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:

• 

  Sky Slider is awesome - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By JB - April 28 - 10:26 pm

  I purchased a Limited with a Sky Slider top, which I have to say is awesome. Nice to be one with nature. The 5 star frontal and side crash rating was a big plus. The ride is great, handles great in snow and ice...even better than my Grand Cherokee. Inside is roomy and comfortable, even for my 6 ft plus 16 year old son. I have the Limited fully loaded. For a Jeep, the new Liberty feels more like a luxurious crossover. It gets a lot of looks from people...sharp looking! I would purchase this vehicle all over again. The MyGig, Sirius radio and Sirius Traffic, heated seats and mirrors, remote start, navigation are wonderful options! Its a trail rated Jeep, what more can one expect?!

• 

  I Love My Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By RMQ - April 28 - 1:23 pm

  I had been wanting a Jeep Liberty since they first debuted. I can remember the first time I saw one on the road. I was like...."Wow." So it was really the exterior appearance that struck me. The front end is so gorgeous. Especially on the new ones with the chrome grille. (Mine is a 2005 Limited.) It runs well, accelerates well, and you feel safe travelling on the interstate at high speeds, unlike on some other smaller SUVs, where you feel like you are all over the road. I had a 2000 Chevy Tracker, and to go from that to this Liberty is a total improvement. It handles well. I havent had a chance to test out the 4 WD extenxively yet, or operate in the snow.

• 

  Luv my Columbia Edition Wrangler - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By dcman - April 25 - 10:00 am

  It is awesome. Great ride and fun vehicle!!

• 

  Good Jeep - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mr. Myron - April 24 - 10:10 pm

  I purchased this vehicle 1 year ago and have had no major problems. Information system is excellent. The hard drive option is excellent for music, I have 1600 songs saved. Ive averaged around 16-17 mpg in the city and 18-21MPG on hwy for the 4.7L V8. Bluetooth for the phone is excellent, heated seats front and rear are great. Only option I dont have is rear DVD player. Only issue is sometimes the navigation/radio will freeze up. Shutting the car off and back on solves the problem. I can count on 1 hand how many times its happened, and Ive driven it 22,000 miles. Steering wheel radio controls are great and rear view camera helps immensely in parking. Great in towing & snow. No maintenance

• 

  Great vehicle - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By bob - April 23 - 8:06 am

  Bought this used Jeep with only 13,000 miles. The ride is very soft and seems to sway from side to side more than other cars. Avg 21 mpg on and off road combo. AC works very well and the heater is unreal. In 20 degree weather, the heater was blowing hot air in less than half mile! Have not tested the Jeeps ability to get agressive offroad, but on moderate trails, it has no problems. On the fly to 4wd is a piece of cake, but you need to be stopped or at 2 mph for 4wdLow. The turning radius is really small. Combo CD and radio with rear speakers is quite nice, but the volumn must really be increased at highway speeds. Hardly use 5th gear unless on level road at 65+

• 

  I will continue to buy a Jeep Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By dieseltech2010 - April 23 - 7:06 am

  I love my jeep. It is a great family suv. I replaced the goodyear tires that were on it when i bought it, and put Mastercraft Courser A/T2 on it, and my wife and I have never really had to use the 4wd on it. Does job in the mud. Trans, Motor, Drivetrain heavy duty built. A oil change gets done every 3000 miles. The vehicle only had 34000 miles on it when i bought it in April 2008. MPGs good, could be better. I would absolutely recommend this vehicle to anyone, especially if you want a jeep that handles well, rugged 4wd. I do wash it every weekend, and wax it twice a month, and it still looks like new.

• 

  1st time owner - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By CaliJeep - April 22 - 5:00 am

  I just bought my first Jeep. Oh my gosh it is awesome. My friend had one in high school back in the midwest and we used to mud every weekend and it would never stall in the water. Then he got a stinking Toyota and you couldnt go through six inches of water before it stalled. I love mine so far. I have only put a hundred miles on it, but it rides amazing. I am taking it up to the Sierras this weekend to check out the off roading. The only bad part is it is so nice I dont want to get it dirty. It is nice to own a piece of American History. My wife and I already established we will own this forever. With a lifetime warranty why not!

• 

  2014 Jeep GC is the best SUV available - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By markansas - April 22 - 2:12 am

  I have the Limited 4x4, 3.6 Liter V-6 gasoline with Advanced Technology Group, the Lux Group II, Trailer Tow Group IV, Exterior Appearance Group, Off-Road Adventure I and the Uconnect Nav option. I drove a Mercedes SUV, a Land Rover, the Audi Q5 and Q7 and the Volvo X90. I liked the Limited GC better than all of them and relative to cost, I LOVED the Limited GC. The others are so overpriced relative to the Limited GC. For all the reviews complaining about the diesel engine, I ask this: Why in the Hades did you buy the diesel? It cost an extra $4200 + tax and it is no savings over a gasoline engine given that diesel fuel is 20% or so more expensive than 87 octane. Diesel = not a smart buy

• 

  Best car ever - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DanP - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Grand Cherokee since 1993. I like this style much better than the new one and I cant bring myself to get rid of it. The 5.9 engine and all-wheel drive make this a true performance vehicle, but the mileage is not good. But, in terms of looks, performance, practicality, and features, this is the best car Ive ever had.

• 

  Fun, Reliable eats gas. - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pmlupi - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Love my Jeep, and am planning on keeping it until it dies. It is classy enough to tote clients around in and will hold up while impersonating the "General Lee" while off roading. It also seems to look much better when it has a good coat of dirt on it. There is something wrong with getting it detailed.