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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  I *heart* my Jeeperilla!!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By lil whisky girl - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my Liberty! It was a great price and NEVER gives me any problems. I just take it in for its regular oil changes and tire rotation and she runs like an angel!

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  Left me stranded 4 times the 1st 6 month - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By KimLippy - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Reliability on this vehicle has been a nightmare; for this I should have purchased a used car. It is now on its FORTH battery with 8198 miles on it. To date they have not been able to figure out what the problem is. I would NOT purchase this car again new. Also, the inside lacks nooks to store things up front.

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  First Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tony642 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  First in buying my Jeep, I used the Internet to do my leg work before I even went to any dealerships. Between Edmunds.com, cardirect.com, etc... I had 14 quotes. Once I had a good feel for the price I wanted to pay, I lined up test drives not only to check out the vehicle but to check out the dealerships. Some rate better than others. I spent little time in the dealership when I purchased my Jeep. Im very happy with it!

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  Jeep Review - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gail Bratholt - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado is an excellent vehicle. I previously had a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado and traded it for the 2004 model. It is a very dependable vehicle.

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  3rd Grand Cherokee and final one! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Marmay - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Our 3rd GC a Christmas present.At 200 miles the "check engine" light came on.It was fixed. Every 200 miles after that it came on also, after 1,000 miles Chrysler is buying back to SUV. Faulty software in this model when fuel tank is 1/2 full and going up steep hills!

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  Jeep Wranger - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By cindy - June 1 - 5:00 pm

  I have wanted a Jeep since 1978 and after my number 2 son hit my little focus (nice little car, escort was better) for the third time and it was time to get a new vehicle, so I did it, I got my Jeep. I love this vehicle it would not have been practical for me earlier in my life but I am so glad I have it now. I love going to the mountains in and its great on the beach. Its so fun to drive and I love the little Jeep wave. I cant wait to go to camp next summer!

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  Only American product I would buy - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Yipeiokyay - June 1 - 3:43 pm

  When my PT Loser died I jumped on a great deal for this used 03 Laredo. The best decision I ever made. My son has a 97 with 170K and loves it and with the expected life of this SUV being around 500K I think we both will be driving them for years to come. We took both of them out in the snow the other night and had a great time. I cant wait to get it in the mud this Spring.

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  Only in a JEEP - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeffS - June 1 - 10:00 am

  You MUST get the 4 Liter. 60 K miles and no major mechanical problems. Just a unique and fun vehicle. What other vehicle lets you take the doors off and put the windscreen down so easily. Its supposed to be bumpy and noisy, by the way.

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  Jeeps are great - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By J85 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  if there is a car that is fun to drive and is as affordable as a wrangler i have yet to see it. this is the ultimate and original off road vehicle

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  Looking for fun? This is it! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By backslash - June 1 - 10:00 am

  With a smoother suspension and amenities such as air conditioning and cruise control, this Jeep is at home on the streets AND the trails. The 4.0L inline six provides adequate power for most situations. Coupled with the 5-speed, you can expect a smooth power curve and decent acceleration. Inside, youll find a tight but comfortable cockpit. Headroom is certainly not a problem and the steering wheel is in a comfortable position. The exterior is where this Jeep maintains the closest relationship to its elders. Unique styling that has not changed in decades allows functionality and gives personality.