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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  Gutless - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By downtheroad - May 14 - 5:30 pm

  This 4 door unlimited with 4.10 and stock tires cant move itself down mostly flat roads and 20mph winds. The interior is extremely cheap. Tow rated for 3500, I couldnt pleasantly (by any means) tow my 350 lb motorcycle trailer with 1,000 lbs of motorcycle and gear on it. Guess Ill wait for the 2012 pentastar motor and then looked for a used 2 door later - hope they do something for the interior too. Nice to look at. Nice convertible options -- overall - I sold it 3 months after buying it!

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim - May 14 - 3:43 pm

  This is my first Jeep, and now I finally know what Jeep owners have been raving about all these years. What a great truck, from the sharp looks to the fun of driving it. Great on the highway, Ive gotten up to 23 mpg on long trips ( I have the 4.7 V8 ). I dont do nearly as ggod around town, 13- 15 mpg. All on 87 octane. Comfortable on the inside. I live in the northeast and get snow in the winter and this thing is terrific in the snow. Overall a great vehicle. Biggest drawback is the poor gas mileage, but thats the trade-off. Great truck for bad gas mileage.

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  Once you buy one, youll love it! - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By RUF RYDR - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Jeep going on 4yrs now. If youve ever wanted to buy one...DO IT! The things are an absolute blast. Mines a daily driver which gets about 15,000 mi a yr and I also use it off- road offten. This vehicle cant be beat for fun and reliability!

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  awesome - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By JustinKN - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It is my 4th vehicle, and easily the best. Its not the most expensive but its the newest and has the best feature content and performance of all the rest. The only problems Ive had were an old worn radiator hose that had to be replaced ($8 big whoop), and a tire that fell apart. Not the Cherokees fault. Worn Uniroyal tires...It has brand new Michelins now. Big improvement.

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  I love my jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jeep - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted a Jeep. I test drove this vehicle and fell in love with it. It handles nicely on the road. I like the idea of the Window conrols in the middle. That way the little ones cant "Play" with them, even with the winow locks on. The leg room is great and also has exceptional head room. I was able to get a fully loaded Jeep Cheaper than the others on the market.

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  I Love this vehicle - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By gimlet - May 14 - 6:33 am

  I have owned Jeeps my whole life and people ask me why I love them so much. They complain about the ride being too rough and it eating too much fuel. To me, however, a vehicle should be practical and fun to drive and that is what I love about the Jeep Wrangler; they are awesome off-road, sporty enough to drive around town, not to mention there are myriad configurations for the roof which is awesome since I live in Hawaii. But the thing I love the most is the fact that they havent changed all that much in the past, once again proving the old mantra "if it aint broke dont fix it."

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  Jeep J-J-Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By ScottR - May 14 - 12:36 am

  As soon as Jeep came out with the Unlimited (4-door) Wranglers, I knew I wanted one. I only have 2000 miles on it so far and cant really comment on reliability (been great so far!). Otherwise I love it! Design gets all 10s from me -- from the outside in, its a Jeep! And the drivetrain seems to be as solid as they claim. Love the freedom tops. Sound system is much better than older Wranglers. Road noise with the hard top is not bad, which surprised me. Handles well on highway at 80+ MPH, which is also surprising (though it wanders a bit). Im a big guy, and interior is very comfortable for me. Fuel economy? I gave it a 10 because it meets my expectations. Its a Jeep, not a Toyota.

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  Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Crystal - May 13 - 8:53 pm

  I love my Jeep Liberty although it sucks gas at a time when gas is outrageous. I wish it had a left foot rest and that the power windows were on the door but I love the comfort and maneuverability of the Liberty.

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  Let me just tell you... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By SJZ123 - May 12 - 10:06 am

  Traded in a 2000 Cherokee Sport for an 08 Patriot, was unsure if I wanted to but after test driving it a few times I had to have one. The MPG is great usually runs me about $28-$33 to fill up (lot better then my gas chugging Cherokee which averaged about $50+ a fill up. The Patriot is comfortable, fun to drive, very roomy, feels like a cross between the Cherokee and the Commander. The CVT You have to wait about 1,500 miles for the electronic transmission to dial in to get the correct gear ratios but once it does the performance picks up. Ive had mine for about 2 months now and have racked up about 3,500 miles already.

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  good car - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By crodog - May 11 - 10:00 am

  excellent vehicle - 6 cyl is a proven block and runs forever with proper care