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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  Fun to Drive! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Janet Lange - August 18 - 7:20 am

  I love this car. Its peppy and fun to drive. Its good looking in and out. I have always had confidence in its performance when I took it out. It does not ride like a luxury car, but like the little SUV it is supposed to be. I would highly recommend it for the young and the young-at-heart.

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  My Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Chanel - August 17 - 7:20 pm

  I just got it this past week so I am still learning more about it. I really like the ride. I traded in my 2003 Mustang GT because I wanted something a bit bigger. Its kind of better on gas than the V8 was ... thats for sure!

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  Love it! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By SeattleGuy - August 16 - 5:43 pm

  I love this vehicle. So much fun. Going up hills in my hometown of Seattle is no problem. Driving at the beach is a blast and the high profile makes crossing rivers no hassle. It is great to help everyone else out of the sand. ; )

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  Never again Chrysler - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By bobgv - August 16 - 6:53 am

  I bought my Liberty with the diesel Crd thinking I would get better mileage. Although that did prove to be true the cost of diesel went up and so it didnt make sence to have a diesel. The cost to maintain the diesel is higher than a gas engine. I have had so many problems with the egr valve and the boost pressure sensor, and the egr air flow control valve. I have contacted chrysler and they say TOO BAD Its out of warranty. As soon as I fix the egr (yes again) I am trading in this piece of junk . I have purchased a number of new chrysler vehicles over the years but no longer will I buy anything were they do not test their products and sell juck to the public. Good by chrysler and goo ridence

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  Bought as a cheap ride, but its much better - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By arlobigwater - August 14 - 9:33 pm

  Traded under Cash for Clunkers and got one of the few Sport models with the 22 package and the Trail Rated Freedom Drive II. Thats the upgraded CVT. This vehicle is MUCH better thought out than I expected. I have dragged boulders for landscaping, taken it off road, towed a small cargo trailer, and commuted in all weather conditions. I am in CO, and we have had some ferocious snow. This thing is better in snow in some ways than my LR3. It bombs up and down fire roads and climbs obstacles like a champ. It gets about 24 MPG. No rattles, leaks, thumps or whistles. If you need a cheap small SUV with decent off road ability and MPG, but still is smooth enough to commute in, this is the de

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  Not a good buy! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jenniferb8700 - August 14 - 12:45 pm

  Happy when we purchased our Liberty in 2005 but since then, weve had to have the transmission rebuilt and u-joints replaced. The gas mileage is pitiful, too.

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  pleasantly surprised - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Jim Kadel - August 14 - 11:03 am

  Compared to my Grand Cherokee, the Liberty is easier to park, more agile, and a better size for two people (no one ever rides in the back seats). My wife likes the two grab bars on the passenger side to help with her slight physical handicap. The late 06 models have chrome side strips, chrome luggage racks and chrome wheels. The carbon-brown/black wheel trim is a good color combination with the Atlantic blue body color. I will most likely buy another Liberty in 2009.

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  Love It! - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By None Given - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this SUV not because i was attracted to the vehicle, but because i have four friends with cherokees, and they are all satisfied witht he vehicle. none of them have had any major problems with their Jeeps, and i got mine at a steal. i bought mine with 75000 miles on it, it is a 95, and in near perfect condition. i can easily see this car lasting for another 75000 miles.

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  Excellent purchase dont regret it - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bravealdie - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of research before I bought my vehicle and overall for that body style that was the best year to have purchased one. The only complain I have of this vehicle is that it has a poor fuel consumption. Mechanically this vehicle is very sound, extremely stylish, and very dependable that will provide many fun years off road and on pavement.

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  We love our Jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rodnutrandy - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Admit brake rotors junk, Chrysler replaced at no charge (battle) Gas mileage with K&n filter the only change is 20.5 average city and country driving (4.0 straight 6). torque of engine great.Costs less than Ford Escape, Better Warranty, better ride, less wind noise,more standard accessories,and more comfort. Full size spare on Matching mag wheel.Unless something drastic happens we will buy another.