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:

• 

  Boogie Nights Review - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By boogie nights - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Jeep Wrangler X is an excellent vehicle, perfect for mild to moderate off roading. Also with the 4.o 6 cyl. it has the power you need to perform well on or off road. The interior is limiting but well designed for the amount of space available. All the Xs controls are easily within reach and head room is in abundance (even more when the top is off). Storage space is a definate downfall unless no one is in the folding back seat.

• 

  My first Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By jasonjeep03 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have been a life long fan of the Jeep since my father had one when I was a kid. I finally was able to purchase one this summer and I must say it is living upto my expectation. My friend took me up into the mountains this fall between the rocky climbs and the giant mudholes this vehicle is unstoppable. Most fun I ever had in a car. I used to drive small sports cars, I dont think I will ever go back. Anxiously awaiting our first snowfall so I can have some fun with my dad.

• 

  I Love My Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Heartjc - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a smooth running car, easy to get into - Bigger motor than I am used to. When the snow on the roads start getting nasty I pop in the 4 wheel drive, nothing stops me from getting home.

• 

  Love It - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By mFox - November 4 - 2:00 am

  My Jeep is black with the high contrast interior with leather heated seats. I live in a nothern suburb with lots of dirt roads. Traded in my convertible because it just was not the ride for dirt roads, I used to avoid them. Now with the jeep I try to avoid the paved roads, especially when it rains. The 4- wheel drive is excellent and easy to use and the radio controls on the steering wheel are a nice touch. I have put 4500 miles on it and have not had to go back to the dealer for anything. The only thing that could be better is the fuel economy, I average about 16.5 MPG.

• 

  jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ChipperSEP - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car - I love the way it drives and interior

• 

  Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Dawn Johnson - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep Liberty its just the right size for me and my family to just hop in and go!!!

• 

  Great All Around - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By flove - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This Jeep drives smooth like a car, yet still has unsurpassed off road capability. And the HO motor makes it quick! Nice moderate size vehicle; not hard to fit in to parking places.

• 

  heaven!!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By diva - November 4 - 2:00 am

  nothing but good words that car is trully a luxury suv

• 

  I love my Cherokee! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By nickii - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this Jeep for about 9 months and LOVE it! I had no problems with it yet. The ride is a bit bumpier than normal vehicles when you hit some railroad tracks or a pothole, but its otherwise ok. The gas milage isnt great, but it could be worse :) The cargo space irks me just a little, just a few more inches and a few snowboards or mountain bikes would fit perfectly without having to jam them in. Overall, i think the Cherokee is a great vehicle in style and performance, and i would recommend it to anyone.

• 

  Most bang for BUCK! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By boo - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I spent countless hours researching to find what I thought would be my best bet in the SUV market. I was a little bit concerned about the Jeeps reliability based on some write-ups I had viewed. Well let me tell you, when preventive maintenance i.e. oil change,rotate tires etc. is kept up, the Jeep will be there when it counts. I will tell anyone, before you buy, give a Jeep a try. It will be the best move youve ever made regarding a vehicle purchase.