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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  GREAT JEEP - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By GIJEEP - December 25 - 5:10 pm

  Ive had my Jeep a little over a year now and it has been an excellent vehicle. Its got great styling and great reliability. Ive only had to change the tires, oil and wiper blades since IÂ’ve had it. If youÂ’re looking for a reliable great looking SUV buy a Jeep Cherokee

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  Love my Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe Agnello - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Great handling, comfortable seats. Good gas mileage for the gutsy-performing V-6 Turning diameter is great and in 4- wheel drive will go almost anywhere.

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  Great Purchase - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By whitey, mike - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Great ride... very glad I decided to buy it. Handles great in snow and rain!!! Fun to drive long distances. Plenty of room and has great pick up.

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  ITS A JEEP ! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By RHW - December 22 - 11:00 pm

  I like this liberty, its my first. Ive owned cherokees, grand cherokees, wranglers and good ol cjs. Every one did what I expected and nothing I didnt. Some of these reviews whine about fuel mileage or ride comfort, if you want 50 mpg and a soft ride.... Buy a prius! Of course youll get stuck on wet Grass and wreck it in a 2 inch deep road rut! I bought a Jeep to use like a Jeep! The liberty gets acceptable mileage considering the gearing / suspension / aerodynamics of the vehicle and the ride is good for something that has the off road abilities it does! Fine auto/ deserves the Jeep name !

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  Gotta Love It! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By george - December 21 - 2:46 am

  Traded in a 2002 Liberty, and finally bought a real Jeep. Love the ride, have 17 tires. Had driven previous models, but this bad boy is smooth. The improvements are great, love the new 3 piece hard top. Have a buddy that has the 06 Rubicon, parked them side by side, and he is ready to buy new

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  Buy the limited - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bmgt446 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Absolute perfect car for reliable performance and go in the snow.

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  Explorer Vs. Grand Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ford-Now Jeep Man - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Simply put, Ive owned only Ford Motor Company products my entire life. This past fall I wanted a mid-size SUV to trade my F-150 to. I drove an Explorer and then after a friend telling me great things I drove a Jeep. A few hours later, I drove away in my 2004 Pewter GC Special Edition. Great engine, fair ride quality, best seats in the business, and overall superb vehicle. I would also like to comment on how nimble it feels compared to other SUVs Ive driven.

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  Love It !!!! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Cindi in Texas - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I knew I wanted my Liberty before they hit the show room.I have not been disappointed.Very capable off road and just all around fun to drive.

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  Loved it up to the moment it got totaled - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ron Carter - December 18 - 8:33 pm

  Love my Jeep. Bought 2 in a row and love the first one as well. Never a problem, you cant kill that 4.0 motor. Wish they would bring it back. Easy to drive on the long haul or around town. Towed my boat and camper across many states and loved every minute of it. The back seat legroom area was getting a little small for my 5-10 boys. Other than that, we love the ole jeep. It got totaled , I mean really totaled but, if it werent for the Jeep, I may not have walked away from the accident.

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  Love it! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By WVJEEPGRL - December 18 - 5:56 pm

  Bought the TSI 4 dr with over 200000 miles on it. Everyone loves it. I have alot of cars in my lifetime from a firebird with t-tops to a chevette but nothing comes close to my Jeep!