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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  Best vehicle so far! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By CliffB - June 28 - 10:00 am

  After the first test drive I was hooked. I had always liked the Wrangler but in the past I always needed a more practical vehicle. The Wrangler is not all that practical but it is fun. There is nothing like driving the Jeep with the top down on warm sunny days. Other Wrangler owners wave and everybody else is envious. The soft top takes some practice but mastering it comes quickly. The upgraded stereo is powerful enough to use on the highway with the top down. The short wheelbase and tight steering radus makes manuvering in tight spots a breeze. The gas milage could be better but that dosent seem to matter so much when the top is down.

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  escape eat your heart out - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By mike in phoenix - June 28 - 10:00 am

  owned a few suvs this is by far the best rides like a tank off road like a merceds on the hi way i highly reccomend the limited

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  A stick in the spokes, but better now - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Paul - June 27 - 8:33 am

  I purchased a pre-owned Liberty 65th Anniversary Edition last month. I was deciding between the Dodge Nitro and the Liberty and am glad I chose the Jeep. I should mention that I had a major problem after the first week of ownership. The engine light came on and it turned out, I needed major engine work. Sounds dire considering I just bought the vehicle but everything was covered and the dealership fixed the misfire problems that were internal. Moving on I must say I love driving this vehicle. Its a delight to hop in and just shoot around town or taking it off-road which is the real reason I purchased the vehicle after owning a Mazda Millenia for the last 4 years.

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  I love my Jeep Grand Cherokee - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ginger60 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This 96 Jeep has never broken down or left me stranded, has only had general maintenance as demanded by age and is the best car I have ever owned. I will never sell it (I have had offers), it will simply wear out. Except for a couple of dings & scratches caused by other drivers, it is in excellent condition, inside and out. I love it!!I service regularly and always take it to a Jeep de

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  Just get one - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By dogsoldier - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a very fun "I always wanted" kinda ride. What a blast. And tons of jeep clubs all over the country.

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  my review - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Aaron04 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  i like the car. its fun to drive. I always keep the top down. just wish there was a space specifically for the windows to be stored so they dont get scratched

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  New Car - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Patricia Nuhfer - June 26 - 9:16 am

  Traded in my 02 Nissan Xterra. I find the ride in the Jeep Liberty more comfortable not as truck like as the Xterra. One big factor in buying this was the 0% financing, which enabled me to purchase the Limited with all of the extras.

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  my last Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By L.T. - June 25 - 1:50 am

  Dangerous blind spots; front windshield too low -- hard to see traffic lights; back window too small; interior too tight -- bump head ( I am not very tall); serious blind spots; seats hard and uncomfortable. This is not a reflection on the dealership. I would buy another car from them without hesitation.

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  1,2,3 Heave the Anchor - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By VectorW8t@hbvac.org - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Cons: Its quite painfully clear that Jeep has under-engineered their drive train and braking system. The vehicle simple looks and is marketed as being tough but cant walk the walk. The truck is built "Good Enough" to make it through a lease period which seems to be the mantra of the American Auto companies. My next vehicle, which will be shortly, will be a Japanese vehicle. The brand Jeep conjures up images of a tough American icon built to last with second to none off road capabilities, which is a farce.

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  Jeep cant be beat - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Freedom - June 24 - 1:53 am

  I mean if you read about this Jeep, they make it sound like a bad car, let me tell you, I have owned all sports cars until this Jeep, and this thing can drive. It moves, handles, and brakes fine. Of course it is heavy so it dosent do it like a sports car would, but pretty close. 4X4 cant be spoken for, so unbelievable, it cant be stopped - I tried. I towed an H2 out of a mud pit, I struggled but it is WOW!!! Great car.