance. Will Definatley buy another Jeep and Only a Jeep! My Ex-Wife bought a $80,000 Landrover, what a piece of junk, that thing has had nothing but issues. Love rolling up in the Jeep when her car is in the shop!!

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  All American Great Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jeeper - November 26 - 2:06 am

  After 60K plus miles through all sorts of weather(rain, mud, ice, wind and terrain, on and off road, our Compass 4X4, manual tranny, has been simply a wonderful vehicle, doing it all, reliably and frugally. Transporting family for a night out on the town, long trips or hauling dogs, deer corn, welders and angle iron all over our familys hill country ranch, the Compass hasnt missed a beat. 29 miles plus per gallon on the highway and 22 plus in city driving. American made, reliable as sunrise. Jeep has done it again.

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  Jeep Commander Limited - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Commander Owner - November 25 - 10:20 am

  Easy to drive. Has every amenity. It is really hard to believe that the car is as big as it is. The interior is also beautifully appointed. We put it up against SUVs from Volvo (V90), BMW (X5), Lexus and Mercedes and it was clearly the winner for the money.