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:

• 

  Suba what? - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By idbackroads - December 21 - 7:19 pm

  I was intent on buying a Forester. I read all the professional reviews, talked to a friend who works for Subaru and even with the looming cost of Subaru oil changes, went to the lot to pick one up. I drove it and was less than impressed. The road noise was more than I expected, the ride felt "Jouncy" there was an irritating plastic on plastic rattle coming from the back and with the CVT it was much slower than I anticipated. My wife suggested we look at a Compass and I ended up buying a Patriot with a 5 speed. My best MPG is 29, it has far more features, rides better and is quieter than the Subaru for $3500 less. So far a perfect fit for Idaho roads including rutted USFS 2 tracks. Happy!

• 

  Great if you know what your getting - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Marc Harris - December 21 - 2:00 am

  The power, ride, and highway mileage actually surpass my stock 4Runner! There are tons of support groups out there for upgrades/repairs. Tows my Bayliner Cuddy (2000lb) and handles the ramp great. This is smooth as silk in comparison to the old kidney buster ride. Hands down, this thing can walk through almost any terrain. Biggest plus, there are many suppliers for upgrades so its easy to make it your own! As for storage, you have to add a rack on the tail or top. Behind the rear seat just holds a set of speakers, shovel, and tow strap. Ive seen these roll end over end (off road) and driven home. Indestructible!

• 

  Fun Fun Fun - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Julia Rhodes - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Ever since I was a little girl I wanted a Jeep, actually a CJ-7. When I turned 20 I bought my Wrangler and I love it. I cant wait until the summer time so I can get that top off!

• 

  I Love my Jeep! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Alan Young - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about my Jeep Grand Cherokee. (except the gas milage, I get 17 mpg with the 6 cyl. The way my body fits the drivers seat, the way when I put my elbows on the center counsel glove box and the door panel while Im driving the balance of the positioning of my body is perfect. The use of the controls the visability are great. I love the braking system and I like how it steers. Most of all at every angle this jeep is beautiful to look at. I am proud to say I have never had a problem with my jeep and the dealership is 2nd to none. I hope your 05 is as good as your 03. Alan Young

• 

  My First Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dewlix - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive wanted a Wrangler since I was 19 (now 44). Wish Id bought one sooner...more fun/exciting than any vehicle Ive owned. Mileage sucks, but worth the high fun-factor this vehicle has. Only drawback is the wife hates it!

• 

  My First SUV! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Lindabird - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Always being a "small car" person, I was really nervous about buying a SUV because they all seemed to be way too much vehicle to handle. But not the case with my Liberty.. it is roomy and comfortable and drives like a limousine! My first, but definitely not, my last Jeep Liberty. I also get many compliments on how cute it is (I have the Sport model), which makes me feel even better when Im out on the roads competing with all the much higher priced, but not better-looking or better-riding SUVs.

• 

  WIN Module - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 81258606 - December 19 - 8:37 pm

  Ordered my jeep in August 2010 and received in early November. Drove cross country and back and did some rough trails. Very happy with the vehicle. End of June, 2011 I drove a few miles and parked. When leaving, the vehicle would not start. Had it towed (flatbed) to the dealer and they replaced the WIN module. No charge other than the towing fee. I hope this was a one-time occurrence.

• 

  1999Jeeep Grand Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Darc - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive really enjoyed my Jeep so far. It has great towing capabilities for towing that boat or camper around.

• 

  Great SUV - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Roger6855 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle so far has been a pleasure to own in everyway and for a 4X4, it handles great and is very comfortable for short and long trips.

• 

  Cool looking 4x4 - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By davewilde77 - December 18 - 8:06 pm

  I like the look and ride of the new jeep liberty. I would of not even looked at the old style liberty. I have only had the liberty for about 4 weeks, but have had fun driving it. Plenty of room and well worth the price.