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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  Solid, reliable and basic vehicle - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By spinoza - December 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought this Cherokee new in 1995 and have used it for basic transportation (our only car) since then. We live an active lifestyle, and its been great for camping, mtn. biking, carrying canoes and kayaks, etc. We have 2 German Shepherds, and they ride in the back with the seats folded down. The car has run like a Swiss watch, and weve had no mechanical problems at all. The 180 hp, low torque motor is a great hauler and handles like a work horse in adverse conditions (snow, off-road, etc.).

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  Great SUV - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Samster3 - December 25 - 12:16 am

  I purchased my Jeep Patriot a month ago and absolutely love it. This is an ideal SUV for someone who wants it to look great, get solid gas mileage and be able to lug stuff around town or on trips. I would recommend the Patriot to anyone, in fact, my in-laws are looking at one this week!

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  Jeep story - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep - December 21 - 12:50 am

  Bought this "almost new" Jeep from Auto Gallery of Winnipeg. After few weeks when cleaning the vehicle I realized that the whole side of the vehicle has been repainted possibly due to accident. Went back to the dealer, they offered another 06 GC vehicle if I paid arm and leg in difference. I kept the vehicle and two years later both doors and rear fender started developing serious rust. Not knowing what other surprises are there, traded it for 08 GC. Beside the bad experience with the dealer, 06 GC was a very reliable, no problems during 50 000km of ownership.

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  Not a racecar - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Shawn Larson - December 20 - 7:22 pm

  This vehicle is not fast, does not stop quickly and will beat you up on any journey over 50 miles. It maxes out at 80mph which is good because it becomes unstable after 70mph. Its noisy and rides rough (bouncy) and quick braking can be scary. Now for the good. Its cool to drive, the ladies like them, they can go anywhere if outfitted right, the 4.0L engine is bullet proof and the transmission is stiff but durable. The resale value is incredible. Edmunds isnt accurate with resale values as they grossly undervalue Wranglers by thousands of dollars. You will see this as you investigate the purchase of a used Wrangler. A fun car that requires careful driving habits. 4 star rating is for fun factor.

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  Sport stick a must - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By intrade - December 20 - 1:36 pm

  Had the 2.0 with CVT and sport stick now for two weeks averaging over 26 mpg, trying. Sport stick is great and makes this a fun driving commuter that Im not ashamed to be seen in.

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  SUV that Rocks! - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave from Duxbury - December 19 - 3:20 am

  Just bought the Overland version of the Cherokee with the Hemi. Feels like a sports car off the dime. Nice throaty roar. Love the features such as nav/multi function radio....and IPOD connection. Can upload CD or IPOD tunes to memory. Nav easy to use. Love the automatic high beam dimmer...goes to low beam when other cars appear. Very, very solid road handling...and interior very snug and comfortable. Cant wait to take this baby on a road trip. All in all...I am delighted with this vehicle so far.

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  you will be missed, my old friend - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By jgrann75 - December 19 - 12:10 am

  this jeep was my first car, and here is my testament to it. i barrel rolled this jeep going 50mph down the highway about 6 months after i got it. the accident was my fault, and i drove it home the next day. a little at home body work, along with new doors, new windshield and new hardtop from the junkyard (cost $1500), and it was like new. exaust was as loud as a tank, and acceleration was not that great. there were lots of little repairs here and there, but what else could you expect form a car that old. it will be sorely missed, as i am selling it to the junkyard tomorrow. im only ditching it due to back left leaf spring coming unattached and grinding into gas tank. extremly fun, i loved it

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  Jeep On Top - Daimler Underneath - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Drew - December 18 - 7:20 am

  I own a black Liberty Sport 3.7l 4x4 version of the Jeep . Its got real decent power, but isnt going to keep up with,. say a Northstar v-8 Caddy. High range power; needs about 3.5 feet of snow to stop it. Heavy suv - 5600 lbs. Very capable off roading experiences in the mountains. **Perfect little suv if gas goes down.**

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  The SUV that sucks gas but keeps on goin - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Liberty LE - December 18 - 5:30 am

  My 2002 Jeep Liberty is a great family vehicle - we can pull our camper or boat - a pig on gas but at 2200000 km it has given NO PROBLEMS - except a few recalls we never received because of resales - balljoint.... I know hear a loud "ping" sound when the Jeep idles after driving... anyone heard this before....

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  No regrets - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By morrisdg - December 15 - 10:00 am

  A convertible for people who still want a rugged feel, who still want to be able to go anywhere. An SUV for people who dont need to compensate for shortcomings elsewhere. A fun car that still has a few practical uses. Friends may not be willing to buy one themselves, but theyll all want to ride in it. Life is better with a Jeep.