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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  I love my Liberty! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Nic - April 19 - 11:10 pm

  I just got a Liberty not too long ago and i love it. Besides from the fact that in about the 3rd week somebody tried to steal it but luckily it had that engine immobilizer on it; otherwise they would have been successful. It handles great, can go anywhere (Ive taken it places that many people would never take their vehicles and its handled perfectly), lots of power. I love the interior also. All around great truck.

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  A manly SUV - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By mark - April 19 - 6:56 pm

  I was able to find a Limited 4WD with great end of the year incentives. I saved thousands and feel I got a great price for a reliable and quite handsome vehicle. I like the rugged looks of this vehicle as well as all of the amenities that come with the Limited package. It rides nice, is quite comfortable and looks so good! I only have two complaints: First, a very short dashboard. Theres no room for paperwork, food, etc. A major complaint is the gas mileage. I know that this is an SUV, but 13mpg in the city and 17mpg on the hwy is pathetic. This is a midsize SUV. I dont beat on this car. Im not fast on the accelerator and I even upgraded to synthetic oil at 3000 miles.

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  Amazing - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Dino - April 19 - 5:44 pm

  this is my first jeep and I am sold It took my interest because of three things 1. the towing capacity 2. the leg room in the rear seats 3. the optional V6 engine, I go camping a lot with my pop up camper and my previous car could hardly tow the pop up but this Cherokee tows like a dream you almost forget the trailer is there I also have a 9 year old son who loves the extra leg room in the back seat and the comfort of the seats the V6 engine Is amazing plenty of power and the Fuel efficiency is amazing I am impressed with the Cherokee it is well worth the money and its worth looking at

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  no more rotors - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeneane - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I love the look of this SUV and i guess that is what got me into trouble. Did not research the mechanics as I will on my next purchase. The brakes are a complete nightmare, pads and rotors replaced 4 times and starting to SHAKE again(all you Jeep owners know what I mean). My fan needs replacing, car overheats when not in motion:( Nice looking and fairly comfortable!

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  awsome - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By reene - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is Awesome! I always wanted a jeep but I didnt have the room for the family. Now I can regain my youth and still provide for my family!

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  Back to a Jeep--after 13 years. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Tycho - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I had been driving Toyota 4-Runners for 13 years, and decided it was time for a change. I was looking for a smaller SUV, lower price tag, better mileage, easy maneuverability, but one with ample room for luggage and a large dog. 4WD is essential where I live (PA and MA). The Jeep Liberty won out, hands down, over comparable models by Toyota, Ford, Subaru, and Chevy. It has a powerful engine, traditional Jeep 4WD, a lot of energy on the highway, a comfortable cockpit with easily reached controls, and a nice suspension system that takes some of the lumps out of the potholes, and smoothes out undeveloped and poorly maintained roads.

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  My Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best. - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Loretta22 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving my Jeep... It is fun and exciting.. I will purchase another Grand Cherokee in the future..

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  Jeeps for business - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Blackswanks - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Jeeps for 25 years. This is the 10th large Jeep. They are great for business use traveling the midwest in all sorts of weather. I used to travel in a BMW 733i, but have only traveled in Jeeps for the past 6 years.

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  Not too Shabby - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Lisa C - April 18 - 12:33 am

  I got this Liberty as a 2nd car. I am a teenager. Although the body isnt my ideal style I must say that as a young driver I do beat on the truck pretty bad. The Jeep holds up great. I brought it to Jeep and it had no recomendations. I have only had one problem with it and that is the blower motor, cost about $25 to fix. This truck holds up to my friends and I and is a fun little car. Its great in all weather and is very safe. The compact size makes it easy to drive and its built tough. Good work Jeep!

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  Nice Truck but Terrible Mileage - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By 2004JL - April 17 - 6:50 pm

  I have to wonder what vehicles other reviewers drove before their liberty to consider the abysmal mileage in the Jeep to be good. I average under 18 mpg highway, driving 65 or under. Thats TERRIBLE mileage. Its MUCH worse in the city especially in winter, expect 10 mpg. Ive heard many other Liberty owners complain of the same lousy mileage. Using 4x4 mode is even worse. Full size V8 pick ups get better mileage. The four speed auto is reliable but needs more gears. It does ride well, and can tow 5000lbs which is great if you tow a lot. It feels peppy until 40 mph but sorta dies off due to a very tall second gear. Its a very loud motor when pressed hard for passing.