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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  Very Happy With My Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By MikeJeep - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Jeep hase really gave alot of thought into the design of the 2003 Liberty.I am very happy.

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  the truck takes the cake - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By brian - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck i was alwsys a sports car kinda guy but this is the truck that will change the way you feel what comfort need some speed hit the O/D button and off you go...

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  Overland dream - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Fotis - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3r jeep, I had a 94 and a 96 limited, relly good my 96 has 140k on it and still is o.k except that the ABS light is on for a year but other than that A+ The Overland was my dream to own since I never bought a new car before. That smell when you enter the car is simply DIVINE, the gudgets are wonderfull, let me just say that the first night I brought it home I slep in the garage!!!

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  new 2008 jeep - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By turbanski - July 30 - 2:03 am

  I have leased this Jeep since mid December of 2007 and overall I am very satisfied with it. Most impressive are the generous incentives for this vehicle and the performance of the 4.7 V8.

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  Good showing in 2008 - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Souliman - July 30 - 12:43 am

  4th Jeep - all Gr Ckees. Ive been purchasing Laredo with Rocky Mtn edition - currently equipped with the X-package - perfect for me. Handling is solid as usual. Not as nimble as our Subie Tribeca. Fuel economy is as advertised. Since 05, Im more confident with the handling. The shift placement of the gears has changed - Im not certain if for the better or worse. Outside, nice stylings. Inside, huge improvement. Doesnt seem dated anymore as 05 did. Seats are more comfortable. Steering column and seat placement make for good(better) driving posture. We have two Britax in the back and plenty of leg room for driver, passenger and two boys to kick the seats. Im very satisfied.

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  Maxjeep - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By CannonBalls - July 28 - 2:13 pm

  My 2nd Jeep, had a 1998 sold it, missed it...bad, had to go find a replacement. Best offroad vehicle I have ever driven. Love the go anywhere, do about anything attitude of the Jeep. No problems with this one or the other one. Really nice, fun vehicle. Cant wait to get it to Montana this July, going mountain climbing.

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  Everything I want I have in my Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Chase - July 28 - 11:20 am

  I have been looking and test driving the Liberty for the past year and have to say that I am glad I waited for the 2005 trim. Love the chrome accents and have to say that with a Jeep I never expected the ride to be so nice. Really appreciate the great back support of the seats, makes it relaxing for longer road trips to the cabin and lake.

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  Made for fun - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mukund - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Engine: Excellent Interior: Comfortable Features: All available, what required for off roading and day to day use. Jeep is giving much more for what money they ask, compare to other brands.

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  Wish I bought 2 - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Don B - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. I bought it for winter all wheel drive and towing motorcycles. It has done everything well. Comfortable and quiet for travel. Only mechanical issue is a stripped cog on the electric seat adjustment (it gets used a lot). Just reached 60,000 after five years. Only drawbacks, besides the seat, are poor fuel economy in town and towing, and the relatively extensive routine maintenance. On balance, compared to other cars and trucks Ive owned, it has been a good value. My wife likes it, so it would be nice to have two (the seat would last longer).

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  Best bang for the buck! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Brian Spjut - July 27 - 3:15 am

  Value, value, value! I bought a 2016 base model (stick, 4 banger, no electric windows, etc.) in Green. $12,999 ... less than $15k out the door! As soon as I test drove it, there was no question in my mind. Great value, at lower price than comparable USED vehicles. Thank you South County Chrysler Jeep in Gilroy, CA