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:

• 

  Nice ride - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tony - May 26 - 9:26 am

  Just got my 08 limited 5.7 hemi. Gave up my 95 Cherokee that I had nothing but luck with . At 80 mph Im at 2000 rpm . This truck is very fast and has lots of power. Rides great. Im loaded with every option available. Hopefully after many miles Im still happy .

• 

  A Great Set Of Wheels - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Zeerab - May 24 - 11:36 pm

  This little baby has 232,000 miles and still does not burn oil. It has a small leak (1/2 qt in 1400 miles). This has been the best set of wheels i have ever owned.

• 

  Great 4X4 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Dennis - May 24 - 9:00 am

  I havent owned a Jeep since 1985, but my new Liberty has made it worth the wait. This has got to be the most awesome Jeep ever. Look out Hummer!

• 

  Not bad for a 4 cyl. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bigal - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I compared the liberty to the CRV, Rav4, and Sante Fe. I was originally going to buy the Sante Fe, but I had a very hard time finding it w/ options I wanted. The Liberty has a bit stiffer ride than the Hyundai, but that was improved once decreased tire air pressure. Has a few less features (like heated mirrors), but it is nice to know I will be able to find a dealer wherever I go. I dont think this is possible with the Hyundai. Much better headroom in front.

• 

  The 5.9 lt. edition its the best 4wd eve - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By el_yvan - May 21 - 10:00 am

  the grand cherokee its one hell of a car... Excellent 4wd sistem. i modified my GC, and it looks like no other SUV, im telling you, because i live in Rosarito Mexico, and every weekend i go to the dunes,

• 

  The best Wrangler yet! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By DJ Kelly - May 20 - 5:40 am

  This is my 4th Wrangler. Had a Sport, a Rubicon, and the original Unlimited 2 door. This is it! The engine is the same as my Chrysler minivan engine (has 160K miles on it, runs great). This Jeep is great for camping, gets excellent mileage, the rag top is the easiest to remove (6 minutes by myself), and looks so awesome I have to carry my salesmans business cards around to give to people who stop and talk to me about it. Does ANYTHING I ask it to! This IS the one youve been waiting for.

• 

  Unlimited SAHARA - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By doom trooper - May 20 - 3:36 am

  I love my 08 UNLIMITED SAHARA it surprised me when I found out how quiet the ride is and how it has completely beaten the older models. I have owned 4x4s before both trucks and full size suvs and I will admit that they all had a good ride and handled well BUT this jeep beats them all. I showed my 08 unlimited Sahara to my cousin who still has an original CJ5 and he told me straight up that it completely beats his CJ in every way. He agrees with me that the removable hard top comes in handy in sunny worm weather.

• 

  Topless in Houston! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep23Girl - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I currently have a 97 Wrangler Sport. I bought it January 98. I just recently went over 100k miles in it on 7/10/03 @ 5:32pm. Since the day I brought my Jeep home, I HAVE NOT had any problems with it. The body is built tough, to over- ome any obstacle. Actually, the tough- ness of my Jeep kinda saved my life! I was into a nasty hit and run accident in April 03, costing $8k in repairs. My Jeep was thrown about 20 feet onto the side walk and into the bushes. If I was to be in another vehicle, Thanks Jeep! -Kim H. Houston, TX

• 

  Sammys Jeep Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Sammy - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep Liberty has proven to be very roomy for my family of 5. It rides smooth like a car on the road and like a truck off the road. It is has the pickup you need.

• 

  Fun in the sun! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pamela Farmer - May 16 - 7:41 am

  Total Blast but not a great family car or hauling things.