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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  First Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By fireguy CO - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This has been the most enjoyable vehicle I have purchased in years. It does great on the highway and performs very well in all traffic situation. Off road it is nearly perfect . So far it has not been stuck or bogged down. We are looking forward to going off road alot more next season. We have installed F and R steel bumpers, purchased a winch & exterior light guards. The last addition to our Rubicon will be a 2"or 3" Skyjacker lift kit.

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  Jeep for fun - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jpt0001 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  If you want a fun automobile, the Jeep Wrangler Sport is for you. The kids love it. Its fun to drive, and easy to park. It is built like a tank. Sold steel construction, with a sturdy roll bar. Probably one of the safest convertables that you could ever own.

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  2006 Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By fireguy750 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Jeep this year and Im very happy with it i love the space inside of it and its great in snow

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  Fun + Stylish + Touch of Luxury - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe D - March 22 - 10:43 pm

  Got the 08 Limited Edition Liberty at fire sale prices in October. What a fun, fun car. We live in the Northeast and the car handled all the snowy weather beautifully. But the sunny days allowed that Sky Slider Roof to really brighten your day. The car came with Sirius radio free for 1 year (cool!), leather heated seat and factory installed remote start (again, think harsh PA winters). All the chrome makes the Liberty look cool and the two kids still in car seats still have a good amount of room.

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  5th Jeep GC - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dakota - March 22 - 2:26 pm

  This is our 5th Jeep - and it is far and away the best yet. The ride is vastly improved from the 2004 Overland that we traded in. The noise level has been dramatically reduced. Fit and finish is on a par with the Acura MDX and Toyota Sequoia that we also looked at. The GC, because of dealer incentives, was clearly the best buy. The HEMI, while powerful, is also somewhat thirsty. Mileage so far has hovered around 18 for mixed city/hwy driving.

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  Its a Jeep what did you expect - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Luna - March 21 - 10:40 pm

  first wrangler for me and I enjoy it every time I drive it, gave the Tourage to my son and daughter they done appreciate the Jeep anyway. With the Mini Cooper for long trips and fair weather in the garage next to it, it is the perfect combination of Yin and Yang for driving fun and transportation in life

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  IMO Best Compact 4x4 on the market - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By jbusc - March 21 - 12:14 am

  This is my third Liberty Limited all equipped with the 3.7 V6, automatic transmission and select-trac 4WD system. This Liberty is also equipped with factory navigation and a 6 disc CD changer. In my opinion the Liberty at least the 2002-2007 models are the most rugged compact SUVs available. Mine gets reasonable mpgs - 18+ overall and low to mid 20s highway. Much better than any of my Wranglers did. I find it very comfortable, and it meets my needs of a growing family perfectly. I find the styling attractive both inside and out. I love the heated leather seats and thoughtful touches such as the rear grocery bag hooks.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Lots2Luv - March 19 - 7:23 am

  I have had the Compass for 2+ years. This coming year I am approaching the end of my lease and I am on the fence about keeping it. I have all the bells and whistles you can ask for in a vehicle that, I feel, is good looking to say the least. Leather Int.,satellite radio, 6cd changer, moonroof and more! I havent had any problems except one minor one. after a while of sitting in the garage nose in without use the battery went dead (quick fix no big deal) couldnt push car when in neutral to get a jump! Weird right? Anyway, not sure of the overall long term quality and looking to compare but really, really have enjoyed my Compass up until this point!

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  VERY Pleased - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeeper05 - March 19 - 6:04 am

  I bought my 2005 Jeep back in october of 2010 with only 31,000 miles on it. the previous owner had this vehicle LOADED and we got a great price for it. it has been nothing but PERFECT for us. the only thing it didnt come with was the tow package so we bought an aftermarket hitch receiver (Curt) and it looks wonderful and works amazing. we have not had a single problem with this vehicle. the ride is smooth which is something i didnt expect. the gas mileage is to be desired, but its worth it for the ride and functionality of the 2005 JGC!

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  Florida Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By TOOLMAN - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Brought it home and removed the top on New Years Day...still topless! Only way to go. Surprised on how nice the ride is compared to the older models.