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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  Try it..Youre gonna love it - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By bluesbear - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a Bronco2 and a Blazer and both of them handled like a truck. My Liberty handles quite well on the street and suits my needs perfectly. Its fun to drive with a comfortable interior and plenty of power when its needed

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  2004 Jeep Liberty Limited Edition - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kori-j - July 25 - 10:00 am

  This is not my first SUV. This Jeep far surpasses any other SUV in comfort and style. I chose this Jeep because it ad all the luxuries of more expensive SUVs at a much lower price. The engine is sound and the ride is smooth. This is the quality vehicle Jeeps are known for.

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  Excellent Choice - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brett - July 24 - 8:40 am

  I lease these very 3 yrs or so - this is my 4th Jeep grand Cherokee and by far the best one yet. I got it with the Hemi 5.7L engine which while it is not great on gas, is a lot of fun to drive. It has amazing power and speed for an SUV.

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  Love it - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By millie - July 23 - 1:36 pm

  Had a 2007 Jeep Liberty hated it. Feel in love with the 2009 Jeep Liberty. Got one about 4 months ago am so happy with it. Had several people tell me how much they like it. So, all I have to say I love my 2009 Jeep Liberty. So much more room in it and bigger. Truly do love it.

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  Great - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By CBH - July 22 - 3:40 pm

  This is the best and most fun auto I have ever owned. Mine has all the bells and whistles and had a sticker price of over $44,000. It has the 5.7L engine. Ill probably never own anything else.

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  1999 Jeep Wrangler Sport - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By greg - July 20 - 8:53 am

  The initial model had a problem with the headers, which the manufacturer later replaced. I did my own with a Borla. This is the most reliable car that I have ever owned. Other than the header, it has never needed service (now has 60,000 mi., 11/05). After market upgrades are fun, and very worthwhile. Is very easy to self service. I wish that a diesel conversion was available! I have always wondered why the ratings have never been higher, except that everyone wants "fast and furious", (low end disposa-cars), instead of powerful, durable, rugged, and dependable. GO JEEP :)

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  So far so good. - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By brian185 - July 20 - 8:36 am

  A previous Jeep owner I was excited to move up to the 2007 4 door and it has not disappointed. Im approaching 60,000 miles without a single mechanical or quality issue. Even the tires are still the original and Ill bet I get the rest of summer out of them. Obviously I travel alot and I also pull a fairly large trailer for my business so this Jeep is worked hard. Its not a sports car but I find the power to be more than enough, even when towing. I love this Jeep and will continue to buy this vehicle for a long time. Just thought it would be helpful to review after 60,000 miles. Good luck.

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  Fun in New Mexico - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Joe - July 20 - 6:10 am

  This is the most fun Ive had with any vehicle. It is perfect for the wilds of New Mexico.

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  Great - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By TKTKTOM - July 19 - 10:00 am

  The drive is not harsh or truck like, much better than I expected having riden in earlier model jeeps. Also the total construction is solid, I can see how you could take one off road come back on the road and not finding rattles all over the vehicle from the bouncing. Its really put together tight.

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  Traded my Baby on Saturday 7/18/2009 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John D - July 17 - 5:53 am

  Only complaint, right arm rest got a dip worn into it from my elbow from so much driving. Didnt get off road as much as I wanted, but when I did, it got me there and back in great style. The only time it didnt start, was the day I traded it. ($600 repair) I was exceptionally pleased with how it got me through heavy snows in PA, stuck with the road in heavy rain, easy maneuvering, great sound system. But tended to feel cramped with a family of four, loaded for vacation. Open road, got 23 MPG...in DC traffic, just 13 MPG. Right now, its being prepped for re-sale. This Jeep was fun to camp with, and for day-fishing trips.