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:

• 

  This Vehicle is a Lot of Fun - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By SKenyon45 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is really fun to drive and has a supringly great amount of comfort for a vehicle that is based on the premise that it will be used off road. The factory installed enhancements, normally installed after market, are engineered as a system, so this car doesnt misbehave, even at speeds up to 75 mph.

• 

  Kudos for Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Wendy P. - February 28 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Jeep Limited is my second Liberty. A few weeks before I purchased this one, my 2002 Liberty was totaled in an accident when a driver ran through a red light and hit me. The engine took the brunt of the hit -- I didnt. Im convinced the rugged construction saved me. And the Liberty is extremely comfortable on my 5-hour trips to Vermont. It handles well, is a blast to drive, and, after all, its a Jeep. It can go just about anywhere my heart desires. Want fun? Take a Jeep off the beaten track and see what it can do. I love my Jeep Liberty!!

• 

  Overview of Jeep Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Lynn Kirk - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep Liberty. Found that I need to be careful on slippery roads, but it has a lot of get up and go and is fun to drive.

• 

  satisfied owner - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pepper - February 27 - 2:03 am

  Most driving is local. Two to four trips a year exceeding 150 miles. Great service by dealer, one trip for brake check (recall) and one to replace the battery (warranty).

• 

  Rubicon for the family - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By YellowRubi - February 25 - 8:53 pm

  This is my 5th Jeep, 3rd Wrangler, and 2nd Rubicon. The Rubicon is such a great off-road and fun vacation vehicle that my family selected to upgrade for the space in this Unlimited model. The decrease in MPG in this model was disappointing (23mpg down to 18) however, the extra space has paid off for the 2 kids and dog. My wife loves it so much she took the Jeep 101 course through the dealer and local Jeep Club and now she loves it even more. She became familiar with "lockers". My 8 year old daughter plans to own this Jeep when she reaches 16. I cant blame her. Great Jeep. Great off road. Great for PA winters and traveling the mountains during hunting season. This Jeep is a keeper.

• 

  forrest service "Gump" green - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By mintjeeplup - February 25 - 2:59 am

  Got my cherokee @ govt. auction 2 years ago with 63000 miles ..Its the forrest service green an uglier colour than even shrek after a night of drinking..this does not distract from special forrest service options like steel gas tank skid plate and other skid plates protecting the underside..now my jeep has 67000 miles and real nice rims it aint the workhorse in my fleet of cars..that is my 1992 cherokee also with the great straght 6 motor...the 2000 is my 5th jeep with the straight 6 and runs smoother stronger and faster than the others ever did. a truely rugged vehicle..buy one or two..YEA

• 

  Love it so far - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By EC - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought it back in June and I really like it so far. My only complaint is the positioning of the sun visors. Since the roof has padding, the visors dont sit up against the windsheild in a manner that allows taller people to see properly. This means that to use them I have to point them at me. Aside from that, I really like the vehicle a lot. I live in a mountainous area and am up on mountain dirt roads on a somewhat regular basis. I have no problems with any of it. The V6 provides enough pick up to get up to highway speeds without gunning the engine, and the engine is powerful enough to take you almost anywhere.

• 

  The Perfect SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Reviewer1 - February 21 - 1:56 pm

  The only problem with the Commander is poor fuel economy. Otherwise, this is the perfect SUV. Larger than the typical mid-size SUV but not obnoxiously big as most full-size SUVs. The Commander drives great in adverse conditions, such as rain and snow, and always feels under control. The 4.7 V8 offer plenty of power and it rides and handles great for an SUV. I leased mine and will either purchase it after the end of the lease or buy a new one.

• 

  Love my Jeep - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dennis - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Have had my 2010 Jeep Sport with hardtop for 3 weeks. MPG keeps moving up; now getting 22.9 mpg. Handles off road like a dream and in town the ride is quiet, maneuvers beautifully, and the red rock color with chrome package is an eye catcher. Puts the fun and adventure back into driving again. One rock-solid and handsome car. Now I understand the term, "Its a Jeep Thing!" It really is.

• 

  3yrs later 61000 miles and still in love - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Terry - February 18 - 5:00 pm

  I have been in the auto biz for over 20 years. Have seen and driven them all. When I leased my Jeep 3 years ago I never dreamed I would become so attached. It has seen and done it all and never has it let me or my family down. When you first buy any new vehicle it should have good reviews. This is extroardinary to feel this way 3 years later. Great product 61000 miles later changed oil and filter; rotated the tires, air filter once. Its great