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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  Solid vehicle! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Gus - Pittsburgh - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my 2nd Jeep Liberty (2004).This is the first time I have ever bought the same vehicle back to back. First was a 2002 model. I have been extremly impressed with the reliability and quality. After almost 3 years still no squeeks or rattles. If you live in a snow belt area there is simply nothing better to get you through the snow and ice safely. Great stock stereo and excellent visibility. I find the seats to be very confortable and plenty of versitility in hauling items. My neighbor has a Mercedes-Benz SUV which I have driven and I can honestly say I wouldnt trade him even up. Great SUV at a great price!

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  Best vehicle Ill ever own - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By gotta love the jeep - April 5 - 12:56 am

  I inherited this when my dad passed a couple of years ago, and between him, my mom, and myself, weve put 55,000 miles on this Cherokee. My mom and sister both have Grand Cherokees (98 and 99), but neither compare to the way this one performs on or off-road. The ride is a little bouncy at times, but thats to be expected for a truck-based SUV. Even then, it rides much better than many current car-based SUV wanna-bes and newer mid-sized truck-based SUVs with independent suspension, IMHO. Ill also tell you that this is one vehicle the designers and engineers got right, even with upgrades as the model years moved along.

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  I Love My Little Jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By docgent - April 4 - 3:50 pm

  This car is really amazing and I love the fuel economy. It has some zip in the city and fun in the mountains. I owned a Honda Element for 3 years and sold it and bought this dandy of a vehicle. It rides great and feels like a car, yet has the room and comfort of a expensive SUV.

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  Like my Cherokee, but Better Mileage - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Doug - April 2 - 11:36 pm

  Totaled my beloved 99 Cherokee in a crash that could have killed me, but I walked away from. Wanted another Cherokee, but with better mileage. After reading about everyones complaints regarding power, I test drove a 5-speed manual Patriot. It seems whatever issues people have with lack of acceleration can be blamed on the CV-tranny, not the engine. "But how can I talk on the phone and sip my latte and drive a manual transmission?" You cant. Go buy a Kia. After two months, I am extremely pleased with this car. One of my initial reservations about buying it (it had everything I was looking for for less $) was that I wasnt seeing any on the roads. Seems I am seeing more and more each week.

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  Great riding SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave - April 2 - 4:23 am

  First Jeep product Ive ever owned. So far, very happy with the JGC. Ride is very smooth, I have the 4.7 L v8 and has good response. Probably should have bought the HEMI but 4.7 is just fine. Best riding SUV Ive ever had and quiet too. 10000 times better riding than my old Ford Explorer.

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  Jeep Unlimited is great - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By reelynole - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Jeep Wrangler. I previously had Jeep Cherokees. Here in the Tampa Bay area we have been besieged by HURRICANES giving me the opportuntiy to tow about ten idiots out of flooded streets including a Honda CRV suv. I felt great about that. I easily tow my 2500 Lb. boat. I put the sunrider top down for a summer day. I love this vehicle. The car is quiet, comfortable and rock solid. I know the engine is reliable. I put 200,000 miles on two cherokees and the Wrangler has the same in line 6 cylinder engine. You cannot go wrong with this rig.

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  Very enjoyable - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By James Nichols - March 29 - 3:56 pm

  We bought the vehicle used, 1 year old. It now has 65k miles on it and have had 2 problems up to date. I had to replace the driver side window regulator. Plastic piece broke. New piece made with metal. Recirc door for the a/c had to be fixed. New piece supposed to be an upgraded fix. Neither problem overly expensive.

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  The Good Jeep. - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ziggy - March 29 - 7:53 am

  THIS is the third Jeep for me. I like it. No problems with the other two, both had the 4.7 liter V8. This one has the 5.7 liter V8. I have about 200 miles on it. Im averaging about 14.7 miles per gallon. The ride is a lot better, the inside looks better. In all a great Jeep.

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  Heck of a value - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave - March 28 - 3:46 pm

  We compared this to rav4, Forester, Mercury Mariner, Kia Sorento, Saturn Vue. This has more features than the others for a better price. Weve had the vehicle 2 months and its great. No problems, fun to drive, controls easy to use. Important to us was the lack of road noise at highway speeds. Others we tested were much noisier than the Jeep. We average 19-20 mpg local, 23 mpg highway only. Much better and quieter than the 05 Mazda tribute we traded.

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  You have to experience a JEEP - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By hxvxm - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Jeeps are incredibly fun to dirve. There rugged and extreme. Ive used my 4x4 to go skiing as well as off roading. The Jeep comes through on all trails. I would recommend finding a stick vs. automatic.