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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  2004 jeep G. C. limited v8 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tarhead - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I have been a ford driver for years and have loved the space and versitility of an SUV but hated the poor break system and "truck" like feel when driving my explorer. I recently purchased a Jeep grand cherockee with the encouragement of many jeep owners and absolutely LOVE my new jeep. The power of the v8 is impressive, the towing capacity of excellent and the interrior design is a A+. The navigational system is easy to use and quite effiecent when driving. The jeep is an extremely smooth ride and takes bumps and corners with ease. I would recommend the 2004 Jeep grand cherokee v8 over Ford explorer any day! You will be thrilled with your choice of a Jeep!

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  Best Ive Owned! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By nucklesc - March 31 - 1:43 pm

  Good power, great handling, great style, poor ground clearance.

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  A Fun SUV - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By william Ward - March 31 - 1:40 pm

  We have been to the Colorado mountains to 11,000 feet elevations from Missouri at 800 feet. We got up to 30.3 MPG across Kansas, a lot of 28.8 with a very loaded car. The noise level was quiet enough to play the radio and talk with out being loud. Seats were very comfortable for us, I even have a bad back. We go off road every year with National Forest maps with every jeep we have had for 15 years, this Patriot did well also, but not as well as our Grand Cherokee. Around town we get 24.8 to 30 MPG and enjoy it. The CVT transmission took some getting use to to get better gas mileage. The Wrangler tires are wearing out at 30,000 miles even though I keep them at 40 PSI. New tires to be soon

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  Good Plain Fun - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By chunter - March 28 - 9:56 pm

  Its just fun to have. My midlife crisis toy.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By niblet15 - March 28 - 1:10 pm

  I have only had my compass for 2 weeks and so far I love it.

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  still a Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By smdoug - March 25 - 1:03 am

  I have only had the Jeep for about 1 week and I love it. I waited for 12 weeks to get the MyGIG in it and it is worth it. I love the way it handles as well as the look and response is not as bad as I thought. Got the 18 inch tires, great look. Manual transmission is smooth but engine revs stay up even when clutch is in, and foot off gas pedal. Doors have to be slammed shut. Interior is a Jeep no place for change or sunglasses, and poor position for cup holders up front because 6th gear blocks access to them.

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  Awesome! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By greatsuv125 - March 23 - 7:06 am

  This thing is a beast, what more can I say. I actually want to take it out on the snow drift covered roads because its that good. Ive passed Hummer H2s on the expressway when they were in the clear lane and I was in the snow covered side. 4.0L is virtually unbreakable and quick around town but it really needs another gear for truly good highway passing. Steering is vague but the brakes are fantastic at stopping the car even though my rotors were warped by 15,000 miles. Stock stereo has tons of thump to it, Ive never heard a better standard stereo and its not even the infinity version!

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  Hands down the best Jeep ever - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cheeks2380 - March 23 - 3:40 am

  Jeep has long been the best when it came to SUVs, and the new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee is no different. With a great new look and some cool interior accents, I love it. I have the base 3.7 V6 which performs just fine for my use and provides great fuel mileage (25.6 MPG highway). I would have liked the Hemi of course, but there are some things in life that we must give up. Everyone I have talked to and showed it too comments on how nice it is. I have the Light Khaki with Khaki interior and its a great color on the Jeeps.

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  2004 Liberty Sport - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Babyjinks - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my Libert! It is cute sporty and goes everywhere I need it to go. I feel safe and secure driving it and it is the perfect size for me not so small that it feels like a car and not so large that it feels like a bus.

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  Love this Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GaryF - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Im 63 yrs. old and this was the most pleasurable buying experience I ever had. I purchased my Overland at Jim Marsh Crysler in Las vegas. I was in and out in a little over an hour with a great deal. There was no pressure and no hassle. What a great staff. Cant say enough.