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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  We Love our Libby - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ourlibby - December 24 - 9:11 pm

  We bought our Libby new and have never had any trouble with it. She has always gotten us to where we want to go and back home. We will never part with our Libby.

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  LOVE MY JEEP! - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By CORONADO FLYER - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT MY JEEP BRAND NEW. IT HAS GIVEN MU UP TO NOW TROUBLE FREE SERVIE. SO FAR IT IS SOLID AND BUILT RIGHT. NO LOOSE BOLTS AND SUCH. SUSPENSION IS EXCELENT. HANDLING IS QUITE GOOD. ENJINE IS A LITTLE NOISY. INTERIOR NOISE COULD BE BETTER. GAS MILAGE IS ITS ONLY REAL WEAKNESS. INTERIER IS CONFORTABLE. LOOKS ARE GREAT. FACTORY SOUND SYSTEM IS NOT SO GOOD. FINALLY INSTALLED A PERFORMANCE SOUNDSYSTEM IN FACTORY AREAS. SOUND IS QUITE GOOD NOW. IVE BEEN OFF ROADING THREE TIMES. IT HANDLES GREAT AND DOLLOWS ATVS WHITH NO PROBLEMS IN THE DUNES. ALL MY JEEP IS PRETTY MUCH FACOTRY. NO REAL UPGRADES. I PLAN ON KEEPING THIS ONE FOR A WILE. IF YOU ALWAYS WANTED A JEEP THEN GET ONE.

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  #ONE - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rob2 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  HAD `94 JEEP G CHEROKEE WITH NO MAJOR PROBLEMS. NOW I`VE GOT `00 LAREDO V8. TEST DROVE MORE SUV`S (NISSAN PATH.+X- TERRA,.....)BUT JEEP IS THE # ONE . DONT GET SCARRED , EVERY CAR GOT PROBLEMS.

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  I love my 5.9 - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ptowntsi - December 22 - 1:36 pm

  This has to be one of the best SUVs available used. I would take it over any mid-size SUV or wimpy crossover. Yes it is true many of these need to have their front and rear axles rebuilt around 100k miles, but that is not so bad. For the price of the vehicle it is easy to spend that money to have them done. When they are rebuilt they will last an easy 100k+ or more. It is completely justifiable. These Jeeps have awesome power, and very luxurious interiors. The 5.9 limited has better leather seats than any Jeep, heated seats, heated mirrors, a great AWD system, and timeless classic styling. I recommend this Jeep for anyone looking for a reliable vehicle.

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  My New Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Peter - December 22 - 7:00 am

  Ive driven 3 Jeeps now: a Wrangler, a Liberty, and now, the Commander. Without a doubt this is the best of the bunch -- and I loved the Liberty. The room, the ride, the value for money are all exceptional. I recommend the Commander unequivocally to any potential buyer.

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  No better vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Duckhunter - December 22 - 6:46 am

  I had been shopping for a new SUV for over 1 year. I have had a 1997 Jeep Cherokee (and kept it.) I test drove the Yukons, 4Runners, Pathfinders, and even the Grand Cherokees. I had really wanted to get a Jeep but never had taken to the Grand Cherokees. I think after having a Cherokee for so long most people will agree with me that the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee are just entirely different vehicles. I have been following the developments of the Commander for over a year and when I test drove it, I knew I had found the vehicle I had been waiting for. The upright seating and windshield are much more similar to the Cherokee and it looks pretty darn mean. Cant wait to take it off road.

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  Classy Jeep style - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By krd215 - December 21 - 12:53 am

  Loved this darn truck since the first time I laid eyes on one. It is the classic Jeep style that won me over. Then after I drove one that was it...had to have. Traded my Durango and here I am...owner of a Limited Commander with the hemi. The truck has a great ride and extremely comfortable leather seats. All gauges are easy to reach and have had not one problem so far. Would highly recommend!

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  Most intriguing SUV on the market - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Celia - December 20 - 6:46 pm

  I have enjoyed our new addition to our auto collection, 06 4WD V8 Commander. We replaced our 04 Dodge Quad cab and have love the new space. We love the unique interior design.

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  Wranglers Rock - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Paul - December 19 - 3:10 pm

  If a great car should give you a feeling of excitement and happiness when you get in and turn the key, Wranglers have got to be near the top of the list. You dont have to drive a Lexus, BMW or other fussy sled to have a car that actually transports you while adding a kick to your daily life. Wranglers dont go 0-60 in a nano second. They dont fly through a line of cones in record time. Actually they dont climb boulders. At least not in my daily grind. But then, most commuters dont get to drive our countrys beltway roads at rush hour going 150 mph. So, for fantasy, why not have a funmobile that is not afraid to pick up the mulch at Home Depot for a fraction of the cost?

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  Just took delivery today - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By stewalaska - December 18 - 5:46 am

  I just got back from rooting around in the Alaskan snow in my new Jeep! I gotta tell ya....this is one impressive off-roader. My Liberty is such a nice change from driving a boring vehicle. I traded a 1995 Pathfinder in on the Liberty, and also have a 01 Outback that does great in the snow, but neither can compete with this machine, especially in the deep, rough stuff. It is obviously too early to give a "real" review since it still has only 100 miles on it, but it got a breaking in this afternoon! Time will tell...