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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  Very happy - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tim1975 - January 17 - 2:56 pm

  We bought our 08 GC coming off a lease so it had 12000 or so miles on it. Were now up to 36000 and its been great. We bought the base of base models however so we dont have much for features. The 3.7 V6 could use 30- 40 more hp but for us it works just fine. We drove from Seattle to Disneyland and topped out at almost 25 mpg straight highway. Mostly we average 17-18 I think. I cant talk about rear space too much since I drive most times. Our girls are 4 and 6 so I havent heard them complain of space too much yet. Cargo space isnt great but we knew that going in, but coming from a minivan we knew what to expect. My wife is much happier driving the Jeep than the Kia minivan.

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  2009 Jeep Wrangler X 4x4 - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By lovemyjeep - January 17 - 1:40 pm

  My dad bought me my first car last month and I love it! I wanted a Liberty instead, but Im so glad he convinced me. We bought it for the purpose of off roading in the desert. It rides so much better than our old Jeep. The hard top is very easy to take off. The design is great. My dad even drives it instead of his Mercedes to work because its so much fun to drive. My mom wants to trade her Tahoe for a four door model!!

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  Great Jeep! - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By adamgreig3415 - January 17 - 9:33 am

  This is our 2nd Jeep, unfortunately our last Jeep was totaled so this was a replacement, and i love it, the door panel is a little sub-par, but it is a champ in the snow! The tight steering is also a plus. I have never taken it off road, but I love the safety of an SUV. The only problem is there is a low tire warning and there arent any low tires, there may be a problem with the computer. I love the seat cloth, its not like your typical crappy velvet, it is stain resistant, so cloth seats is not a big deal anymore!

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  Excellent Choice - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Rob - January 17 - 6:56 am

  We have two children and love the space during road trips. The third row seating is very easy to use. Plenty of head room as well.

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  LOOKS GREAT -- SPUNKY DRIVING CAR - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By curtiss moss - January 16 - 10:13 pm

  This is second Jeep Liberty Limited for me; first was 2002 model. This 2005 model is 4 times better. Got the ABS as well as the chrome wheels. Since it is black, looks greater as has the chrome grill and rack on top. Added chrome step bars and gets lots of looks and questions on it. This model gets better gas mileage than the 2002 model. Wife likes to drive and ride in this one more than her Cadillac.

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  3rd Jeep is a charm - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bobca - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Jeep, and it is the best Jeep yet. I owned an original Cherokee for 7 years....great vehicle....and a 1995 Grand Cherokee.....very bad vehicle. On return from living in Asia I bought the current Jep, and have not had any problems after 4 years of use. Acceleration is excellent, 4WD is fabulous, everything is tight & precise.

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  excellent - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By pfisch71 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  wonderful vehicle, could get better gas mileage though

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  See ya Cherokee - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By velocerider - January 15 - 9:32 pm

  Took my Cherokee to the junkyard today. Bought it new in 1996. Its been in all environments, the coast, mountains, deserts and cities and performed like a champ. Replaced a water pump, brakes, tires and radio. The only thing that didnt work was the hydraulics on the rear hatch. Rescued stranded motorists, carried Christmas trees and was given to my son as his first car, after it had over 209K miles racked up on it. My inexperienced son ran into a F250 Ford dualie and tore the rear axle right off that truck. The Jeep suffered terrible front end damage. My son didnt have a scratch. I should be so lucky, as to go out as big a hero as that Jeep!

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  2000 JGC 4.7 Quadra-Drive - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bryan - January 15 - 7:20 am

  I have recently purchased a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It is almost fully loaded with the 4.7 liter and quadra-drive, and also has leather and heated seats. Im very impressed with the power and acceleration considering this engine is only 287 ci. Handles the ice and snow with no problem, even with the generic tires it came with. The only thing i can complain of is the whining noise on the freeway.

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  Very Nice! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rrhoad - January 13 - 6:32 pm

  Just picked up my 2011 Mineral Gray with Black interior Overland 3.6 Liter six cylinder (4x4). Traded in my 2010 Limited with Hemi. Was worried I would really miss the Hemi. The 90 mile drive home diffused the worries. Plenty of power and very quiet. A completely different ride then the 2010. Less choppy and more comfortable all around. Will report later as I have a chance to experience in more detail.