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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  Awesome Jeep Gas Mileage - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By graycecile - July 22 - 10:00 am

  My gas mileage was a little low at first but then about 6000 miles I started watching my tachometer. I decided to keep it below 2000 when driving. Since I have been doing this my mileage as gone from 16.5 to 21.9 on the highway and from 14.5 to 17.5 in the city. I think this is awesome performance from my jeep wrangler. Its not for sale and wont be until I can afford another.

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  Fun but unaffordable - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By dnferg - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The major problem with this vehicle is poor fuel economy.

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  ADD 4" Skyjacker and 33" All Terrains - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By KenJeep1978 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive got a X and at 2500 miles I added a 4" Skyjacker lift with 33" tires. I have to say I do believe that is the best compatiblity for Jeep. Gears 1 through 4 are terrific but 5th struggles at high speeds. Just recently drove cross country and hardly saw 70. But that when I remind myself its a jeep. Can also easily tow 2700 pound boat with ease.

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  Great car - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By big D - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle rides firm simular to MB, BMW etc, all wheels stay on ground for better control etc. Great to drive on beach and mountains. Plenty of power to pull my 17ft boat. No problems to date. We feel we got what we paid for knowing fuel mileage is low ave. 18-21 mph.

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  My Big Little SUV - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By lcd231 - July 22 - 12:30 am

  I bought my jeep with 93 thousand miles and have 113 thousand now and have had very little go wrong. its my second Cherokee. My first one was an 88 limited and i sold it with 377 thousand miles and was still running very well This thing will be buried with me!

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  2006 Grand Cherokee Limited - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ken - July 21 - 11:53 pm

  This is my second Grand Cherokee. The first being a 1995 with V8 engine. This 2006 model has the 4.7 V8 and is terrible on gas in city driving ( 12- 13 MPG). On the highway it doesnt do better than 19 and averages around 18MPG. I did better with the old 318 in the 95 model. You would think after 10 years and less engine displacement Jeep could improve their mileage ratings. With only 8,000 miles on it I am beginning to see the telltale signs of future issues...like the outside temp gage display isnt working properly and the engine has a ticking sound like old lifters or someting. If I have the same issues with this Jeep that I had with the old one its good by Chrysler and never again.

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  pretty good truck - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By James - July 21 - 6:00 am

  Jeep is fun. Great to park. Back is very small. A little hard riding but put the top down and you forget all about the ride. I would like to see a little more power out of the engine, might increase gas mileage. 6 cylinder is nice but needs more horsepower. Maybe with a stick it would be better but I got the automatic because of my wife.

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  ITS A JEEP - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By STAAR - July 20 - 2:50 pm

  I bought the 4x4 Commander. It is strong, sturdy and doesnt whimper off road. Cargo space is fantastic and the seats fold down flat. Nice sound system and back up buddy on base models. I had the Lojack early warning put in since we are close to the border. I did not like that Lojack could not add their audible alarm system and it would have to be Jeeps.

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  My Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By MassJeepOwner - July 20 - 1:26 pm

  Great curb appeal, solid build, low road noise, powerful V6 engine, great steering response, good interior design, great 4WD system, poor gas mileage for a V6. Overall I love the new Liberty and would recommend to anyone looking to purchase a compact SUV.

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  Disappointed in east Tn - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By Dstout - July 19 - 2:22 am

  Too many suspension parts becoming rusty or corrosive and having to replace such as wheel barrings for one example and now the axle and surrounding components are worn and corrosive looking. Theres a squeaky noise in the rear and hoping it doesnt fall apart with me. Ive bought this car new and havent been driving it 5 years yet. I would never buy another one...EVER!! Its JUNK!!