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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  Daily use turned to rarely used - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jtpc0003 - June 24 - 5:36 pm

  Good quality product, but fuel economy was very low. Averaged 13-14mpg the first year and a half. Then got a K&N cold air intake installed and now average 15-16mpg. (which isnt too awful for this category of high performance mid-suv) Nice Jeep, but simply drinks too much fuel for the days we live in.

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  Jeep - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Shaun Smith - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Great Vehicle. I love it

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  Erics Review of the 1998 Grand Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Erok - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Good overall, nice SUV 4x4, love Jeep!

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  Wrecked - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Demeter - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Unfortunately, I just had a pretty significant accident in my Jeep. Almost $10k to repair. I work in insurance and just knew I would going to hurt the next day. I handle multiple claims daily with much less damage and the passengers are very sore. Guess what!?!? Not even a spot of pain for me and my passenger! With the amount of damage, that is a miracle. I dont care what crash ratings say or anything. This vehicle took great care of us.

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  i love my wrangler - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By joyal - June 23 - 2:00 am

  people that dont own wranglers are doubtful - doubtful that a convertible is warm enough in the winter - well, its been in the negative temps for two weeks straight and i can honestly tell you, my jeep starts every morning and takes less time than our other vehicles to warm up. people are doubtful they are safe - we live in the snow belt of upstate new york, it is very rare, in fact i have never seen a jeep wrangler in a ditch, usually it is the wrangler pulling another vehicle out. i am 40 years old and have owned two wranglers, i will never be happy without one.

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  I Love My Rubicon!!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pumple - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I owned a loved my 90 Jeep Wrangler and just bought a 2004 Rubicon!! What a difference in the ride!!! I love my Rubicon and will always have one!!! Cant beat them!!!

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  x - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By freek - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Do Own my car since August 02, the 2,5 L Diesel version, and Although it is often reffered to as a soccermoms car It amazes me everytime on as well off road GREAT car !!

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  A ride with the silver jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Denise Adams - June 23 - 2:00 am

  The ride is absoultly smooth just like riding on air. It takes the bumps very well. So far it is a sound car...

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  Junker - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By BigT - June 22 - 10:20 am

  I just traded this dog in! Every time I took it in for an oil change something else needed fixed as well. More rattles than a maternity ward. Had the same problems that everyone else seems to have had, window motors, wiper motor, rattle in hatch that they told me was from a piece of welding that fell off...this was the wifes car and she liked it because it was cute. I used to own a 1996 Jeep Wrangler and it was well built, bit this thing. I will never buy another Chrysler product again. Traded it in on a Ford Escape. If this turns out as bad as the Jeep Ill never buy another car from the big three again.

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  95 - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Tony Montana - June 21 - 10:00 am

  140,000 miles and only a few problems. An engine mount broke. Easy to find parts and fun to soop up. 3 inch lift kit runs about $300. The back seats can be removed or folded down for additional room. Does good in mud and on snow.