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:

• 

  Stalling - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bigbearmo - July 31 - 7:23 am

  Have a strange problem with it, it occasionally stalls (engine shuts off) when coming to a full stop, its a 2007 GC Laredo with 4000 Miles on it. Took it to the dealership twice and they could not find anything wrong.

• 

  Feels pretty good - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By herzart - July 31 - 1:00 am

  This is our first SUV purchase and so far so good. The Jeep feels like the real McCoy. Beside the overall complaint of gas mileage, everything is as good as it gets for the money. Practical and simple interior design. Exterior looks great too, especially in the new dark khaki color. This is one fun to drive kind of truck. Nimble with tight suspension and a good seating height above most cars and SUVs. We live on a steep inclined hilly road that is a problem to deal with in the winter and Jeeps reputation for off roading won us over from other crossover SUV car based models at the same price.

• 

  Jeep Liberty Renegade - A Strong Midget - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Jabed Khan - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Jeep Liberty, which I got by traded the first one in. My previous one was Liberty Limited Edition (2002) and this time Liberty Renegade (2003). Both of them have 3.7 Liter, V6 engine. I have driven 20,000 miles with my previous Jeep Liberty (Limited Ed.) in one year. Both off road and on road driving with this vehicle class is great. It is a small SUV with a power of big one. I hauled the biggest U-haul trailer (12x6) with Jeep Liberty (Limited Ed.) without any trouble at all.

• 

  Jeep Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Williams - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best all around vehicle ( SUV ) that is out there. I looked at many brands and value for the dollar is the LIBERTY.

• 

  Very Happy With My Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By MikeJeep - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Jeep hase really gave alot of thought into the design of the 2003 Liberty.I am very happy.

• 

  the truck takes the cake - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By brian - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck i was alwsys a sports car kinda guy but this is the truck that will change the way you feel what comfort need some speed hit the O/D button and off you go...

• 

  Overland dream - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Fotis - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3r jeep, I had a 94 and a 96 limited, relly good my 96 has 140k on it and still is o.k except that the ABS light is on for a year but other than that A+ The Overland was my dream to own since I never bought a new car before. That smell when you enter the car is simply DIVINE, the gudgets are wonderfull, let me just say that the first night I brought it home I slep in the garage!!!

• 

  Pretty good asides from the MPG 3.7A4 - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Zeferam Cockran - July 30 - 5:50 am

  I have had this Jeep since 2004, used to be my fleet truck and purchased t for personal use since knew history, no problems to report until recently an electrical short due to water contact on an electrical plug on the floor under the back seat ( what was jeep thinking when they designed this??? ) cost 500 to fix otherwise good ride and with my three huge dogs no torn seat fabrics , impressive compared to my previous cars. Could say a lot about gas mileage however well worth to visit dealer for CPU updates, the one to reconfigure tranny is well worth it, no more hard shifts and bit better gas mileage. All around good performance, noise level a bit high inside but acceptable.

• 

  new 2008 jeep - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By turbanski - July 30 - 2:03 am

  I have leased this Jeep since mid December of 2007 and overall I am very satisfied with it. Most impressive are the generous incentives for this vehicle and the performance of the 4.7 V8.

• 

  Good showing in 2008 - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Souliman - July 30 - 12:43 am

  4th Jeep - all Gr Ckees. Ive been purchasing Laredo with Rocky Mtn edition - currently equipped with the X-package - perfect for me. Handling is solid as usual. Not as nimble as our Subie Tribeca. Fuel economy is as advertised. Since 05, Im more confident with the handling. The shift placement of the gears has changed - Im not certain if for the better or worse. Outside, nice stylings. Inside, huge improvement. Doesnt seem dated anymore as 05 did. Seats are more comfortable. Steering column and seat placement make for good(better) driving posture. We have two Britax in the back and plenty of leg room for driver, passenger and two boys to kick the seats. Im very satisfied.