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:

• 

  yes - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nipper - October 4 - 7:56 pm

  This has been a great vehicle, yes the gas mileage is not great but you are driving a real vehicle that runs on regular. Its not a bmw but then again as a half truck, suv and luxury car it is not a bad mix. Today I haul firewood, next the family. No problem

• 

  Too much value for the $ to pass up... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NewJeeper - October 3 - 4:50 am

  I recently bought the Laredo and have been putting it through the paces. Its a very nice and smooth ride despite the tires (I prefer Michelins to Goodyear). I like the R&P steering too. As a high performance sports car owner I love the electronic shifter. By manually shifting the 3.7 it maximizes its capability and makes it perform near or better than the V8s automatic "OD" shift setting. Speaking of the transmission, the recall work has been done on my new vehicle. The reengineering to correct the AC condensation drip into the transmission looks like a nice fix if anyone was concerned and thinking about ruling out this vehicle for that reason.

• 

  5 yrs old, 130K miles, and still going - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Amiee - October 2 - 3:13 am

  I love my Jeep Liberty. We bought it new from Carmax in 05 as a last years model. Weve just done regular maintenance and kept good tires on it. We have towed with it and it handles well. I stand in agreement with the other owners that it does need a larger glove box. I have had to replace the 6-disc CD changer, but only after 5 years of reliable playing. The only thing I dont like is the fastener for the sun visors. It is in reverse from the standard position and makes it hard to unhook while driving. I have actually snapped off the hook 3 times. Minor, but irritating after 5 years. Ill drive my libby till the wheels fall off.

• 

  great car - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By algebra123us - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Bough it with 27k miles for 8,000 dollars.

• 

  A $30,000 bargain! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bob wieland - September 25 - 10:20 pm

  A bit of a rough ride but thats par for the course with an off roading vehicle. Solid SUV-my wife and I feel safe in this auto. Has been a very reliable car, still has original brakes! Very few repairs.

• 

  My Jeep - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By siltorn - September 25 - 3:16 pm

  I love my Jeep! There is nothing better than going out on a snowy day and knowing I own the road!

• 

  Happy So Far - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By Kenny R - September 24 - 11:00 am

  Traded my 1999 Durango that I bought new. Only had 87,000 on it, but I new issues were coming. Have a 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover that we LOVE. Looked at the GV and the Equator double cab. Wouldnt budge enough on price. Checked Subaru and Toyota. Was getting tough to find a mid-sized, affordable TRUCK-LIKE SUV, like my Durango was. Have never looked at or considered Jeep before. The front seats are VERY comfortable. Love the driving position. Sits up, great view, and is a "commanding" position. Nice 2nd row space and cargo space. Back seats fold flat, and lock! Engine seems a little loud. But this is their tried and true Jeep engine so well see. But so far, very happy with it.

• 

  Love Love - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By micki - September 22 - 11:36 am

  Have always admired the shape of this car since I was a kid. I love how long lasting they are and how when something needs maintenance, it is easy to do yourself and cheap!

• 

  Great SUV! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep lover - September 20 - 6:56 pm

  Have about 1000 miles on the Liberty. So far most of the driving has been in the city. To date the city driving mpg has been 17. Overall we are very happy with the new jeep. My first jeep and the way things are going it wont be our last.

• 

  Beyond pleased! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rickxjeeps - September 19 - 8:23 pm

  Weve had 13 Jeeps between the two of us in our lifetime. From a 77 Cherokee to the most current model year, an 02 Grand Cherokee Limited. Retiring a 93 Wrangler that was my daily driver for the last 13 years for this model and we both are extremely pleased! The ride is impecably smooth even for a Wrangler but so much more car like. It is so quiet you forget your in a Hardtop, unlike the 93 Wrangler with the hardtop. People had trouble hearing me on the cell phone. Unlike the 4.0 in the 93 which could be heard easily, you cant hear the 3.8 motor and you forget you have it running. Factory remote start rocks! Opt for it, its worth it! Its 10.5 inches bigger than an 08 Liberty!