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:

• 

  luv my jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By vega - December 11 - 2:00 am

  bought it w/30k miles, its got 130k HARD miles on it now & its still kicking (not w/o some little quirks.... nothing serious, just gives it character! This little SUV kicks butt..... its unstoppable! Let it snow! & rain!? Ha! I rescued people in BIG SUVs during a recent flash flood. PLUS it tows my horse trailer.... not bad for a 6 cylinder! I love this baby and wish they still made em!

• 

  Must Buy SUV - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By bikin4fun - December 11 - 2:00 am

  If you are in the market for a compact SUV, Jeep Liberty can be the answer to all you need for 4 X 4. This car looks good from the outside, robust engine, roomy interior and can tow up to 5,000 Lbs. The best thing is that it is under $25,000 with all the rebates from Jeep. Forget Kia, Ford, GMC and go for the real thing: JEEP

• 

  Liberty4x4 Diesel - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By spete - December 9 - 4:00 pm

  I have owned over 30 vehicles in 35 years and this is the most "fun to drive" vehicle ever. It is quick, loads of torque, and is just a great vehicle. Pulls my trailer with ease.

• 

  Gotta love this truck! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By HunterR - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I just got my third Jeep Cherokee! So far I have had nothing but luck! The first Cherokee I got is a 1987 Cherokee, manual trans., 4wd which now has over 230,000 miles on it and still runs fine! My second Jeep is a 1998 Red Cherokee, manual trans. with over 100,000 miles on it and it also runs like new! My newest Cherokee is also a 1998, auto trans, 4wd with 43,000 which also runs like new! I still have all three of them and probably will never sell any of them. The only problem with Jeep that I can think of is that they stopped production of the Cherokee. Personally I think Jeep made a huge mistake when they did it.

• 

  Grand Cherokee!!!! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JNJ - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 01 Grand Cherokee limited 4wd V8 from Dedham Auto Mall in Dedham, MA and I couldnt be happier. The dealership was great and so isnt the car. I use this car for both on-road everyday driving and occasionally off- road when I get a chance. Its the best. I havent had a single problem with this car and it is the second new body style grand cherokee I have owned. I love it, and I will keep it as long as I can until I want a new Jeep.

• 

  Nothing better than a Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Fan - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Wrangler Ive owned. By far, it is one of the most fun vehicles produced today. Top off in the summer, 4WD in the winter. Fuel economy is terrible, but you cant expect much out of a tank with a tent. New top design has made it one of the quietest Wranglers yet.

• 

  great - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By dominic - December 6 - 4:13 am

  I love this Liberty truck and it is wonderful drive and easier to park than midsize trucks. If you are single you should buy compact suv to save space; if with kids thats different.

• 

  Amazing Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Amber - December 4 - 8:33 pm

  I love my jeep. Were about to hit 100000 miles and ive never had one thing go wrong with it.. scared ill jinx myself now.. but overall this cars been awesome. i love it and its the best vehicle ive ever owned.. treat your jeep good and itll be good to you!!

• 

  Patriot Blue Jeep Liberty 4x4 Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By meprofbos - December 4 - 10:53 am

  This vehicle is FUN! Well built, great drive on and off the roads! Loaded with all the extras sunroof, chrome package etc! A really well built vehicle!

• 

  fun fun fun - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By Harold B Donnelly - December 4 - 5:10 am

  This is a true suv and fun to drive