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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  Good used SUV - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By BILL HEARLE - August 26 - 10:55 am

  I purchased this vehicle last January. It has great in the snow and very comfortable when its cold outside. Bill time 4 wheel drive is very nice. I would buy it again.

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  A Jeep Convert - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Happy - August 25 - 4:03 am

  A great city car. The high stance and small size make it a great car for getting around New York City area. Its small size makes it very easy to park and maneuver in crowded areas. You are also relatively high - you can see around corners and over parked cars. My Jeep is a blast to drive. When I go upstate, the car handles great in the snow, doesnt fear puddles, and is sure-footed on steep hills. With off-road tires, gas mileage is poor and it is not the best choice for long road trips - but thats not really the focus of the car. I only started off-roading after I bought my Jeep, and I am very happy that it gave me a new hobby.

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  Great all around vehicle - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Bigfoot - August 23 - 3:13 am

  Ive had my Jeep nearly 5 years now. Have put about 50,000 miles on it. Really like this for a hunting vehicle. Enough room in the back with the back seat folded down, and also plenty of room for 4-5 people if needed. The only repairs I have needed to make other than the normal ones are I had to have the front CV joints (thats what I call them) replaced. There is one just inside each tire. Also had to have the passenger side wheel bearing replaced. I have stayed up pretty well on the scheduled maintenance of my Jeep. Im sure that has helped.

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  Diesel Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By hu60931 - August 23 - 12:53 am

  This truck has reaffirmed my faith in diesels. The power and towing capability is reasonable and all with decent mileage. DCX needs to expand the use of diesels in their product line. With fuel prices as they are this would be a great service to the customer and the country.

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  Good, Fun Vehicle. It’s a keeper. - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike Clark - August 22 - 9:54 pm

  Local driving fun. Great in snow. Easy to park and great visibility. Tight turning radius. Bought December 2012. Great for 4-Wheel Down towing behind Motorhome!!

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  Good Off Road Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Kinsan - August 21 - 4:00 am

  Bought the Liberty used. After fixing a recall which left me stranded the first week I owned it, the Jeep has provided trouble free driving over 100 miles per day in the blazing heat of the Mojave Desert. The turning radius is TOPS on any off-road vehicle I have ever driven, you can turn this thing on its own radius, can make sharper turns than my wifes Toyota Corolla. If the seats provided more support for long trips, the interior appointed with more of a well built feel and if it was not so bad on gas, I would drive it forever.

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  I love my Jeep but there are a few character flaws - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By drivenlp - August 20 - 7:14 am

  I actually built my Liberty up with a 3 inch lift kit, skid plates etc. and I believe it improved the exterior stance of the vehicle. Jeeps can get through anything (with the right tires, I highly recommend the BFGoodrich All Terrains) The interior is comfortable and there is A LOT of neat storage spaces, fold flat seats including the passenger seat. I have not had one mechanical problem. Very tight turning radius. What I dont like: I bought the skyslider and it is awesome for going to the beach etc, but it leaks water into my headliner which is now stained and starting to smell. Also this causes quite a bit of wind noise. I believe they fixed in 2009 a bit.

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  Get Home Safe - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By Michael J - August 19 - 10:16 am

  I bought this vehicle in January of this year, it wasnt my first choice but it was the right choice. I went back and forth of this vehicle because I do a lot of driving and the fuel economy wasnt great I have driven Subarus prior to my Jeep because they blend fuel economy with AWD safety, but a month after I bought the Jeep me and a few friends went up to the mountains on a ski trip for the weekend and got caught in a pretty bad blizzard with more then a foot of snow on the ground already cars were starting to pull to the side of the road or rather getting stuck on the way to the side of the road. My Jeep plowed through the snow with little effort. I am a Jeep owner for life now

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  Skyslide Help - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Scott Garmon - August 18 - 10:43 am

  I bought this truck for long business travel and the awesome skyslide top. I love my Jeep. However, the wind noise is unbearable. It now "whistles" at 20mph. If your looking to buy wait for the next generation of the Skyslide roof. I love Jeep and would love to see this fixed soon.

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  Liberty Sport - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Liberty Sport - August 18 - 3:46 am

  Bought Liberty for my wife. Has been great and fun to drive. She Loves it. V6 got good get up and go. Havent had to use 4x4 yet. Waiting for it to snow. :) We pull our boat without a problem. Has a noise from one of the back seats but other than that good SUV. Gas could be better but not gonna gripe.