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:

• 

  THE VEHICLE FROM HELL - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By TEDDY - September 9 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle drove fine when we drove on the highway and access roads. We had it for less than 12 hours and returned it because the city streets and ride were so punishing. I drove 6 miles got out and the back pains were unbelieveable. I have run 3 marathons and felt better after those endurance events than 6 miles of CITY STREETS with the Liberty. The vehicle also idled roughly. I have vehicle that is 15 years old a 3 Series BMW that will run circles around any SUV and not punish you. It had a very stiff sport suspension that now feels like a Rolls Royce. UNBELIEVABLE. It used 5.5 gallons for slightly over 40 miles.

• 

  Jeep Liberty is SUV Sports Car - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By samhrogers - September 9 - 10:00 am

  While a bit short on rear cargo room, there is nothing else bad to say about the Liberty. After one year, I still love it as much as I did the day I brought it home. This model far out plays the more staid Cherakee (which I used to own prior to the Liberty). There is no doubt about it that a loaded Liberty is the best deal money can buy.

• 

  Better than Lexus - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TDWright - September 8 - 9:53 pm

  I traded my 07 Lexus ES for the 08 Overland and have no regrets. It handles great, awesome acceleration, and solid in the snow. Interior is just as nice as the Lexus. Black exterior with chrome is a strong combination. HEMI is the way to go, but plan on 16 mpg overall. No issues with the sound system or nav.

• 

  2000 JGC - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Verlee - September 6 - 3:10 pm

  In spite of questionable reliability of the JGC, mine has performed very well. My only complaints: on very hot days, the air conditioner does not seem to keep the interior as cool as other vehicles that I have owned (i.e. Toyota 4-Runner). Also the vehicle is louder than previously owned vehicles. It is, however, much more powerful and comfortable than any other SUV that I know of in its class AND I can pull my 25 foot trailer in the Colorado Rocie Mountains without any problem!

• 

  Outstanding Vehicle - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jamie - September 6 - 2:23 pm

  I owned a 2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade and was very impressed by the durability. I traded the Liberty in for a 2009 Unlimited Sahara 4WD, which is far superior to the Liberty. The Sahara drives smoother, is more comfortable, and more versatile. I love the freedom hard top. I am able to remove the front half without help. I purchase on with the navigation system, which I highly recommend. It is also a DVD Player and allows for me to upload my music in the system-No more CDs!! Even though it was difficult to trade the Liberty, I am very satisfied with the 4-door Sahara. Plus, you cannot beat Jeeps Powertrain!

• 

  Early impressions... - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Tim - September 4 - 11:10 pm

  Purchased Commander 2 weeks ago. The suv handles impressively, is quiet inside and is void of any rattles. The steering is quick & direct with good feedback. The 4.7L is strong off the line & through the rev range. Brakes are average but progressive. The vehicle feels planted around corners, even at speed, with the steering wheel returning to center easily. There is some bounce at higher speeds over washboard surfaces, but composure is not compromised. Front seats are firm but comfortable, the third row seats have been folded flat 80% of the time so far but the kids are happy there anytime. Styling is a nice mix of old-new Jeep with a touch of Mercedes-Benz G-class added. No bland looks here! I like it!

• 

  cute suv - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By mopar - September 4 - 11:00 am

  This cute suv turns peoples heads, it needs to be a bit bigger inside and it needs to get BETTER gas mileage, other than that we just love it.

• 

  Drivin a Jeep and Lovin It - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Minke4 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a 2001 Grand Cherokee 60th Anniversary Ed. and absolutely love it. Only one problem. Brakes. Had rotors and pads replaced at 37,000. Ride comfort is superb in front seats and rear. Controls are easy to figure out and easy to use. Love the radio controls on the wheel. Road noise is moderate and has a nice hum. Offroad capabilities are amazing for a lux ute.

• 

  Jeep #4 - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By SCHWIES - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought this jeep for my wife, she really wanted this color, trim, etc. I could not talk her into a Rubicon, for the same price, although I really love my dads new one. She is more about sound systems, fun, and comfort than capability. Hendrick was easy to deal with and she loves her new jeep!

• 

  Get One..youll love it - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Get1 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a 2003 Inca Gold pearl coat X, I love it. Looks good, drives good. Youll overlook all of its shortcomings when it puts a smile on your face!