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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  1999 Jeep Sahara - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By rhicksmtb - April 16 - 4:13 am

  What a great ride. My wife and kids always look forward to family time in the jeep. I and my buddies always look forward to pushing its limits off road. I purchased the Mile Marker 8000 winch (has worked flawlessly many times) but do not need it very often. I usually have to pull out someone else out. This is by far the best 4X4 I have ever owned.

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  the car Ive always wanted - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Logan - April 15 - 11:00 pm

  Well, its finally mine. My 2006 Jeep Liberty. Its not the most comfortable car, nor the most powerful, but it defines me. Its definitely, a "mans car" or, at least mine feels like it. And I love it! Though, my friends are mad because they all have stupid economical imports. But in all seriousness, the Liberty is my top pick. Its the best small SUV out there. The looks, inside and out, are just great, and my girlfriend says it matches my eyes? Hah, "Jeep green" and a lot of my tall friends can fit in perfectly. Who cares about gas when you make everyone who carpools with you pay for it? :) Haha, I love my Jeep, and its worth every penny!

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  Love my Jeep - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By snopro - April 13 - 10:00 am

  My nuddy had a 92 wrangler back in the day and we had a ball in that jeep. I always remembered the good times we ahd in it. I finally bought my jeep used from a dealer. It had 39k on it and it looked like it was taken care of. I have never driven anything that is so much fun. I will have this jeep for a super long time. If I had to get something different it going to be a new jeep without a doubt.

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  Too much fun! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Austindude - April 13 - 10:00 am

  The Unlimited is smooth and suprisingly quiet on the highway, The soft top is super quiet and provides a whole lot more options for taking the top off. Ive been getting about 18.5 MPG average. I have read reviews that suggest this Jeep isnt for long trips, but I beg to differ. Other than gas mileage, this Jeep is as smooth as most any other SUV on the market. (with the soft top on and windows up)

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  my jeeps review - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By lostone1313 - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my Libety from day 1, it performs excellent and I love the boudy style. I beliveve that I will be trading up in a couple of years, for a newer liberty. They are just too cool.

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  Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Tonster - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I think that your guys are harder on this truck than the others. It has the rear outlet, nice bucket seats, all the options (a standard CD player - beat that!) and the AC kicks. I should know - I live in Louisiana. It is about 100 degrees every day here during the Summer. Tinted Glass, alloy rims and cruise control were only $800 to add on. Try about $3000 with the Ford Escape. Best value for the money. With tax included (at 9% too) I paid under $21,000. It blows the doors off an Xterra, Element, Sorrento and Isuzu for value. Rugged design with a knack for knowing we all drive on the road not the dirt. Xterra could learn something here!

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  5.7 Limited 4X4 - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeff - April 12 - 8:03 am

  I have owned 6 new vehicles in the past. This is only the second one (the other was a volvo) that I really enjoy driving. It is quiet, comfortable, controls where they should be. When I push the gas pedal I get a smooth effortless increase in speed. The sound system is great, the nav system could be easier to set, but the screen is easy to see and it works fine. I had thought of buying a BMW or Lexus, but in test driving I thought I was getting more SUV for the money with the Jeep. I really like it and am glad I bought it.

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  A little beast - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Mario - April 11 - 1:10 pm

  I bought the Jeep with 87,000 miles on it two years ago, now it has 97,000. All I have done on it is replace the AC unit that comes inside of the dashboard (which was broken when I bought it). That was $600. I keep it completely standard and I just love it! it has the tough SUV looks from the outside but once you get in, you have the leather, heated and powered seats, powered windows and locks, the wood trim dashboard and so on. The 4.0L six cylinder in line engine is awesome; sometimes, when standing on a red light if a little so called "fast car" pulls next to me, they dont expect the quick response of the Jeep and I leave them thinking I got "something extra" in it.

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  Very disappointed..... - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jess - April 10 - 10:33 pm

  I have to say I love the way the Liberty looks on the inside and outside. I was so excited to find an SUV that was so classy. Unfortunately, I have experienced some problems with the transmission/4WD. The car gets stuck in reverse. I then I have to turn it off and on. Its been in to get fixed and no one can find anything wrong with it. Although Chrysler does a fantastic job of making their vehicles look good, but the reliability is just not there. Its a shame! Mine only has 12,000 miles and Im going to get rid of it. I just cant trust it.

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  I love my Jeep, but it hates me - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By car i hate to love - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle with 92000 miles on it and now has 147000 miles I love this vehicle. People rather have a Grand Cherokee or they want one. . I have just about $25000 in my Jeep even though I bought it for only $16000. That means that about $9000 have been spent on repairs, replacement of parts (some more than once).extremely horrible gas mileage, in town or on the highway, burns oil, just fixed a major oil leak. If I were to fix every single thing wrong with this vehicle, I would probably be able to say that I have $40000 invested in this vehicle which is pretty much the price of a top of the line brand new Grand Cherokee Limited 2003 model year.