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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  Great Mid-size SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TJ - September 18 - 7:10 pm

  Very happy with purchase. We have had no problems with the vehicle (62,000 miles). It rides great. This is my wifes primary car and used for all long long family trips. Ive looked at and drove other SUVs and feel Jeep just designs them better.

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  Dont Buy One!! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Dont Recommend One! - September 17 - 11:40 am

  I have owned numerous Chrysler products and this is the last one! Chrysler will not stand behind their vehicle as I have had the Jeep in four times for a surging issue which they cannot fix. Chrysler does not seem concerned to make it right either. The last three Chrylsers have ALL had transmission issues and this Liberty is no exception. If you buy any Chrysler and have any problems, do not expect the company to stand behind their products....because they wont!

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  Rugged Fun - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By BcYeg - September 17 - 10:10 am

  This vehicle brings me back to my old CJ-7, except my feet dont get hot and I can haul small children with me too. It has a solid feel, powerful acceleration and great braking. It handles the mud great. On-road driving has a confident, sturdy feel. The new fog lamps cut the fog like a knife. The "modern" extras make it really fun to drive.

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  My Tow vehicle - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By dwight - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I originally purchased this vehicle as a tow vehicle behind my motorhome. During the past year I have towed it from Florida to California and back. Of course it does not ride like a big sedan, but it sure is handy for exploring the various areas when we are camping. Mine is a four cylinder model with a standard transmission. Have had no problems. It is very dependable and easy to drive and park.

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  awesome - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By czardoz1 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  It doesnt get any better.

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  Wrangler X - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By KimmyB77 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep Wrangler X. It is the ultimate off road vehicle, and fun to drive on the street too. It has never given me any trouble, and is very reliable.

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  Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By WMorrell - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Easily moves in and out of tight spaces. Quick response time.

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  This is the BEST car I have ever owned ! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ToniAnn - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I have had no problems with this car and we drove to and from NJ to Florida, with two children and a dog. We have a very comfortable ride. No problems whatsoever! This is a great reliable car and we would make the decision to buy another one in a heartbeat !

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  Best of All - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Tucson4wheel - September 15 - 9:53 am

  Already own a Yukon XL and am a dedicated GMC owner. Needed another but smaller SUV. Looked at everything including H3 and BMW X5. Commander blew me and the competition away. Got fully loaded Commander. Just love it. Fun to drive, great price. Very quick. Extremely comfortable. Quality is very high. Dont waste money on BMW, Lexus, or Cadillac. Commander is better than all of them at at least $10,000 less.

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  My second Jeep - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By rich mercer - September 14 - 12:53 pm

  I love it so much, I bought a second one and will buy a third because it meets the needs of my family living on a mountain. Handles tight hilly roads even in the sleet & snow. Roomy enough inside for my large frame. Covered expandable cargo area carries stuff from mulch to the larger unexpected garage sale treasure. My wife bought one too.