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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  3rd Jeep - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zoggie - May 7 - 10:40 am

  This is my 3rd Jeep. My 1st was a 94 with the 5.2 V8 and my 2nd a 01 with the 4.7 V8. I recently got the Limited with the 5.7 Hemi and Quadra-drive 4X4. Every option available on the car was ordered. I have always been a big Jeep fan, but this new model is much more refined than expected. I compared to "luxury" SUVs, and for the price, there is no comparison. The engine has plenty of pep, and the interior is nicer than the Lexus or Infinity I looked at. I dont care what the reviews say, the Jeep is as big as any "crossover" in terms of interior space, but the build quality is much higher of any SUV I looked at. This is definitely a huge contender against any SUV you look at.

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  Another Gear! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Oldone - May 6 - 5:10 am

  Originaly bought to tow behind our A Class RV. This it does with no problems. After towing down to New Mexico and using on the highway for journeys bup to 300miles and now using off road on the forestry trails etc we can only say what a great fun and accomplished vehicle this is. Easy to use soft top, fantastic go-most places, great turning circle and handling make it a fun, fun, fun car. Only downside is after a few months you feel it would be even better with at least a five or six speed auto. No I dont want a manual thank you. Ratio between third and top is to wide. Overall my wife and I rate it a "Thumbs Up". Dont try and think its something its not. Just drive it and enjoy.

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  For The Love Of Liberty - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Robert Simmons - May 6 - 3:03 am

  After two Ford Explorer Limiteds that let me down big time, it was time to change, so I looked at X-terra, Toyota, and Jeep. Loved the new squared off styling on the Jeep Limited with the full size tire now underneath. The ride and comfort for my 61" frame has been superb with plenty of leg room and the handling has been great, plus its quiet. The interior layout is ergonomically fantastic and well planned. The MYGIG radio system with Infinity speakers is the best sound system I have had in a vehicle and bluetooth phone connects are effortless plus the navigation system always guides me home correctly. I am so happy with this vehicle that I bought another one to keep at a 2nd home.

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  Awesome Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By CJsKJ - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I think Jeep did a good job on this package. It comes with everything. Im very please with my Liberty

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  Heartbroke - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Flygirl - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I am a 54" mom-to-be and I have to get rid of my Jeep. I will surely miss the way the seat hugs me while Im driving, as well as the security of how high I sit up in it. I will also miss how easy I can back up out of parking spots, and being able to turn on a dime. I definately see another Jeep in my future.

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  Why did they stop making it? - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By akaskip - May 3 - 7:00 am

  Bought this Jeep when my wife was pregnant with our first child. Wanted a safe and reliable vehicle. I got what we paid for and more. My wife loved it. It has been a workhorse for the last six years and now that I have finally got it as my primary vehicle, plan on keeping it for many more years to come. In fact, when it came time to get a bigger vehicle (interior) to accommodate the growing family, we stayed in the Jeep family and got a Commander.

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  Capable, Versatile, and Fun - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By iusta - May 3 - 6:46 am

  My first piece of advice is to take the Wrangler on a THOROUGH test drive if it is going to be your daily driver. It has very unique handling characteristics, so you need to know youll be comfortable driving it in on the highway, in-town, etc. That being said, this Jeep is a versatile ride, offering room for two other people, or one other person and your dog. I chose the hard top and have been pleased with the isolation it offers from the elements and noise. Convertible in the summer, go anywhere in winter, and the Jeep is amazingly capable off-road. Ive had it to a couple of Jamborees. If you buy one, you owe it to yourself to let the Wrangler show you what it can do on the trails.

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  Its A Jeep! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeep450 - May 1 - 7:10 pm

  My first new vehicle was a 1979 CJ-7 and I had to get rid of it when I started a family. I always swore Id have another, and with the kids gone, the 30 year anniversary of my first Jeep seemed like a great time. This one is far superior in comfort and ride, but when you the pavement ends, its still a Jeep! I bought it for $6K off sticker and have have a blast buying after market add-ons for it. This vehicle is just plain fun to drive, whether on or off road. It is not my primary vehicle, but I consider it a safe alternative to riding a motorcycle. If youve always wanted one, get it! If your more concerned about mpg and cargo space than fun, forget about it. I have no regrets!

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  From CJ to JK - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By J3-Colt - May 1 - 6:43 am

  This Jeep is our 8th in 20 years, and its quite an improvement over the previous generations going back to our very first CJ-7. We use our Jeeps as daily drivers and they spend a considerable amount of time off-road, camping, hunting, fishing, and exploring. Jeep has made the Wrangler more comfortable in all aspects, plus its still highly modifiable (like a big Lego set) and we have purpose built ours to fit our specific needs. If you demand luxury and on-road perfection, then this model is not for you; however, if you need a 4 door with above average off-road prowess (and can embrace the inherent quarks found in an open top Jeep), then this is the perfect vehicle for you.

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  Loss of a friend - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By The Surfer - April 30 - 11:20 pm

  The Jeep gave me 8 years of great fun. Both my daughter and son learned to drive a manual on this car. Original clutch with 149,000 miles. Great summer fun vehicle wish it hadnt been totaled. I would buy another one in a second. Great fun vehicle. Nothing major in 4 years of ownership. Very easy to work on reasonable parts cost and availability. Very reliable.