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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  Renegade rules! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Surprised! - December 7 - 4:23 pm

  I wasnt necessarily looking for a Jeep, but this model really caught my eye. Im really happy I chose this vehicle over others. All the features and comforts of other Liberty models, (actually most vehicles) are here. It is WAY better than the Sport Model I had as a loaner during service. Spend the few extra $$$ for this model. Its a superior value over the other Libertys/other vehicles in its price range! Its a lot bigger than it looks. Park it next to a minivan or pull up next to some of those really "large" SUVs or pickups. Its right there! Again, I wasnt actually out to buy this one, but I am glad that I did! And then there was this winters snow and rain. It paid for itself!

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  No Longer Admiring From Afar - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By slobberdog68 - December 5 - 3:30 am

  I have wanted this since it came out. I got it Saturday 2008 Sahara in Black- 18K miles on it! I love it. When I go over any bump-big or small something on the drivers side door or backdoor area rattles-almost like the door is not shut all the way. I have checked everything and cannot find anything loose. My husband says its a Jeep-what do you expect? I test drove the 2010 Islander before I bought this last week and there wasnt a rattle to be found. If its just a Jeep thing then find but I want to take it in while its still under bumper/bumper. Otherwise I love it!

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  1st Jeep...Sweet. - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By crispy - December 3 - 6:16 am

  Have had it for a month and turns heads where ever I go. Great handling, great color (Rescue Green), quiet ride, top removal is easy. Fold down seats are awesome to be able travel with larger objects. Great for families now too. Only way could get one was if was family capable for car seat and stroller space. Qualifies as practical and fun. Cant wait for spring.

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  115,000 miles and going strong - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Russ Archer - December 3 - 3:33 am

  I bought my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo new in 2004. It was a V8 demo model with less than 1,000 miles. I got a great deal on it because it was a demo and because of a $6,000 cash incentive. Ive driven it now for over five years and have put an average of 23,000 miles per year on it, mostly highway. I had the shocks replaced at around 50,000 miles and all four axle seals replaced at about 70,000 miles. Actually, the rear ones were the only ones leaking but I thought Id better go ahead and have them all replaced. Other than those two issues, it has been surprisingly reliable. Major services were done at 30K, 70K, and 100K and I did most oil changes myself every 3K to 5K miles.

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  Love it - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By lainee guffey - December 1 - 2:33 pm

  We love our Patriot...we own 2 other Jeeps (Wrangler and Commache) and although I love my Wrangler i would have to say the Patriot is a very close second. We love the comfort for road trips and the mileage is not bad either. Will always purchase Jeep products in the future for their reliabily (99 Wrangler has 180,000 miles on it and have only had to replace the water pump). The styling on the Patriot gets a lot of good comments from stangers while out. We are totally satisfied with our purchase have recommended the Jeep Patriot to others.

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  Best vehicle I ever bought - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sean - November 30 - 8:03 am

  I bought my Wrangler brand new in 1994 (1995 model) I drove it for 13 years then gave it to my son when he turned 16. He put a lift kit on it and went off roading. He beat the crap out of it. I got it back beat. My Dad is rebuilding the engine for me. it was running on 3 of of the 4 cylinders and still running. Cannot kill it! I cant wait to get it back and drive it again.

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  Love my jeep - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Deb - November 30 - 4:33 am

  I bought my Jeep new. I had it lifted and added lots of extras; it is so much fun to drive and it looks great. It always gets lots of looks wherever we go. I can go anywhere I want all year round snow, no road NO PROBLEM - it is a JEEP THING and if you dont own one YOU WOULDNT UNDERSTAND!

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  Tom Wells - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tom Wells - November 29 - 12:36 pm

  I really like my Jeep. My wife enjoys it even more. It is the nicest vehicle we ever drove as far as comfort and ease of driving. The only minus is the noise level inside the Jeep. I think it is somewhat noisy, as to wheel gear noise.

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  great - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Read nichols - November 29 - 10:00 am

  i just bought a rubicon and i took it off road in south carolina and climbed some hills that only a unimog army vehicle could climb out ofus guys and the rubicon went right up it no problem. in the mud its great to it throws alot of mud (good). the lockers are a great thing to have stock. its a great jeep the best stock 4x4 ever.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By EDD - November 29 - 10:00 am

  What a great SUV. I have had my Liberty for a little less than a year. Its fun to drive, easy to manouver, powerful when you want it to and just FUN!!! Never had any problems with it and would definitely recommend it.