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:

• 

  Off-road king - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeeper - January 2 - 9:26 pm

  I have had my Unlimited Rubicon for almost a year and love it! I am a hard-core off-roader and I find the Unlimited the perfect compromise for someone with a child and a need to drive to work 5 days a week. The lockers in the Rubi take me everywhere, and the extra cargo space hold all my gear. Im a Jeeper and added a small lift and bigger tires after a few months. Getting stuck is a thing of the past. Ive put this thing up the side of mountains in the National Forest in 1.5 feet of snow and over rocks the size of cars. It isnt the most refined, quite, or comfortable, its a Jeep

• 

  Not Great, but Not Horrible - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepsburgh - January 2 - 2:36 pm

  This car has turned out to be what I expected, an inexpensive SUV. The mileage is exactly what was on the sticker. The car performs very well in snow/ice. Some people like the look and some dont. I can transport 3 kids. I can fold the seats down and haul large items (even got a packaged treadmill in there). The interior is OK; however it is populated with cheap plastic. The seats arent the greatest, but they arent the worst. If you did your homework, there shouldnt have been any surprises. Would I get another? No. Am I eager to get rid of mine? No.

• 

  Good to go! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By mecinoid - January 2 - 3:23 am

  I only have bought this Jeep about a month ago but, I have owned a few Jeeps in my life. I love the improved ride, power, quietness and performance of this Wrangler Jeep. Quite an improvement over ones just a few years back imo. Parts are easy to get and the package works well for me as a towable vehicle behind my motorhome as well. If your going to buy this one at least get the limitted slip rear diff from the factory with the DANA 44 rear end. I plan on putting a cable locker up front and Ill be set for all but the worst stuff. I have already added $1500 in parts for off roading; bumpers, winch, and tow bar, and rock sliders were a must for my use. Loving it!

• 

  JGC Brakes break my heart - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RBBaileyii - January 1 - 2:00 am

  With 80K miles on my 99 JGC Im now looking at my 5th front end brake job. Warped rotors have been turned, turned again, and replaced with after-market rotors. Still going bad after just a few thousand miles. Otherwise, its been a fun vehicle - plenty of class and comfort. Just wish my brakes didnt break my heart.

• 

  IT - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By BALDY - December 31 - 5:56 pm

  Had A 2003 Sport LOVED IT. My 2010 Sport is much better looking rides 100 times better interior is roomer & much more comfortable love it with a little work it will be ready for some serious 4 wheeling

• 

  A comfortable cruiser - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bob - December 31 - 5:46 pm

  Traded in an Acura. This Laredo is so much more comfortable on long trips. Especially visibility, soft adjustable seats for smaller people, lack of road noise. Getting 22.5 mpg on interstates, 65 mph, A/C always on, V- 6 motor, 2WD.

• 

  GREAT RIDE - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By JASON - December 31 - 12:16 am

  I have had my Jeep for just over a week now and love it. The ride is nice and the interstate road noise isnt that bad. I have added an alarm and keyless entry that makes it really nice. I have the Ecco tire group that makes it a little higher, when its time to get tires again I will go larger.

• 

  Great milage - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Dan Jurewicz - December 29 - 9:06 am

  I get approx 15 mph in Chicago, But I get 23 to 24 (best I got was 24.6) on highway

• 

  almost a home run - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By tangoromeo - December 28 - 10:01 pm

  With only minor improvements (2 1/2" lift kit, 33" tires, and a 10,000 lb winch), I have used and abused this Jeep for everything I could imagine doing in a vehicle. Its pulled tree stumps, dragged an F350 out of the mud, driven through flooded areas and snow, and it never quits on me.

• 

  Great but needs a bigger engine - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Ricky - December 27 - 6:30 am

  I really like my Jeep Renegade; its light bar, special roof top carrier, fender flares, and large wheels make it stand out from other SUVs. Its an excellent off-road vehicle and had been able to handle mud, snow, rain, high winds, and scorching heat with no complaints. The paint has not chippied or faded, the body is still tight with no rattles, fit and finish are really good and the interior has no visible signs of wear.