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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  Great Ride - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By TonyC - July 17 - 1:03 am

  Very impressed with ride.Good visibility. Still running on our 1st free tank of gas. Mileage seems to be OK so far.Purchased 08 black rwd ltd with all the bells & whistles.We looked at all comp vehicles,nothing could touch the Liberty. Glad Jeep brought back the old Jeep line.

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  Why didnt I buy one sooner? - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jim - July 16 - 6:33 am

  My Wrangler Unlimited has brought my love of driving back. What other vehicle excites you enough to make you think about it all day at work? What other vehicle makes you feel like a kid again ... you know right after getting your first new bike when all you do is daydream about being on it? Heres my stress relief even with todays higher gas prices; hey, we all need a vice, right? Mine is spending money on gas but the fun it returns is well worth it! After work, top down, drive home with cool breeze and tunes flowing, dinner, get the kids and wife loaded in, drive the country back roads flying over bumps and raising dust to a small town ice cream shop. Drive home with stars above; kids asleep.

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  Worlds Fastest SUV? - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bryant Davis - July 16 - 2:00 am

  If you dont think this SRT8 isnt fast, go race a new Porsche Cayenne Twin Turbo S with 525 HP. This new Jeep is faster to 60 MPH. You will have him by better than half a car length. At 3500 miles it really starts to run and even the gas mileage picked up a mile per gallon around town. Now if I can figure out how to get a supercharger on this Jeep.

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  bought -american and happy - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By den a - July 15 - 9:20 am

  I have been a Toyota owner for several years, and my last one (2007) Camry needed a new transmission at 8k, new rims mine were defective, I also have a 07 liberty in the family, it has been great, no rattles etc, so I went to drive an 09 liberty it was very Nice, sunroof, u-connect stereo, select trac 2 4wd, I m sure gas mileage wont be as good as with the car, but its an suv, not the fastest but its not a slug, take your time enjoy the drive, because it does have a Nice ride, and with incentives and discounts I got $6500 off the sticker. It has a lifetime warranty on the powertrain. Hopefully it will be as good as my other liberty in terms of reliability, go test drive one, their Nice.

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  ALMOST MY PERFECT CAR! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By First Time Jeep - July 12 - 7:06 pm

  I absolutely fell in love with the looks of this car. Its the 9th car Ive owned, but it is my favorite! The size is perfect for me; not too big, not too small. Purchased the Rocky Mountain Edition and love the extras such as leather seats, Sirius radio, and sun roof. I have owned this car for 4 months and the only complaint I have is that it is presently in the shop because my sun roof was leaking through the overhead console after a few weeks of continuous rain. Also I went from a V8 Durango and I sometimes get frustrated going up hills with the 3.7 V6, seems to downshift. Thought buying a V6 would save on gas. Driving around town or on the highway, its ZIPPY.

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  Great value. Safe vehicle! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By JAMIE - July 12 - 4:56 pm

  This car was an accident magnet. I had 4 accidents in 3 years and one of them was a $16,800 repair (the only one that was my fault). I have to say though, I FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE! I hit a median on I-78 going about 65 miles an hour and did a double 360 degree spinout, all airbags deployed and I didnt have a scratch on me! The Jeep was a total loss because of the wheel but the body barely had any damage (only a few dents). I was shocked when they said how much damage it had. The only beef I have with this ride is the pickup but it is only a 4 cyl and it is 4x4 so you cant have everything.

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  Great Jeep- I think Ill have another - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By darokie13 - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been a great one! I will deffintely buy another one! I want to sell this one because my needs have changed! Well maybe wants! I plan on buying a camper! after it is paid off I will buy another Jeep!

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  Jeeps rule - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By jay franklin - July 11 - 10:00 am

  They will have to pry my Jeep from my cold dead hands. I love it! The soft top is not hard to use if you have any common sense at all. The hard top is better than the solid top on my previous truck. I have no complaints at all.

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  Love my new Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JodyK - July 11 - 10:00 am

  The handling and ride of the vehicle is excellent. My previous car was a Buick LeSabre and the Cherokee is just as comfortable. The cabin is very roomy and everything is laid out pretty well.

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  Surprising Value - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By msrngtp2002 - July 6 - 8:36 pm

  I am pleasantly surprised by the quality, comfort and performance of this vehicle. Mileage in town is about 23.5 mpg and highway hovers around 29.5. In full automatic mode the car accelerates at a moderate pace, but using the auto-stick really kicks it in gear. Adequate in-car capacity (although I would recommend covering the seat backs if you haul anything that may snag them). Seat comfort and adjustability offer enough range for just about anyone. I am glad I bought this vehicle.