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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  Wed buy another Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By altoid1 - March 22 - 3:03 pm

  All around solid SUV, with decent gas mileage. Fun to drive and very capable off road, in sand, and in snow. Has the feel of quality engineering throughout. My wife, who drives it most of the time, is completely in love with her Liberty. The size allows her to park in a very tight area at work. I like the size for some off-roading we do; can fit between trees and in other tight places.

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  More Diesels Please! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By retmil46 - March 20 - 11:03 am

  DaimlerChrysler has a winner with this engine/vehicle combination. Excellent fuel mileage for its weight and size, ability to use alternative fuels, excellent handling and ride, solidly built, climbs 6 percent grades in 5th gear lockup at 70 mph, and have seen upwards of 34 MPG on the interstate at 75 mph. Put this engine in a Dakota 4X4 and DaimlerChrysler will be selling trucks faster than they can build them.

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  Love my Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By pkamas - March 19 - 5:03 pm

  I love my Jeep! This is the best, most reliable, most fun vehicle I have ever had. Even more fun than a BMW 320I (had one of those -- thats another story). I have had this vehicle for 6 years; bought it new, never had a problem. The only time it was in the shop was when I hit a deer and wanted to get the grill fixed. Gas mileage is great for an SUV. I constantly go 320 miles or more on a tank. If its a road trip Ive gotten as much as 450 miles a tank. Not too bad! Love the Cherokee, I wish they would not have discontinued it, the Liberty is too cutesy, not my style. Great overall vehicle.

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  WOW - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By singltrk - March 18 - 7:50 am

  I purchased a 2005 Limited with the 5.7 Hemi. Love it! I have a 22 ft 5500 lb. boat that it pulls with ease. This is the sixth Jeep I have owned, the last being a 1999 Grand Cherokee Limited. The new design is much improved. The better handling is noticeable as is the comfort of the interior design. The Hemi is awesome! If you need the extra power for towing or whatever, it is worth paying extra for. The gas mileage I have been getting is 16 around town, 18 plus on the highway. Not bad for that big engine.

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  Finally a fuel miser Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By jepstr67 - March 17 - 7:36 pm

  I have logged 21000 miles on this Jeep since March of 2008. Not a single problem. Power and performance are more than adequate for my driving style. My mileage is well within the stated numbers. Often a little better, 30 MPG highway is common for me. The cargo space is good. Lots of room for lumber, dogs, furniture and garage sale finds. This is NOT a Jeep designed for difficult trails and extended off road use. It is excellent for northern climates where snow and ice are common. The car is quiet and comfortable. It is possible to keep the cabin comfortable in temperatures from -20 to 100 degrees. There is some road noise but not excessive. Lets be reasonable, look at the price.

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  Jeep is dealing - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cherokee lover - March 17 - 3:00 am

  I was angry when they stopped making the Cherokee. I loved my 98. I thought that I could not afford a JGC and at $35K, I was right. But Jeep is hurting. You can get a $35K JGC for as little as $21K. I couldnt refuse. And this is the best made Jeep yet. Go to your dealer and "steal".

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  best jeep ever made - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By gimble - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many jeeps including, cj 5, cj7, scramblers and a wrangler. the rubicon is by far the best of all. coil springs improve the ride over the earlier models.I got the upgraded sound system, which is great. the ride on the street and off road is better then any jeep i have ever driven. The rubicon is worth ever penny.

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  Wow! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By hagbard64 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my 92 4-cyl YJ. Talk about an upgrade! This thing is sweet! Everything is improved. Much smoother and quieter ride compared to my old leaf-sprung YJ. The interior is quite comfortable. Definitely go for the dual top option and full doors; well worth it.

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  Jeep 4 Fun - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeep4fun - March 15 - 9:53 pm

  This is my and my wifes 3rd Jeep. We love to go 4 wheeling and Sunday rides. Mileage is OK (6 cylinder get 19 mpg, better than a 4 cylinder) This Jeep is dependable; we drive it to work 95% of time m-- we work at same location. People alway trying to buy it, even neighbors. Have pulled 4000 trailer in west NC mountains and to the beach. 140,000 miles, same clutch, same rear brakes shoes, have only replaced starter, radiator, coil, camshaft sensor and front brake pads. Not much for 140,000 miles and how hard we use it. We pull a utility trailer often too. We live in a cove with a steep 20 percent grade and we are almost alway the first ones out in deep snow. Mostly standard from the factory.

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  Good Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Greg - March 15 - 8:13 pm

  Ive had the car for a year now - NO PROBLEMS. Engine is reliable, but the new v6 (instead or straight 6 in the older Jeeps) is less perky, and only slightly more fuel efficient. Comfort is excellent, although full size adults will feel cramped in the back seats - those are for sure for the kids/carrying. Head room is outstanding - Im 65" and have room to spare, and can see out of the windshield without bending. Performs well in traffic and highway - very quiet actually on the road, which is a big change from prior Jeep Cherokee.