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:

• 

  Awesome SUV! Hot! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ChristieB - October 23 - 7:53 am

  There is no other SUV like this out there. The performance and handling is outstanding. It impresses me everyday and I love driving it everyday. It drives like a dream if you want to putt around and it drives like a race car if you want it to perform. All the bells and whistles are included. The price is right. Its mid-size yet has great cargo room. It fits all my 2 1/2 year old sons items including stroller. This is a hot suv. I test drove many other suvs and the minute I turned on the engine and drove off the lot to test drive it, I was sold and had to have it. The center dual exhaust is awesome!

• 

  2006 CRD, 4WD,4door,Limited - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Lawrence - October 22 - 3:30 pm

  The review link did not offer the 06 Liberty CRD. I want to specify that, because I love mine. I bought it new at 3miles; 5 months & 19500 miles later its great. I would like to seek out performance items for this SUV, because of the mileage I use. I will exceed the warranty by the end of next year.

• 

  very impressed - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hab29 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  picked-up 2003 4.7 laredo, this jeep has come a long way since my first 1990 ltd.Have had 3 since and still own a 1995laredo 4.0, wife loves it. This 2003 is powerful,comfortable and quality has improved steadily over the last 12 years. Could use more spaces to put things but overall a fantastic truck.

• 

  One a Jeep, always a Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By dude14570 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Had a 94 g. cherokee, then got a Liberty Renegade, 5 sp. I love it. I was torn between the Xterra and the liberty, but after test driving the liberty I was sold.It has better pick up, and more options for the same money.

• 

  Best car Ive owned - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By austin89 - October 21 - 7:00 am

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. It has 167,000 miles and all Ive ever had to do beside changing the oil, is put a new battery in it. It has been a good car and I would recommend a jeep to anyone!

• 

  Loyal Jeep Fan - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bruce - October 18 - 4:56 am

  This is the 3rd Jeep Grand Cherokee that my wife and I have leased. My wife leased one in 2001 and we were pleasently amazed how much the body style and ride changed in 2005 when we got another Jeep Grand Cherokee. We just traded the 2005 in for a 2007. Not a lot of changes but the ride is the same and the comfort is the same. I love the Hemi and we enjoy using the Jeep for road trips as it is very comfortable to drive and ride. Winters in Omaha are never a problem with the Jeep. It can get through most any snowfall and stick to the road easily. I never thought I would be this loyal to Jeeps in 2001 when we got our first Jeep GC Limited, but I am now and remain impressed with them.

• 

  Generation Jeep owner - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ldynay - October 17 - 2:33 am

  Love my 4th jeep. This is by far the nicest one to date. The oldest started with an 1988, then on to 1996,1997, and now a 2005.

• 

  Grand Cherokee #2 - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By christienjeff - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my second jeep grand cherokee and I have not ever had a problem mechanically or otherwise.....My first one had over 70,000 miles when I traded it for the new one and it was never in the shop. This one has over 40,000 and it too has never been in the shop.

• 

  All-Around Great Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Andrew F. - October 16 - 5:16 pm

  We bought our Silver 2004 Ltd pre-owned from a dealer and have owned it for a little over 2 years now and we absolutely love it. Cool styling (best year in my opinion), awesome power and torque, very comfortable and pretty quiet on the highway w/o breaking the bank like an X5 or Rover. Has enough room for us w/ two adults, a 2 year old in a car set and two dogs in back. We put a Thule box on the roof for long hauls and were ready for anything! We are avid snowboarders an this Jeep motos in the snow, but the stock Goodyear Wrangler tires need to be replaced w/ something more all-weather capable. My brother-in-law drove ours and went out and bought an 05. Theyre contagious!

• 

  BEST SUV EVER - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By spoiled - October 16 - 1:40 pm

  We just purchased a new Jeep Commander. I had always driven a small luxury car. The SUV seems huge. To me it is like you took a Hummer and a Land Rover and combined the two. I absolutely love it. It is nice to look at. The interior is designed well. This is my first time to have cloth seats, but I love them. They are much better than leather if you ask me especially with the warranty for replacement if they become stained. I can not imagine a more perfect vehicle for a family. The third row seat has gotten some negative reviews, but not from me. I love it as well. It is perfect for kids who love to ride in the back.