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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  Mountain Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By JP - September 28 - 7:30 am

  My Jeep has been great. Very reliable and can handle all of the elements, snow, rain, wind. Excellent at high elevations, grips the road. A little bit of a bumpy ride but hey its a Jeep. No mechanical issues at all. Regular maintenance. Very zippy. I have driven it in the mountains and across the rivers and it can handle it

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  Great SUV for the money - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DAVE - September 27 - 10:30 pm

  Bought the Jeep Grand Cherokee with 80,000 and have been totally happy with the vehicle. Even at 6 years and 80K it looks and drives like new. Lots of power and still gets 25 MPG on the highway. Turns more heads than any other $9,000 vehicle I know of.

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  Jeep Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Rion Allen - September 27 - 8:43 pm

  10,000 miles and still loving it, not the fastest but smooth to drive and built with quality. I like chicken. 5 spd manual had a little trouble grinding in 3rd gear but local chrysler/dodge/jeep dealer fixed it right up with a new blocker ring. Towed a 2500 or more load from Michigan to Texas in 2 days over foothills of mountains, no trouble at all and not equipped with tow package, however i do run synthetic. This car was perfect for me with the basic package because the vinyl is easy to clean and the removable rear cargo floor is easy to clean. I am very happy with my new Jeep and look forward to a long companionship. Purchased extended warranty- lifetime bumper to bumper good buy.

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  Never again... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By krey - September 26 - 7:53 pm

  My car is in the shop once again for transmission issues. The engine malfunction light is getting to be my constant driving companion. Not only is the vehicle a gas hog (dont believe the window sticker folks) but its totally unreliable. And the service I receive at the dealership matches the vehicle: SUB- PAR. No wonder the big three are in so much trouble...you get what you give.

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  Nice, but Liked my CJ5 Better - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Maui Jeep - September 26 - 10:46 am

  This is a Hawaii Jeep so the top is off a lot. Sunrider top is easy and quick. Still surprised by the poor gas mileage but its improved to about 16 city and 22 highway with 5,000 miles on the odometer. I wanted the shorter model but the unlimited rides better. Back seat entry is best left to the kids. Cant see the wheel flairs so be careful around close quarters. Steering wheel diameter seems larger than what it needs to be. Maybe its my memory, but my 78 CJ5 was more of a kick to drive. Other 4WD Ive owned: Toyota 4-Runner, Tundra PU, Chev Blazer and half ton PU.

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  Great replacement vehicle - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By manolo - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep as a replacement for a totaled 97 Mitsu Montero LS. I bought it with 98k miles and have gone up to 154k. In that time Ive replaced oil seals, brakes,and cooling system (myself). Even though Ive invested about $2000 in recondition costs, Ive no regrets. This Jeep has proven itself many times better than the Mitsu Montero. It is sure footed on ice and snow, takes the desert heat, and sits steady in strong headwinds.I close my eyes when I fill up the tank and dont even bother thinking about MPGs. Its a real 4X4 and thats all that matters.I know it will take me anywhere I want to go.

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  my jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By roshario2001 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  i love my jeep. i have never owned a vehicle that is more fun to drive or more reliable. easy to maintain and upgrades are unlimited if you have the budget for them. a huge support group is available on the web for all jeep related issues.

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  Jeep Unlimited - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sunbakt - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my new Jeep for two weeks and already I have 1,100 miles on it! I love it!!! What fun it is to drive, and how well it handles! I highly recommend owning a Jeep!

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  Never buy an exploder again!!!!!!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Forever Jeep Man - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my explorer for this tiny thing that they call a JEEP and I will never go back. This vehicle is just awesome, ford cant touch this. Gas is a problem but its worth the extra money to be able to drive around in my JEEP.

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  Jeep Liberty - Limited Edition - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Tante Amy - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have not had my Jeep very long, but it is comfortable, and handles very well. The night I bought it there was a bad electrical storm with loads of rain. The 4WD handled beautifully and was easy to turn on and off.