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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  I like my Wrangler - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jmiville - May 11 - 2:10 am

  I bought an 05 Wrangler used...I guess...it only had 3,000 miles on it. I traded in an 03 VW Golf. Sure, the gas mileage is very different, but on 80 degree plus days with the top down and the doors off, I somehow seem not to mind. My friends have Wranglers, and said the first New England winter where I pass some poor soul on the side of the road in a Golf who cant handle the snow on the roads will only make me smile as I pull him along with the jeep.

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  Rock solid and built to last - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By RickE-berg - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Solid axles. Lots of ground clearance. Leading link front suspension. Low range locking transfer case. A true SUV with the emphasis on the "U". If you need to get to point B from A, any time, any weather, any conditions, and bring some cargo or passengers with you, theres no better vehicle on the planet. Sure, its not as quiet or smooth as the cutesy Jap offerings. But head for the hills, ruts, rocks, snow, etc., and see who gets there first (if they make it at all!)

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  Love my Jeep - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Tommy C. - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my jeep its a off road monster, the steet drivin isnt bad either

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  ChiliRific Jeep!! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By chili 4x4 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought this truck for ICS chili cookoff trips. I added a Wilderness rack by Garvin, (Rocky Road Outfitters) to add more room. I love the on road (55100 miles) and the off road capabilities of this truck. The full- frame/unibody construction makes it tight and strong, yet it can flex better than ANY SUV in its class. The future of my Liberty is bright. There will be an ARB bull bar bumper and winch added for sure. Maybe a Rocky Road OTT 2.5" suspension Lift and some real tires (see below). Anyway, we will be keeping this Jeep for many many years! BTW... I get 20mpg fully loaded, with a Wilderness rack on the roof, when I am on the highway.

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  2004 Jeep Libery is great. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By zdm - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive heard that this Jeep is thirsty at the pump. My new Jeep is getting 19.8 mpg driving in the city. Maybe that is bad, but it is good to me. Someone else said when you close the back glass you leave finger prints on it. My back glass has a plastic piece on it to avoid that. Plenty of head room.

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  Do not pay sticker - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By tulsaoklahoma - May 10 - 8:53 pm

  Researched a fun convertible for months. Wrangler was obvious choice. Put 225 miles on it the first day. Got 16.2 mpg on first tank. My 65 Ford Mustang has a smarter easier convertible top but guess I will learn to live with it. Most Jeep owners wave. Thats cool.

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  Dream Come True - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By robbill - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Off road atr Camp Jeep etc., commuting to work, everyday run about and three month round USA trip. All great

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  Almost Perfect - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Flinger - May 10 - 10:00 am

  The Wrangler Sport is a great addition to any household. Its fun to drive and very comfortable. It even keeps the old Jeep attitude with its "rough" and "tough" ride.

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  My 1st Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DavidM - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I have been holding breath about this car since we 1st bought it since our expectations about car quality have been set by Honda, Benz and other European cars we have owned! Two month ago, my confidence took a beating due to a recall notice that my friend (Jeep basher) called me about. Also, the breaks are gone already at 15000 miles!! On down hill slopes towards Santa Cruz, the car shakes when I press on the breaks to decelerate the car! Granted that my wife is the primray driver and they are torture on breaks, I would have expected a lot more distance with the breaks. The bottom line is that I feel less secure with this car

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  Its a Jeep thing! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Heather - May 9 - 3:23 am

  I just bought my Steel Blue 4x4 Sport and I am 100% completely in love with it! Its just the perfect size for an SUV and the gas mileage is great. I couldnt be more pleased. The ride is so smooth, as well as the CVT transmission. I think all the Compass haters need to go drive one before they make their final judgment. I didnt like it at first; one test drive is all it took!