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:

• 

  2006 Jeep Liberty 2WD - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepers! - June 11 - 2:26 pm

  Absolute pleasure to drive! This truck is nimble and fun to drive. Nicely trimmed with leather, Sirius, iPod controller and Navigation, it is at home on the road or in the mud. The steering wheel radio controls can command the iPod, the Sirius, the radio, (of course!) and the Navigation system. Roomy front and back and the styling is very appealing.

• 

  FUN SUV - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By oc47d - June 11 - 6:53 am

  This vehicle is well built and sturdy. Very dependable and good looking for a smaller SUV. Nice for traveling with a small family or just going on a camping trip in the mountains. This vehicle is one of the better SUVs on the market.

• 

  This is my 5th Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mary - June 9 - 11:03 pm

  This is my 5th Jeep, and they get better with every model I buy. However, the drivers seat in this 2005 model is not comfortable for ladies with short legs (I have to push the seat all the way up to the dash board to reach the gas pedal, and that makes it uncomfortable when moving my foot from pedal to brakes, etc.). Gas mileage is great (26 miles a gallon consistently). Three of my previous Jeeps are still in the family (so to speak) and running good with over 200,000 miles on them.

• 

  Nice upgrade from Wrangler - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By My2ndJeep - June 9 - 5:16 pm

  Bought the Liberty after owning a Wrangler for a few years. Its a nice upgrade with more room and a quieter ride. I choose to buy another Jeep because of the quality of my last one, and because my husband is military, so we travel long distances to visit our relatives and therefore tend to have a higher mileage than usual. From my experience Jeeps handle higher mileage well so this vehicle works well for us.

• 

  Will be buried in it.... - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By g2001xj - June 8 - 4:37 pm

  At 45 I feel very COOL driving it. Was lucky to pick one up in 2009 with only 29K miles on it. It still looks and drives like new at 50K now. In bad weather I volunteer to run to the store as an excuse to drive it. I would really love to buy another one someday but as we know thats not going to happen.

• 

  I love my Wrangler! - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepfreak97 - June 8 - 12:20 am

  I love my Jeep. I am a teenage guy that loves the rough and rugged feel. It is just awesome to go where most vehicles have no hope of going.

• 

  Great SUV - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe T. - June 7 - 3:30 pm

  I have had this Jeep for about 5 years now and it is one of the best that I have ever owned. It offers a great ride, comfortable seating for everyone, and very easy to work on in my driveway. I live in Wisconsin and some times the snow plows just cant keep up. This Jeep has been able to walk right through everything. Very good quality and design. Currently has 171,000 miles on it and it still runs like a Swiss watch!

• 

  96 Laredo 4X4 - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hartsjeep - June 7 - 9:14 am

  My Laredo has 186,000+ bought it for $1. Have had to replace about everything under hood. Normal wear and tear. Have had it for 5 yrs now and I love it. Been good to me. Went from VT to AZ spent 4 yrs their then AZ to VT again. Both ways towing a 4 wheel Uhal trailer. Not a hiccup or anything either way. I wouldnt try that with anything else. On our way back and forth we slept in the Jeep. The back is perfect size for two average sized people to sleep comfortably. LOVE MY JEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  Will buy another! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chryslerforlife - June 7 - 4:53 am

  I bought my jeep brand new in 1998 with less than 50 miles on it. Today 5/31/2010 I just hit 160,000 miles. I have never had a bit of problems with my Grand Cherokee. The A/C still blows ice cold. i live on a no winter maintained road and I have never been stuck anywhere. It takes the snow in a stride and has never let me or my family down. I dont like the 05-10 Generation grand Cherokee I feel as mine is better built. My Grand Cherokee is fully loaded with options except the 4.7 v8 but I find the 4.0 more than adequate and pulls a boat up the boat launch with no effort. I really like the 2011 maybe its time for a trade in. I still trust my jeep to go anywhere I want it to.

• 

  Fun to drive, strong vehicle, true Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe - June 6 - 7:10 pm

  Purchased a 2005 Liberty 4x4 6cylinder auto after my 2002 was totaled in an accident with a bus. Liberty was broadsided by NJ Transit bus and in turn crashed into four parked cars. Although the vehicle was totaled, my wife and one year old child were unharmed. Family is alive because they were in a heavy vehicle. A truly strong, safe, vehicle. Highly dependable on road as well as off road. I recommend the Liberty to all without reservations.