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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  Overland is over the top - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jatrim - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th GC and I love it

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  Love My Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tabathadolley - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I work for a Jeep dealership, so I was well informed about the Grand Cherokees, and I am not disappointed at all. My previous cars were a camaro and a dodge ram, and I am so glad I finally have a Grand Cherokee. The seats are so much more comfortable than the previous two vehicles, and the ride feel is inbetween a car and truck feel - and coming out of a truck, its a huge improvement. I love that even the base models have so many standard option.. I cant live without keyless entry! I wish the I6 had more power(I just came out of a V8..so I may just be spoiled), much it is certainly enough for everyday driving.

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  fantastic ride - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By CallMeSassyGirl - May 6 - 12:43 am

  I had originally had my heart set on a yellow Wrangler. I was disappointed when they discontinued yellow for 2007. It was love at first sight when I saw the 4 door. I also own a Dodge Durango, and the Wrangler is not much smaller inside than my Durango. I am amazed at how smooth of a ride it is. People give us the THUMBS UP! everywhere we go. It has extremely comfortable seating, even on long rides. I purchased the premium sound system and I am NOT disappointed. It has very little road noise. I have both the hard and soft tops, but have not had a chance to try out the soft top. This is an extremely fun vehicle to drive. I am loving the gas mileage compared to my Durango.

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  Fun Machine - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Rich - May 5 - 5:50 am

  Great looks and fun to drive! I was really impressed with the way this compact SUV handles. It might be a little stiff in the suspension for some people, but it feels solid. The doors and hatch close easy. Fit and finish is great and it is a beauty. I have the Atlantic Blue color with a sun roof. This Liberty is one of the best cars I have owned. Road clearance is great without using a ladder to get into the drivers seat. The tires have an aggressive tread without producing the typical tire noise. A "Off road" beauty with comfort and style. Although I am biased, I am a owner!

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  I LOVE my Jeep!!! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By AllMyNeeds.com - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I could not be happier with my Jeep. Ive taken it offroad several times and it does awesome!!!

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  Just Purchase My First Jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Frank Freeman - May 3 - 11:13 am

  I think Jeep made a gigantic step forward in the design of the 2007 Compass. Until I saw and researched the feature of the 2007 Compass, I always thought the Jeep was an off road vehicle. I never liked its design, because it reminded me of a box. I realize that most Jeep models are primarily an off the road vehicle, and that the design has remained the same for years. So, I understand why some buyers are shocked to see a Jeep with a modern design, with its primary use on the highway. It is great for for those of us who live in the snow country, and yet want a family car. It would be my hope that the Jeep designers continue their forward thinking.

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  Best Jeep yet - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By holebilly - May 3 - 3:16 am

  This is my second Jeep and by far the best. This is the best SUV I ever drove. I so far have found no faults with this Jeep except the fuel mileage, it could be better. I still get 23 on the highway and 17 in town which is not bad for a v8.

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  Saved my life - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By roamerIwas - April 30 - 10:00 am

  This is more of a tribute than a review. Just rolled my Jeep twice at 55-60 mph with nothing more than some glass cuts on my hands and whip lash. I am very impressed with the construction of the passenger area, all door posts were still vertical and the roof caved up away from me. I must say goodbye to a vehicle that I put over 70k miles on after the original owners put the first 100k on. It was mainly a highway driver that plowed thru the snow with ease. I would have liked to have had the V-8 but the 6 got me around just fine. I had about 20-21 mpg with a K&N air filter till my last fill up. I spent about 1k in maintenance other than fluid changes

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  Love it1 - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By niv - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle as a down grade from my new Overland, or at least I thought I was at the time. This Renegade is more stylish, loves having extras put on and it and attract lots of looks.

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  Has been a great SUV--68,000 miles - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeep owner - April 29 - 5:26 am

  Have owned this car since new--now has 68000 miles on it. This has been a great vehicle for snowy northern winters--the best traction of any vehicle I have ever owned on ice and snow. Gas mileage is about what youd expect with a V8 engine. Great pick up, effortless highway cruising, very maneuverable in town, pulls my utility trailer with garden tractor with no problem. Lots of features and accessories--sunroof, overhead console, etc. Have had no problems with this car except for a single warranty replacement of front brake rotors at 35000 miles. No other problems at all. Replaced the tires at 60,000 miles and they still had tread left! Wont hesitate to buy another Grand Cherokee.