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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  Power and Personality - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Charles H. - January 6 - 9:00 pm

  I purchased my new Jeep Commander unaware that this aerodynamicly improper SUV would have so much power. Everywhere you go, people notice it. Not great on gas though, can actually see the fuel meter drifting leftward during hard acceleration.

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  First time Jeep owner - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By marcoose84 - January 6 - 3:35 am

  I bought my JGC about a month ago and it has 115,000 miles and so far I love it. The CD player has a mind of its own sometimes, but what do you expect for a 13 year old Jeep. Ive owned several SUVs and I have to say its been my favorite. I can honestly say I maybe sold on Jeeps. This wont be my last.

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  I have loved all of mine - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jmc19117 - January 5 - 4:53 am

  If you are looking for a car that is great on gas, silent, & not bumpy then pass on the Wrangler. If you like to have fun, get through almost anything & have a blast doing so then this is the one for you! I am a female & do not find it difficult to get the soft top on or off. Have not had a hard time with it in any sort of commuting. Easy to travel in also. Have taken it up & down the East Coast.

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  My toy - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By susan19531 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned my Liberty for 2 weeks. I love it. I find places to drive to. Gas mileage could be better.

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  I love the Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Paul Leon - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the jeep with the idear of a well made form of transportation with a long history starting with world war 2. I am very happy with my choice of transportation the four wheel drive is grate. I have the qureda track four wheel drive with six cylender eigen and automatic transmission. I traded in a Toyota Rav 4 which was all wheel drive. The four wheel drive on the Jeep is a lot better than I had on the toyota. I am happy with my choice of a car.

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  Best Overall SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Silvestri - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have been searching for about a month now. Ive owned the 4 Runner and Highlander. I make long trips and the 4 Runner and Highlander were not that comfortable. Checked into the new 4 Runner but it lacked design both inside and out. Also checked into the Touareg, Pilot, Durango and Pacifica, but none had the Comfort and design that made me say wow! But the Grand Cherokee Limited was the perfect match for me and the wife. It had a sporty and refined exterior that really caught my eye and the interior is above all the rest as far as appointments and comfort. Best car Ive ever owned. Dont look any further, just buy the Jeep!

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  Jeep Wrangler SE 4x4 - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By T Rex - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I find that this vehicle is a good buy for the money, it is very reliable, fun to drive (in winter and summer), looks good, and very little maintenance is required.... other than routine oil/brake/tire changes.