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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  Small aftermarket changes - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Joe - February 11 - 7:10 pm

  Tinted the Windows, rockslider Nerf bars, got rid of the extremely weak and ugly highway tires for bfg all terrain kos and removed sport and wrangler stickers. Am now 90% happy with the sexy looking black Jeep, gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired but otherwise very happy. Have problems when using softop with the back window clips falling off, also seems to fit poorly around the rear. About 2000 dollars in upgrades really helped hive it a more rugged Jeep look, do think the fender flares could use tweaking, get a ton of road grime kicked up & plastering the door handles, actually noticed it more with the stock tires. It does get a lot of compliments as well

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  Best Jeep ever - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gladiboughtajeep - February 11 - 8:03 am

  After having 5 Grand Cherokees in the past, I feel this one is by far the best. 05 Limited, 4.7 V8. Great engine, great seats, road feel, by far the best one. I was considering a German SUV this time, but I am glad I went and gave the Gr. Cherokee a test drive. My 02 was also a 4.7 V8 but this one feels much more powerfull. You wont be sorry.

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  LOVE LOVE LIKE - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By yesdnyl99 - February 11 - 6:46 am

  This is my first Jeep after loving them since I was little. Its rugged while still comfortable. The speakers are loud and clear, its comfortable on long trips, and its quite trusting when you find yourself in bad weather. It swings around to get into parking spaces that other SUVs wouldnt be able to fit into because they dont have a sharp turn. This one does without being scared of embarrassing yourself with having to reverse a million times. SUVs are normally bumpy but this one is pretty fun when it does bounce. The style is masculine but feminine enough for women to drive it without feeling like a guy.

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  Love my 2007 commander - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Sher - February 11 - 2:54 am

  I love this car except that this particular one is missing some of the bells and whistles like push button start and navigation system. I wish Jeep was still making them. Just not a fan of the new SUV styles out there. Thank goodness I dont have to get a new car because cant find anything I like. The only bummer is the gas mileage but thats what happens with a boxy vehicle

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  Have Fun - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Mac - February 10 - 2:40 am

  I have put on more than 113,000 miles in the 2.5 years I have had my Liberty. The only thing I have had to do is the standard oil changes and new tires. My Liberty is still tight all around and everything still feels new. I cant believe it myself. I will definitely get another Liberty after this one.

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  1999 Cherokee Sport 4dr 4wd - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By B Hiner - February 10 - 2:00 am

  My Jeep is a company vehicle and I bought it off the lot new. My work causes me to travel on short notice at any hour and in any weather. I havent had a problem in 150,000. It has been very dependable and I have used the 4wd when needed. It has been maintained well but the only money spent other than maintenance was for brakes ( shoes and pads ) tires at and tuneup at 70,000. Have had the windshield replaced do to rock chips or cinders during bad weather. On long trips I would like to have more leg room but over all its been great. Maybe I got lucky but based on my experience I can recommend it.

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  GREAT RIDE - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Peter Marks - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my new Jeep for about 2 months, and I been nothing but impressed. The jeep is so solid, its like driving a tank and a cloud at the same time. The fold down seats provide for alot of room, it rides great but the gas mileage leaves something to be desired. Also, a minor problem. On the bottom of the car under the passenger side, there is a bit of paint missing, and is beginning to rust, you wouldnt know unless you bent down to look at it. im sure itll be fix w/o a problem.

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  Very Hppay with New Jeep - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TCB-2 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Jeep (previosuly had had two Rodeos that were okay). Especially enjoy the leather seats and 10-CD changer. We drove from Okla to LA in December and the drive was great and gas mileage 19 to 20, which was as good as the Rodeos. Had to have a rear-end leak checked in late January, but the dealer fixed the problem immediately. Already have 6,000 miles and couldnt be happier.

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  Amazing in every way!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By colorado1974 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  The build quality rivals that of Acura. The looks are better than the rest, plus I had it through 3 feet of water and not one drop leaked inside. I get 23 mpg on the highway at 70mph and really couldnt be happier. No wonder this was the number one seller last year.

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  Ill never buy another Jeep - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DRichards - February 8 - 3:08 pm

  This is a great car if you enjoy spending a lot of money on repairs and bringing it to the shop over and over again.