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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  Love my Jeep Liberty Jet! - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepnsteven - September 16 - 4:36 am

  Bought my Jeep Liberty Jet last month. I must say I am very please with my purchace! The interior is much more comfortable than my A4 I traded in on the jeep. Leather is very good quality along with the Infinity sound system. The ride quality is excellent again much better than my 06 A4. Exterior is great I love the Jet package with Chrome accents, Black out head lights, and 20" wheels! My dealer has been very good to me throughout the buying process even giving me 2 free fill ups and 4 free oil changes, because of a grease print a detailer left on the roof liner in the interior when they were cleaning (which they removed). Starting to feel a Miss at high speeds will be taking it tomorrow.

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  Happy with the Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Randy - September 15 - 5:53 pm

  Recently sold my Lexus GX470 to buy the GGC Limited (had to cut back due to having a 1972 Bimmer restored). I was really planning to buy an Infiniti QX4, but a Jeep on a lot caught my eye. never thought I would buy a Jeep after hearing negative stories. Very happy so far. Not the ride of the Lexus, but I actually enjoy the more rugged feel and the V8 Throaty engine. Pleasantly surprised at the quality of interior and the overall experience.

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  08 Patriot FWD AUTO-CVT - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By gwapo-gorilla - September 13 - 12:46 am

  I bought my patriot used. I wanted a fwd thinking it would get better gas mileage and I needed an automatic for the wife. I am getting about 23 mpg..and the cvt feels weird. When I let off the gas, the trans mission slips into a lower gear slowing the car down. I suppose it helps save on brake pads, but I really dont care for the feel of it. Other than that, its great car. Plenty of pep for a 4 cyl. but I really wish the wife could drive a stick!

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  Its OK - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Texas Driver - September 12 - 11:13 pm

  I bought my Cherokee because of the smooth ride and reputation of Jeep. My Cherokee has been very dependable but it has been in the shop once to have the "O" ring replaced. The comfort inside the vehicle is nice and roomy for front row passengers only. The bad things are the many blind spots, the front windhield seems small to me as I have to duck down my head a little to see stoplights, no back leg room if both front seats are moved all the way back and the Gas mileage seems poor. I average 15 mpg city/18hwy. The seat belts also dont seem long enough if you have a belly. This vehicle is not for tall or heavy set people as you will the same things to be bothersome.

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  THE JEEEEP! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Georgesummers - September 11 - 10:00 am

  this car is an all around off-road monster. you can take it anywhere, anytime.if you want a cheap, realiable, off-road, fun to drive car, this is it.

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  Almost there. - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Drew - September 6 - 2:13 pm

  I love my Laredo 4x4. It was better than I expected. The ride is nice and its size is manageable in any situation.

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  It is a Jeep thing, and I understand. - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By FireCaptain - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I have the 99 Sport with pretty much every option on it, including both tops. The list price was about $26,000. In addition, Ive added a 3 inch Teraflex lift and 33x10.5 BFGs on stock rims. The only problem I have had is the dash guages go dead now and them, but you pop the instrument cluster with your hand, and they come back. This is my 2nd Jeep (first was a Cherokee, also bought new and lifted) and if you take care of them, they will take care of you. No real problems to date.

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  Remember Why & What Youre Buying - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By onemansopinion - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I have envied the Jeep for off road abilities while my wife envied driving to the beach sans top. We both had a crush on this vehicle since our early driving days. This 2002 Sahara will be a third "car" for around town open air driving. Regarding performance, this is not a high performance engine. The automatic is very slow out of the gates and the engine is very thirsty. Be prepared to spend money on gas. The front seats are surprisingly comfortable while the second row bench is still best suited for pre-teens. This vehicle is a blast to drive. Cruising in the sunshine listening to Jimmy Buffet is exactly what we envisioned it to be.

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  10 months and loving it... - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Jaclyn - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Jeep Liberty for 10 months now(bought it in June 2001). So far, so good. The only downfall is my choice in color, black. I hate the maintenance, but that would be with any black vehicle. It is my own fault! I have had a few problems with the recalls but i am aware of the fact that it is a new line of a vehicle.

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  Good but? - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rockie - September 3 - 1:56 am

  Had a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I loved the performance - wife did not like the transmission. Went to an Acura MDX. Now back to the Grand Cherokee - lots of vehicle for the money. Great options with the limited package. The 4.7 V8 is not as spirited as in the 2000? Watch Chrysler - newspaper cited a significant recall for the 2007 Grand Cherokee - dealers service department did not address this recall concerning loss of electronic brake function, antilock brake system, traction control and speedometer functions. Given the dealer apathy, I doubt I would be too quick to buy another Chrysler Product.