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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  Holzn1 - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kenny2 - January 30 - 2:43 pm

  Thorouhly pleased with this Jeep. My third. They just keep getting better.

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  Love my Jeep, but its not for everyone - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By scottsvillesteve - January 30 - 1:10 pm

  I have never had a vehicle that I enjoyed more. I had sliding around issues in rain, but that went away when I replaced the original stock el-cheapo tires. The only issues I can think of are the back seats wont fold down flat and the gas mileage-otherwise it handles like a sports car on the road, and off road its quite capable

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By The Geo - January 30 - 3:00 am

  I purchased my 2004 Jeep Liberty Ltd. in November, Fortunately we have had plenty of snow for me to try this thing out. Found an empty parking lot with about 8 to 12 inches of snow in it and i was very very pleased at what this Jeep will do. With this motor it had plenty of torque and went through it without bogging down one bit. I currently have 5200km on it and have no major complaints.The only thing i can complain about and that most other people do is the gas mileage(20-21 imperial miles per gallon in mixed driving). The other is a small and useless glovebox.That being said i still would recommend this vehicle to anyone .

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  Got Gas? - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Pat - January 29 - 3:10 pm

  I have the HEMI and am getting 12 miles to the gallon. The gas tank is small and I am forever filling up. Child seats are difficult to fit into 2nd row and impossible to fit into the 3rd row. I traded in a Durango for this Jeep and all I can say is I want my Durango back.

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  My 4th and favorite Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Superman68 - January 29 - 6:26 am

  Wow! After owning my 4-dr. Sahara now for several months, I still look forward to every time I want to drive somewhere. First of all, the hard tops do not leak if you put them on properly. The most important thing is putting the panels on in the right order and tightening from side to side until both anchors are tight...nuff said. This vehicle can maneuver, brake, corner, and is very smooth. What other vehicle on the market looks cool, has one of the highest resale values, is a great 4WD, its convertible, virtually waterproof, and is practical and fun to drive? I wouldve liked a lil more power, but there are upgrades to handle that...good job Jeep!

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  Cant get out of its own way! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Jazz - January 29 - 2:29 am

  When driving on highway it feels like it needs to shift into another gear. Acceleration is horrible. Very noisy. Will update after having it checked out.

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  Jeep Liberty vs Ford Escape - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By The Gunny - January 29 - 2:00 am

  As a dyed in the wool Ford guy, I was surprised when I recently traded in the 2001 Ford Escape for a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The comparison provided by Edmunds was right on, the Jeep has rugged but refined styling and out performs the Escape in all but a few areas. It has more HP, more torque, larger fuel tank and more creature comforts. My wife loves the steering column audio controls and I like the power passenger seat,none of which are available on the Escape. The EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center), is a blast, this thing even monitors my tire pressure! Jeep has come a long way since the old days of the Comanche and the Wagoneer.

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  jeep liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ken peters - January 29 - 2:00 am

  the jeep liberty is very nice but has a few flaws. these include small trunk space, and the fuel economy is not the greatest.

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  OVERLAND- the only way to travel. - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Paul Bok - January 29 - 2:00 am

  We had a 2002 4x4 6 cylinders Grand Cherokee. It was nice and my wife and I liked it. My wife was driving and the Jeep was hit from behind. There was virtually no damage to our Jeep and my wife said; I will never drive anything else. Purhased Overland one month ago and we absolutely love it. Fun,fun,fun.

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  ricks review - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ricky - January 28 - 12:10 pm

  I purchased a used jeep grand cherokee limited 5.2 V8. the V8 puts out a clasic all american rumble while idling. it may be slow from the start but over 40 mph it has serious accelleration. the ride at high speeds might be a little over bearing but thats why thy come with a radio?! right. it may be a luxury car but who says u cant push it. and this car is made for pushing. desipite it being an SUV i have never had any troubles with it tipping or tire problems.