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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  Lumbar support needed - 2010 Jeep Commander
  By SUE - August 28 - 6:30 am

  This is a great SUV, however, the front seats need more lumbar support to be comfortable. The leather is beautiful, but if theres no support, its useless. The drivers side seating is large, so for a smaller individual, youll feel like youre in a huge seat that doesnt "hug" you into place while driving. The navigation system takes a while to get used to, but its better than most Ive used.

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  The best vehicle ever built - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By FBHSswimmer2006 - August 28 - 3:43 am

  I love my Cherokee. I fell in love with it the second that I saw it on the dealership lot. I surf so its a lot fun to drive, especially on the beach. It can take anything that I throw at it and what I need it to do. It is the best vehicle that I have ever had. Im gonna keep it until it dies, even with todays gas prices. Chrysler needs to bring this Jeep back and sell it again.

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  Jury Still Out - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gasaholic - August 28 - 3:03 am

  We bought the 2005 Laredo 4x4 with a V8 engine. The gas cost is unbelievable! I didnt think it would be this bad. I cant seem to get the mpg up to more than 14.7. Otherwise, the car is fun to drive and handles well. Its very roomy and comfortable.

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  go any where you need to or want - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By stew - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is ready right of the show room floor, and with just a few hundred dollers you can go any where you want no matter where it is. it is small enough to get threw the woods and big enough to go threw the deep water.

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  My Jeep Rubicon - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By rubiconman - August 27 - 2:00 am

  My experience with the Jeep Rubicon has been excellent. The vehicle is built to last and handle even the harshest of conditions. I live in Maine, and my Jeep will take me anyplace I need to go, in any weather conditions. Its a fun year round vehicle, with a hard top for the cold winter months, and a convertible soft top for those summer cruises to the beach!

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  Poor Quality Costs the company - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep_boy - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Wrangler has been the icon vehicle since its introduction in WW2. My first experience as a Jeep owner has been a bad one. The manual trans is hard to shift and pops out of gear constantly. It also occationally wont shift into a gear for whatever reason. I took mine to a dealer 4 times and Jeep "can find a problem". I also have the dual top version. Believe it or not the Hard top leaks worse than the soft top in a car wash. I was actually told by Jeep that "convertables leak" and I shouldnt go through car washes. I have had several convertables, and the Wrangler leaks like there is a window open.

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  Glad its gone - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By OKIE - August 26 - 12:10 pm

  Bought the Jeep new in Dec of 04 at a great price,and after 2 1/2 years of owning it we figured out why. Build quality is the poorest of any vehicle I have owned. The V6 is so underpowered it was almost scary at times, merging onto highways was not fun. The tranny wouldnt down shift as needed to keep the RPMs and torque up. Blind spots everywhere, seats stain with rain water or condensation off a water bottle, jittery / uncomfortable ride, no room in the back seats, I could go on but there is limited space left. Traded it on an 08 Pathfinder SE V6 with twice the power.

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  The Great Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By TJL - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep, it is my third one in about 6 years, my wife and I have two right now and love them both. Reliablity is great, they have never let me down. Use the 4wd lots and you cant stop them in the snow. Would highly suggest them to anybody who needs a rugged SUV.

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  The Original Upscale SUV - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Proc - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Im somewhat of a newcomer into the world of Jeep. However, after test driving the Grand Cherokee Laredo, my idea of Jeep changed drastically. For a mid-size SUV, it rides surprisingly smooth. Acceleration is decent with the 4.0L 6 and the interior features are convenient. While its still extremely new, I can say this vehicle is solid in terms of assembly. Let it snow and where are the trails?

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  2007 Wranger Unlimited X 4dr - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By clwnsc - August 26 - 4:00 am

  My wife & I just picked up our Wrangler yesterday (10/17/2006). We have always wanted a Jeep, but also needed a vehicle with some more room to it. So, when we saw the 4 door, we had to have it. So far, we love it. Ours is 2wd with the upgraded stereo & power group. Nothing but positive feedback from other people. It seems like there is not much take off power. Also, the center armrest/console is a little low, so there isnt anywhere to rest the arm while driving. Have been getting 16mpg so far. Overall, a great Wrangler.