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:

• 

  08 Liberty Limited - Great Vehicle - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By MHG - April 27 - 8:30 am

  Driven pickups and 4x4 vehicles for many years, though last three were spent in a sports car. Needed a vehicle that we could tow "4-down" behind a motor home and still be a daily driver, with room for people and cargo. The Liberty fit the bill. It drives and rides nice is very quiet even though I have the Sky-Slider. It is roomy enough without being giant. Short turning radius, quick selection into 4wd, all make this a pleasure to drive.

• 

  I love my Jeep - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dannigirl - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Shorter persons can easily adjust the seats and the steering wheel to accommodate. The Jeep makes it makes it easy for me to parallel park without embarrassing myself. Off road I have been impressed with the engine power and maneuvering capability. I pulled my husbands Ram 4x4 out of the mud with ease but havenÂ’t used the limited slip differentials. Having the vehicle in 4x4 in 1st gear and not needing to accelerate is great - this baby pulls itself along nicely without stalling. The wider fender flares give it a unique style. I love that "bump and sway" has been eliminated - older stock models are all over the road when hitting a dip or bump.

• 

  Lets roll - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By leopard4003 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Jeep. All the things I liked about my old Jeep only got better. This is a fun vehicle,handles great ,responsive engine and decent mileage for a real suv.

• 

  New Limited with Hemi - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By WC - April 21 - 9:50 am

  Just picked up this jeep grand Cherokee limited after researching for months. Also drove the BMW X-3 and X- 5, the Lincoln MKX, Hummer H-3, MB ML320, and can honestly say the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited had the best ride of all. For the money, its the best value by far and you get real capability that can handle any ruggedness you may throw at it. The interior is extremely comfortable and inviting. Very happy so far.

• 

  Top quality - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Magi - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Great looking and dependable vehicle. Far superior than other vehicles such as Toyota and Honda. My best vehicle purchase ever.

• 

  Just Purchased 2011 Compass and Lovin it!! - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By ckeyes3 - April 17 - 2:20 pm

  The 2011 Compass is a great car for the price! I also purchased the excellent extended warrantly that covers everything for as long as I own the car. There is also a decent manufacturer warranty when you purchase brand new. My Compass is loaded with all sorts of cool features to include: Cruise, heated seats, mp3 port, Sirius Satellite Radio, Bose sound system, lighted cup holders, plug-in coverter, TPM system, sunroof, and fold down seats.

• 

  Upgrading to the Larger Wrangler - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By From Florida - April 17 - 4:30 am

  We upgraded from a 2008 Wrangler to the 2010 Wrangler Unlimited. No problems with the former except for the lack of a second set of doors. Both models turn heads. Ride quality on the highway greatly improved with the Unlimiteds longer wheelbase, something we were not looking for but very please to discover. The hardtop blocks out most noise and the front seats have lift out panels for an open road feel. I have read many expert reviews that say the V-6 engine lacks power. I put a K&N air filter in from the start and have never had a problem merging into traffic. May be a message in there.

• 

  Great vechicle - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By First time SUV owner - April 16 - 11:43 pm

  I love the ride in the Cherokee. It feels really smooth like a car. I hardly feel bumps in the road. I love the exterior design of the Jeep.

• 

  Bought American am "Happy"! - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom L. - April 15 - 1:00 pm

  We looked at the Honda, crv, to bland, and read about their transmission, and air compressor problems, drove the Liberty and found it to be a great vehicle. Bought for my 20 year old, daughter who attends college in Indiana, wanted a safe 4WD vehicle for her! The Jeep filts the bill. We bought the "Rocky Mountain edition,with the satelite radio, (awesome), and we have a free lifetime powertrain warranty. We also received free oil and filter changes for life. We got total off sticker of $5,135 off sticker. The color is Deep water Blue an option,new Jeep color, the metallic in the paint shines. Looks like it will last a long time, with powertrain warranty we are "Happy"!!!

• 

  Power and Looks - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Richard Maier - April 15 - 8:36 am

  Recently I purchased a boat which weights approximately 6,000 lbs. I looked at trucks to purchase to pull my new toy; however, a four door crew cab would not fit into my garage. I bought a Limited Grand Cherokee, Hemi engine. Perfect size for my garage and plenty of power to pull the boat up steep mountains. Since I do not need to have a lot of space in a SUV, I am very happy with my new Jeep.