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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  Wrangler # 3, I wont buy another new one - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Clarkbar - June 15 - 8:30 pm

  I have owned a 97 SE 4 cyl 5 sp, 01 sport 6cyl 5sp and now I have an 05 rubicon 6 cyl 6sp. I have had nothing but problems with the front end. 4 sets of sway arm links, 4 steering stabilizers and 3 axle seal sets and it currently needs to go back in to the shop for more of the same I am sure. Other than that I love the Rubicon. It will go anywhere you want to go. Yes, its noisy, with the soft top. Hardtop helps a lot. mpg should not be a consideration. Its bad. I will own another Wrangler but it will be an old one. I absolutely loved the 97 (car accident took it from me), 2001 caught fire in the garage from a wiring short, 2005 my lawyer is negotiating with Chrysler. Buy an old one!

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  2+ yrs in the Lib - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Steve - June 15 - 10:26 am

  Very reliable SUV. I put 45k on it and tires are still in good condition. Have had 0 problems. It will get 21mpg highway but in mixed driving I get about 17.5. This SUV handles turns very well, much better than the Xterra. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a relatively cheap, reliable vehicle with 4 wheel drive.

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  Tub on wheels. - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Hubbard - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Unpretentious car that operates very well as a tub on wheels. Short turning radius and relatively high seating are big pluses. I also like the accessibility of the engine compartment and body parts. Highway noise above 55 mph, and poor fuel economy even for a 4 cylinder, are the negatives. Overall, I would buy it again, and am especially intrigued by the new model with an extended wheelbase and storage.

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  First Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gern Blanston - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Jeep. I remember driving a 1983 CJ -7 and this Unlimited blows it a away. The ride is shall I say "Tons Smoother" than the old Jeeps. I traded my Toyota Tundra in on this vehicle and have not regretted it. I was used to the Toyota build quailty and was not dissapointed with this Jeep. Yes, it doesnt have the same creature comforts as my Tundra, but for a Jeep, I impressed! Arranged the whole deal over the Internet with the dealer and it was painless. Does pay to shop around and play the other dealers against each other.

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  Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By cuellm - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The best vehicle I have ever owned

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  I LOVE THIS SUV - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By MEDIALIZ - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS SUV ... ITS LUXARY ON THE INSIDE AND HANDLES GREAT - HAVE PUT IT THRU SOME PACES ... TERRIFIC, ONE SNAG - WISH IT GOT BETTER FUEL ECONOMY- FRIGHTENING $2.25 PER GALLON ... THE PRICE YOU PAY FOR THE CAR YOU LOVE

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  Great SUV - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jeep family - June 15 - 10:00 am

  All the fun of a JEEP, plus more room for family and cargo

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  Love My Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Dody Lomax - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I love the way the jeep drives. I feel like Im driving a car instead of an SUV.

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  O.K. LIBERTY - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By TAMMYBRANT - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I FEEL LIKE IM TILTED TOWARD THE WINDSHEILD WHEN IM SITTING DOWN. I MIGHT HAVE TO JUST BREAK IT IN! LOVE THE JEEP LOOK INSIDE. PRETTY COOL!

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  Love our Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Hemi - June 14 - 6:00 pm

  We have a cabin in the Sierras and the road to our place is dirt. When it rains its very muddy and we needed a dependable 4 wheel drive to get there. We found it with the new 2005 Grand Jeep Cherokee. Just love to drive it! Its easy to drive and a dream to parallel park.