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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  The most fun vehicle - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Frank - August 14 - 5:30 am

  I love my jeep. It is truly the most fun car I ever owned. The ride is more comfortable than my 2001 Jeep wrangler.

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  VERY SATISFIED - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By very satisfied - August 12 - 11:23 pm

  AS a previous owner of a 95 wrangler, the ride is much more comfortable, and a 100 times quieter then before with the soft top. the ride is smooth enough. It is the only convertible that is practical year-round in snow country. price is as good as it gets for any 4WD out there. I am very satisfied with the dealer and the vehicle. plenty of options for aftermarket improvements. upgrade option for engine would be nice, but i am sure that is restricted by current regulations emissions, etc.

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  My First Jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By allencat - August 12 - 8:06 pm

  I just got my first Jeep and I couldnt be any more pleased. In the first few days I took it through flooded roadways and it lives up to the name. Just like a dog with a little training it will go about any where and do almost anything. It is a blast - way better than my Mustang. I will never go back to the sports car.

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  CRD for America - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By James - August 12 - 1:20 pm

  Good that Jeep offers diesels in the American market. We drove diesel powered cars in Europe for years so its not surprising to see them gaining more acceptance in the US due to higher fuel prices. Our Jeep is powerful, very capable off road and quite livable as a daily commuter. Fuel consumption is OK but could be less -- it is a heavy vehicle, after all, and the full-time 4x4 on the Limited makes winter driving much more secure.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Laura - August 12 - 5:23 am

  The 2005 Jeep Liberty is a great SUV for a woman on the go. You sit high with great visiablity and comfort. I feel very safe driving it. The cargo area in the rear is great for groceries or whatever you may have to toss back there. Plenty of room and very comfortable. Good sound system. Im feeling good about my purchase and got a great deal. Check one out, you wont be sorry.

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  Jeep Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By bailey26 - August 11 - 12:43 pm

  I have had this vehicle for 3 years, in that time I have spent over 5,000 dollars just in repairs. The rear windows both have fallen off, that is about 350. each time. I have had the air conditioning, heat, transmission, misc electrical and switches fixed. The fabric that they use for the seats is horrid. It stains instantly, even if you drip water on it you cant get the stain out. The seats are uncomfortable and there is not much backseat room.

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  lemon is not my flavor - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bdog - August 11 - 2:00 am

  car was great until we hit 13000 miles. It was all down hill from here. The electrical system has been a continuing problem as well as the transmission, fuel injectors and cooling system. The car was in for service 7 times over a 9 month period, with no resolve. Safety was a major concern. Thank God for the pro- consumer lemon laws of Illinois that got our money back and lease terminated. Never again.

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  Got What I Paid For - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By excheergurl - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 Jeep Cherokee Laredo on Feburary 14, 2003. Fell in love with the comfort and the space that it gave me. The only one shocker was the gas mileage. Being a student that doesnt live on campus will make your wallet shrink! Other than that, I love my new Jeep and cannot wait until it gets warm enough to try it out on the beach!

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  Life after Land Rovers - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tom2008 - August 10 - 7:23 pm

  Have had 3 Land Rovers (2 Disco, 1 LR3) Had almost bought a Commander before the last Land Rover. I couldnt pass up on the deals this time. Need power to pull my 22 boat and the Hemi makes you forget the boat is still there. The leather is nice, but the plastics in the interior are not as nice as Land Rover. My kids both have the old Cherokees (1999 & 2000) and still love them.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lute12 - August 10 - 2:53 pm

  I have owned earlier models of this vehicle, 96 Grand Cherokee Laredo, 2003 Grand Cherokee Overland and it is hard to believe how much my 2005 has improved just over the 2003; ride, handling and of course performance. The gas mileage is good -- 17 average locally with a lot of stop and go driving, mostly trips of 10 miles or less. I have been very pleased with it.