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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  Im liking it - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chad - May 2 - 10:43 am

  I bought the Canadian version of the freedom, Its called the ROCKY MOUNTAIN. Ive owned a few suvs in my life and I must say, I really like the looks of this generation of jeep, Its interior is pretty boring, The seats are comfy, There is plenty of room. Its 4x4 system is immaculate. I drive it in lots of deep snow. I bought Nokian tires, they cant be beat, Its steering is incredible, The reliability is so far pretty good. No problems except a minor pin hole leak in a emissions tube. It cold starts great in bad temperatures, Lighting is good. High way and city driving is a pleasure, It feels rough and tough, I think itll be around for awhile yet to come. I suggest this jeep to buyers.

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  Truly Remarkable - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Banker - April 30 - 3:46 pm

  Purchased vehicle in 98, used, from private seller who didnt even know it had 4 wheel drive. Used for everything from daily work commute to locating trail heads of mountain bike trails. Capability is superb and so compromises ride quality. Mechanically very sound, only replacing AC electronic switch ($20). Not looking forward to being able to purchase another when the time comes.

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  Love Jeeps - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Timfya - April 30 - 10:00 am

  My jeep will go anywhere.On or off road.Great head and leg room. Handles well at city and hwy speeds. So far the only thing I dont like is how she loves the gas pump.

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  Good SUV - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By Danny - April 29 - 12:12 pm

  Good SUV for the price. 70th anniversary edition. Nice ride

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  MPG issues - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By MPG Issues - April 23 - 11:16 pm

  Bought this Jeep used with 30,000. Loved it when I first got it with the Boston stereo and the ESP and everything. I had to replace the Electronic Throttle control soon as I pulled in the drive way (warranty) 2 weeks later the driver strut (warranty) but now that I have 50,000 miles I have been getting gas mileage ranging 18-19 when I was getting 24 average. Tried replacing spark plugs, air filter and no change. Not happy, I could have a Jeep Grand Cherokee for this mileage. Also, fast acceleration is not an option without the car having to think of getting out of its own way first.

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  Jeep GC 08 Ltd Hemi RWD - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dana Jeeper - April 22 - 8:00 pm

  This is my 2nd Jeep GC.. had a 04 GC Ltd and loved it. This vehicle is definitely heavier and I felt the Hemi would help. Its got all the power and luxury I wanted plus the upgraded touch screen nav (I had the old one on my 04), Havent actually used the myGIG feature yet. Love the looks, fun to drive. Gas mileage sucks but thats the trade off. Good pricing for all the features of a luxury vehicle.

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  Nice ride - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Drew - April 18 - 8:13 pm

  The ride in the 2005 is 10 times better then the prior years, it floats on the road. I love my Jeep and so does everyone who gets in. The only thing I have to say is that I get horrible gas mileage. Also, there are more and more rattling noises, but other than that, so far so good.

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  I dont keep cars but, this is a KEEPER! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By takes2tutango - April 17 - 6:26 pm

  Have had my 06 Commander now a month, am about to hit 50k miles and think I have finally found a vehicle I will keep for a very long time. After reading many reviews I hope I got one of the good ones as it seems that most either love or hate this vehicle with very little grey area for this SUV. I have had more trouble dealing with the dealership on things promised in the deal than with any other part of this purchase. It is NO wonder that the American car industry continues to be in the tank when they still seem to lack in customer service. Up until now I have owned Japanese and have had far better service. Now onto the Jeep Commander-I LOVE IT! All but the gas mileage. :( Fix the mpgs)

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  I luv my Liberty. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Off Road Rich - April 17 - 6:56 am

  Didnt want to replace my wifes Sebring convertible. But this really fills the bill. Comfort, style, capability and fun.

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  solid 4x4 - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hunter - April 16 - 2:46 pm

  The gas mileage and reliability were not what I had hoped for but it has performed the towing and off road job very well. It is comfortable on highway and the V8 has plenty of power. It now has 120,000 miles and has required no internal engine work. I have an "up country" suspension and limited slip rear end which makes it a good hunting vehicle.