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:

• 

  dont buy a jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By roughride - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Liberty has got to be the worst riding vehicle I have ever owned. DEaler replaced front &rear springs & shocks after 8 months. Gas mileage sucked never got better then 16 mpg hwy. Had a fulsize extended cab 4x4 V8 that got 21 to 23 should have kept it.

• 

  Nearly Perfect! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Baysyde - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV if you are looking for a manual transmission, but with a number of luxury appointments...including leather interior. Handles well, and SUPER fun to drive.

• 

  good pick - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By wayne gretzky - August 14 - 10:00 am

  comfortable, good accereration and very reasonable price. can tow easily and the handling is prety good too. it is a great value, and tops in its cals.

• 

  Contemporary Jeep - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By Krystal E - August 14 - 5:53 am

  This jeep is amazing I bought it used with 40,000 Miles and have had no issues. The seats are comfortable, the radio is big and bight (touchscreen) . The engine sounds great. I keep up regularly with the oil changes and rides smooth in the rain. The vehicle is large but not to large to park or drive me being a short women my self. I did replace the tires and add step stair or side. Overall great value and looks great driving. Absolutely my favorite vehicle. Also great space in the back for groceries, can even fit a bike when you put down the seats if need be.

• 

  Good Overall SUV - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Oh Shane - August 13 - 12:10 pm

  I purchased this JGC V-8 with 110,000 on it, and have had pretty good luck. Motor is strong and with a class 4 hitch, pulls my ~6000 lb boat/trailer with no problems! Uni-Body construction doesnt look too happy when I hitch on the boat, but the motor/trans doesnt complain. 4WD system has given me no problems either and is very capable, IT IS A JEEP. Only minor problems so far.

• 

  reliable is the name of the game - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By stoney33lax - August 13 - 6:23 am

  This truck has been in my family since 98 now has 120,000 miles w/automatic trany truck has been so reliable I just cant sell it it wouldnt make sense. Many great memories behind the wheel truck has kept my family safe and secure everyday never have I found a snow storm that this 4x4 cant handle not the coolest ride on the road but certanly the most reliable one purchase I absolutely dont regret. My uncle also had one w/250k miles same model truck 4-speed auto. Cant wait till my trucks at 200k itll prob. Run the same it always has I love you Jeep

• 

  love my JEEP - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gene - August 13 - 6:16 am

  Fun to drive, tons of power, quite interior, great stereo.

• 

  Theres Only one Jeep - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By John - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have a 21-year-old Cherokee, a 5-year- old Liberty and a brand-new 2010 Jeep Liberty. I love all three. They are the only Jeeps I have ever owned but I am a 4WD convert (live in Maine and hate shoveling snow). The 05 Liberty is a dream with 56,000 miles and no problems in the 2 years Ive had it. The new Liberty had some minor adjustment to be made, the dealer was great, and we love it. It is an incredibly smooth ride and a good- handling vehicle. Mileage is not good but who cares? The Jeep engines last a long time. I had a Saturn that exploded at 105,000 but the old Jeep has 160,000 and is still going despite some abuse. Great vehicles. Dont believe the bad reports that Ford writes.

• 

  Wow what a car! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By ok suv - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has been pretty decent. I have not had a problem with this car. I have 41,000 miles on this and had to replace the brakes already. I hate bouncy they are! Fuel is not to bad. If I was to buy a another car it would be a Chevy. Not Dodge

• 

  Transmission - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mikelamb - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Why does it seem that i have to fix the transmission in my Jeep every year. Its always the shift modulator. My buddy just got a Jeep of the same year and drove it off the lot and when he got in his drive way it did the same thing as mine. Transmission light came on and you cant switch to manual shifting. i think Jeep needs to get me a new transmission.