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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  JEEP WRANGLER*****EXCELLENT - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By atlaw - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Stylish & priced right, this is the solid, trouble free status symbol that you can afford. The Wrangler turns the heads of Mercedes convertible owners and horseback riders. The reputation is backed up--Ive needed not one warranty adjustment or repair in 30,000 miles. Everything works, and works well, and everyone you meet wants one.

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  Your CRAZY!!!! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By - April 14 - 10:00 am

  How do I write a description of this SUV objectively? Please heed my words... First, never go tho Borniville Jeep in NH. They should not even be in business. Yes, even buying our Jeep was a nightmare. The Jeep is a Limited GC. We have been back to the Dealer (NOT Borniville!!!) 10 times! YES 10! Brakes, Transmission, Window Rubber, Oil Leak, Shaky Wheels. among others. Oh, and please dont let me forget the Leather Seats. They ripped after (normal use) 22,000 miles. I weigh 178lbs. Its not me... I ordered new ones (under war. thank GOD!) in APR. of this year. 6 months later, they still have not come in. My advice. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR _ DONT BUY ONE!

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  this car is great! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By anybody12431 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  this car is great, i love it!

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  Awesome Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Korbanjax - April 14 - 4:33 am

  I have a 2000 with only 48K on it. The nice 4.7L V8 definitely packs a punch. Towing my motorcycle trailer is no problem and at times you wouldnt even know you are towing anything. Sporty design, awesome leather interior for those long drives to bike week. The V8 gets about 16-17 MPG as I dont drive that far to work. This is an awesome Jeep and they just keep on getting better.

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  The Greatest American Car Ever Built!!!! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By FM - April 13 - 10:56 pm

  The car has never been to the dealer just now 01/02/09 the motor over heated so its getting a complete engine rebuild the cylinder heads and walls do not have a single scratch and no sludge in the crank case was offered $5000 for the car will never sell priceless!

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  Great SUV for the money - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Joe - April 13 - 1:20 pm

  Lots of plastic is good, easy to clean. Manual transmission has more than enough power to get through the grapevine faster than anyone else. A bit tight in the knee area for tall guys, but plenty of room to make up for it in other places. Cargo space may seem small, but I just went on a 4 day camping trip with 2 other people, no problem fitting all our stuff in.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Judy - April 13 - 10:10 am

  My Jeep Liberty 4x4 is the best thing I have ever bought. I love the idea that if I get stuck in traffic and I dont have time to wait I can just cut through the grassy/swampy median. I would say if you are not sure of what kind of vehicle you should go check out the Jeep Liberty. It is also not true about it being a gas hog, it is a V-6 not a 4-cylinder. So dont expect it to get gas mileage like a 4-cylinder. It out preforms any 4-cylinder you could ever drive. I think the Jeep Liberty is top in its Class!

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  Its a Jeep - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Knight - April 12 - 11:06 pm

  I have wanted another Jeep since I wrecked my CJ a few years ago. I cant believe how far Jeep has come in those few years. I took it off road the first week I had it with a few off- road buddies, and I embarrassed them in a completely stock Jeep. It made me realize something though... these things should come with a winch and a camera.

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  5.7L Hemi 4x4 Limited W/ NAV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jason Walker - April 12 - 4:53 pm

  Amazing “sleeper” SUV. The Hemi V8 throws me back into the seat like I was driving my S2000, but with room for the road. It blazes up to speed and is great passing confidence on long steep grades. Great interior and electronics (e.g., integrated Bluetooth phone, 6-disk CD in an amazing stereo, Serious satellite radio, Nav system) and so many gadgets. Great undercover muscle car.

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  Jeep lover - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By m - April 11 - 9:36 pm

  My first Jeep, love the look, the interior was comfortable, gas mileage average. Tight steering, needs a little more hp in certain situations. Never had more compliments on a car before, in particular the color, salsa red, hot! Drawbacks, 2 big ones, the engine blew at 40,000 miles, never off road with it, oil changed every 3000. Good thing for the warranty, the bill was almost $9000. But the craziest thing about this car, is the battery, I have had 10 or more batteries since I bought it. Every time I take it in for service, they say its normal! Batteries last 12 to 18 months, thats a new one on me. Overall, Im buying a new Jeep, with the skyslider roof!