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:

• 

  Yah! Liberty Diesel! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By lightnin4 - April 7 - 9:03 pm

  Great product! Averaging 30miles/gallon Canadian. No speeding in this thing although it is fast. Youll find the mileage will stink as the turbo kicks in, so Chrysler suggests best mileage is at 55 mph. Very practical with a 5000 lb. towing capacity, 4x4, very comfortable. Diesel option in a Sport or Limited and towing package at only $1000. Colors are nice. The patriot blue and salsa red pearl coat looks great on chrome accents and sport rims.

• 

  The "IT" Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By canes97 - April 7 - 5:40 am

  I love the way this vehicle drives and the roominess of the interior. The engine is quiet as well as little road noise. Off-road the Commander is just that -- commanding. It is a very capable off-road vehicle and it performed better than I would have expected. Whether the Commander is for work, play or comfort this vehicle has it all and I love it.

• 

  Loves my Hemi - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Denise Morrow - April 7 - 1:23 am

  I like the SUV experience and this is a luxury liner for the SUV. Handling is impressive. The Commanders style and class cant be compared to anything less expensive than the Land Rover and compared to the Land Rover the Commanders ride and the driving experience is much better. Although the limited cargo space has been bothersome from time to time, I wouldnt want the vehicles length extended so the trade-off is okay. The stereo display unit could be improved. I should have purchased a 4.7 instead of the 5.7 if Hemi is available with 4.7.

• 

  2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GC - April 6 - 8:23 pm

  I was looking at the Pathfinder and 4runner when I ran into the 2011 GC. Test drove the truck and fell in love. Hands down you cant beat the price for what is included inside. Drove both the V6 and V8 and thought the V6 was adequate and better on the gas. I would recommend the V8 if you want to fly. Went with the 26X package with the panoramic sunroof. Amazing. This car will be with me for a while. Well done Detroit.

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By 530n52 - April 6 - 7:33 pm

  The Wrangler Unlimited maybe the most enjoyable vehicle I have owned. I have been surprised by the on road driving comfort and especially the braking performance. Off road ability is expected since this is the focus of the design. It has enough power for my needs, but could do better on MPG. Still a fantastic rig. Took the top off the first day and still have not put it back on.

• 

  Mid-Term Review (2 yrs) - North Edition - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By quattroNORTH - April 6 - 10:00 am

  The Pat can rattle driving on gravel roads or offroad. Esp annoying are rattles coming from inside the steering column & the int. dr panels. Gas mileage can be sensitive, so stick to the manuals instructions. Take-off & passing perf are slow, & youd have to make your engine scream. But once momentum kicks in, it can be quite quick. Extreme cold weather starts (even plugged-in) can hesitate. Looks are great w/ lift kit & interior is roomy for its class. Pkg & value are superb, and offroad abilities are still good for its class. But too many Dodge Caliber parts. And 4WD LOCK doesnt seem to make much difference. Great looks & handling in snow and otherwise. SIRIUS reception can be spotty.

• 

  What do you expect? - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By caljeepster - April 5 - 6:37 pm

  I drive a 2004 Grand Cherokee 4.7 HO, 200k+ miles and going strong. I will keep this Jeep through 500k+ miles. When I was looking for a capable off-road with luxury comforts I found the WJ Jeep was best of the best. You will spend money on this vehicle, especially if you take it 150k+ miles but so what? You can find one used for $5,000. I typically spend 3-4,000 a year on my jeep but that is including lifting it 4", new tires and wheels and I use the 4x4 for fun on trails. That averages out to $300/mo. Not bad for vehicle that gets compliments every week and has rescued its fair share of other off roaders who lacked the power or traction to keep up with my Jeep. I love this Jeep.

• 

  2005 Jeep Liberty Sport 2WD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By rich9294 - April 5 - 5:10 pm

  I purchased my Liberty in December of 2004. I had no problems, until year 5. In the last year, the transmission has had two repairs, the left rear window broke on vacation(the glass did not go backup), and there has been one recall. My extended warranty is about to expire, and I am left wondering what will break next when I have to pay the full amount of the repair. Also, town mileage is real, real bad, around 15 mpg. I can usually get 22 to 24 mpg on the road if I drive 65 mph. If I were to assign a letter grade to my Jeep, it would receive a D. I will not purchase another Jeep or Chrysler product, ever again.

• 

  Much Better Than Reviews - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By CDS1946 - April 5 - 3:03 pm

  Bought the Liberty Limited for my wife. What a solid, well built vehicle this is! One look underneath at the suspension will tell you that this vehicle is built to last. Nothing cheap about the interior either. Leather seats are so so soft but very supportive. The build quality just oozes every where you look inside. And thirsty gasoline V6? Not on this one. If you drive it like you wish to keep it for a long time as we do, youll see 24-25mpg easily on the highway and 18-19 in the city. Those numbers aint bad on a 4000 lb plus vehicle. The ride thats supposed to be not quite up with the rest? Thats a bunch of nonsense! Test drive one and YOU be the judge.

• 

  Nice Rig - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Paul - April 5 - 9:16 am

  I traded a 2500HD to get my Dream Jeep. After a week of driving, it was more than I had hoped. The six speed is a good box. It has a tight gate, but easy to get accustomed to. The ride is a lot better than in the "shorty" Wrangler. The Jeep tradition lives on.