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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  If you are good at repairing yourself... - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By J.D. - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my jeep for 4 years now and I have had some wonderful times in it. I must say that it has to be one of the greatest things to drive in the mountain with the top off in the summer. The worst thing about jeeps are the mechanics of it. I have replaced everything (radiator, starter, alternator, water pump and the big daddy (transmissions). If you get a 100,000 miles your tansmission did a great job. If you have the money to make repairs, I would definitley buy a jeep.

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  Good Little Jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By boggse - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I have to say that my Cherokee has got to be the best vehicle I have ever owned. Not the most reliable or fun to drive, but simply thie best overall package. While it seems outdated compared to all of the newer small SUVs out there (including the Liberty), it has a charm that is timeless. The biggest problem Ive had has been the power window regulators. Highway fuel economy is great for a 30 year old I6 engine design, I get about 17/24 mpg.

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  Glad I Bought It - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Ollie - February 21 - 10:00 am

  Former Grand Cherokee Limited Leasee and present Pathfinder Leasee. Wanted a 2nd SUV but not as big as Pathfinder. Havent purchased since 1984, but the low interest rates were hard to turn down. Love the look and feel of our Silver Liberty.

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  Surprisingly Terrific - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By SH - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car on a whim after walking way from a Subaru Forrester that I was going to buy (thought it was too "light" and a bit too much of a "girly" car). Drove the liberty in a dealer parking lot and loved it. I bought it to replace my ageing Pathfinder as my 4WD winter car for the frigid north east. I am delighted with thecar. Great loos, solid, everything works well. Super sound system. Heavy "trucky" feel that I like. Good build quality. I have rarely had American built cars but this is as nice as my German cars for a lot less.

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  My good suv - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JGCDoug - February 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Jeep the first one an 88 jeep 6Cyl 180,000 miles almost trouble free for 14 years. My new Jeep a 2002 Grand Cherokee . Was by far the best value for the money . Very smooth ride . Fun to br in and to drive. We have had this Jeep for 20,000 miles with no problems .I like the car an in anothre 11 years plan to purchase another one .

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  Jeep Liberty Limited 2008 - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By tony - February 21 - 6:26 am

  Ive driven nothing but a Jeep for the last 15 years, and this Liberty Limited is my favorite. Ive previously had the Sport models. The new Liberty has the comfort, room and style that Ive wanted without having to spend $40k on the Grand Cherokee. My wife hated my Jeeps, but really likes this one. She loves that it doesnt ride like a truck, as she says. Ive been getting about 20 miles to the gal.

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  JEEPS RULE - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By mmora73 - February 19 - 9:03 am

  Jeeps are not the average day vehicle. it takes a certain personality type to own one. i am sure everyone has heard the line" my friend owns a Jeep". there is hardly another vehicle I would invest the kind of money into that i did with mine. It is one of a kind. Hard to do with a four banger Mustang. Love my jeep since i drove it off the show room floor.

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  Great fun! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By bennett91 - February 18 - 10:53 pm

  If you want to drive something fun and different--here you go. The Commander rides nicely in the city and can take on the outdoors. Great towing capacity. Great fun!

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  Theres no better vehicle! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepChic - February 18 - 8:56 pm

  This is my second Jeep and I love it as much if not more than the first one. Every time I get in it to go somewhere, I think wow ... I have a new Jeep. It doesnt get any better. For all the people who want power locks, windows, etc. Its a Wrangler ... its not supposed to have all of that. This is the ultimate on/off road vehicle not a luxury car. Please buy a Liberty if you want all the "extra features."

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  love my jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By intangibleside - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I love how my vehicle is high and can easily clear most objects on the ground. I love going into dirt trails and just enjoying the feeling of having a jeep. The limited edition is great because it is luxurious and at the same time you know you can get dirty with it. I love my jeep.