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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  My first Jeep product - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepboy - September 3 - 12:40 am

  Basic SUV not to be mistaken for a soccer mom urban assault vehicle. Even with comfort features like leather, sunroof and power seats, its still a SUV through and through. Besides the gas consumption, which gets better and better with each mile put on it. (Im up to 17 mpg!) Its not a car; f I wanted a car I would have purchased a car. Great SUV and even greater price.

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  Im LOVIN it! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By snowbordet - September 2 - 5:20 am

  This is the most classy, reliable fun car I have ever had. Its extremely maneuverable and has a nice ride for being a small SUV. Its got plenty of storage space in the back considering its a small vehicle. I have not had any problems in ANY type of weather and Ive pretty much encountered it all (rain, snow, ice, strong gusts of wind, hail).

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  Best bang for what you get out of the patriot - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By scortia22 - August 31 - 9:13 am

  I have was looking for a good car that was good on gas and wasnt expensive. I ecstatic about my 2.4L Latitude FWD because this model standard comes with heated front premium cloth seats, fog lamps, heated outside mirrors. The soft touch interior panels door, dashboard, steering wheel, etc. I traded in my 2008 Mercury Mariner for this because my car insurance and my monthly gas bill went right down OMG I was surprised. Performance wise it hugs the road, especially when I was on the freeway I had to swerve really fast and it was as if I bought an expensive suv with that much handeling awesome job on the 2011 patriot.

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  4X4 FUN - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By SJD - August 31 - 3:33 am

  I have owned 4 jeeps over 26 years and have enjoyed four wheeling the deserts of Arizona over that entire time.

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  2nd Grand Cherokee & Very Happy - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tjpultz - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This was an upgrade from the 95 model of the same vehicle. The 95 was a great car other than it suffered from some reliablity issues. This time around I got the extended warranty just in case, but so far no problems and Im totally pleased with it. Build quality seems great and the design and features are top notch. Very confortable and powerful and best looking midsize SUV on the road and off.

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  Happy New Wrangler owner - 2Door Sahara - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jay D - August 28 - 6:23 pm

  I have owned 4 Jeeps in the past.This is my first Wrangler. So far this one has been the most fun to drive. Considering it is a Jeep with serious off road capibilities the ride is much smoother than expected. The interior room is also welcome change on this model. Plenty of room for my young child in the back with a safty seat.Getting into the rear seat is a little cumbersome for a full size adult though.

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  18 months later, not one complaint - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By greysmoke - August 28 - 3:56 pm

  This is my 3rd Jeep Wrangler. The first was a 95; great fun. Then an 00; even better. The 09 4-door is a Jeep for grownups. The longer wheelbase makes for a much more comfortable ride. Theyve made the new ones much wider, too. Im not completely sold on the 3.8 V6, but so far, so good. Most important points: (1) Its a Jeep. (2) Nothing has gone wrong. Ive not had any work done on this Jeep except for fluid changes. For experienced Jeep owners, this model is much more civilized than what youre used to. For those new to a Jeep, be warned: its still a real Jeep, and that means its not going to suit everybody.

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  Pilot Review - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By KAP - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a great little SUV! The only downside to this vehicle is the gas mileage. The gas mileage is not any better than a large SUV. But it is a comfortable vehicle with good quality workmanship.

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  Driving Excitement - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By platinumgal - August 24 - 10:00 am

  The Liberty is fun to drive and easy to maneuver in and out of traffic. Very sharp, responsive steering and brakes! A great buy. This car made driving fun again.

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  Best Jeep Wrangler EVER - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By hawk - August 23 - 7:20 am

  fun to drive and people look at your jeep as they wish they had one.