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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  Best SUV on Market - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By J & C - January 15 - 11:06 pm

  This is our 5th Grand Cherokee. They all seem to get better. We tow the Cherokee behind a 40 foot motorhome and we dont know its there. We have had many people admire this one as the interior is something special. As long as Chrysler keeps this style in production we will keep buying them. We live where there is snow and the full time 4 wheel drive does the job.

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  Worse Jeep Made - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By dclay72 - January 15 - 4:13 am

  I purchased my 2006 Liberty new. The seats stain easily and do not come clean. I have 26,000 miles on mine and the steering is starting to get some play, and it isnt driven off-road. Had to have window regulators replaced 10 times, every window has fallen down twice and now I am on 3 times for a couple. In fact I have one down now. I have always been a Jeep guy, but they lost my business. As soon as it is out of warranty I am getting rid of it. Also, my rear interior light comes on every now and then for no reason. Chrysler should be ashamed of their vehicles.

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  love my Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Stretch - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing but good to say about my XJ. It is easy to maintain, fun to drive and unstoppable offroad. I only get about 15mpg city but I am also a leadfoot.

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  Elect. Horrors - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rol - January 15 - 2:00 am

  sun roof drains right unto fuse box of 5.9; causing horrendous electrical problems! dealer will not honor extended zero deductible warranty and I bought there!

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  Bad Brakes but Good SUV - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Scarey - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD, I really like the drive and comfort but I am totally irrate about having to get 4 yes FOUR sets of front brake rotors. It started at about 7000-8000 miles and has happened about every 6000-8000 miles. The front brakes pulsate. I spoke to the dealer and they are aware that the problem is common with these SUVs, I also spoke to a customer service directly from Jeep and they said rotors are a wearable item and it must be my driving although a few months later Jeep issued a memo to all dealers informing them that this issue may be happening.

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  Like the vehicle, but not the service - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By kevin _123456 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  At first I was very happy with my Liberty. It had okay acceleration, roomy interior, a great sounding stereo, and a nice over all look. Then I took my car to have the oil change. Chrysler service departments are the worst I have ever experienced. They nickle and dimed me every chance they got, tried to rip me off, offered to do work that wasnt needed, were very unprompt, and rude. It took one hour just to have them start on my car, and I had an appointment. This was at a 5 star service department.

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  jeeps rule - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By big dave - January 15 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle has a nice fit inside and out the v6 is very quite compared to the old inline 6 they used in the amc days. it has a car like ride which is a first for a jeep. my old cheeroke sounded like a truck and hopped and skipped down the freeway every time, but it was a very dependable machine it passed many broken down fords in its day

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  Erikas Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By E S Popp - January 15 - 2:00 am

  So far this winter, have been out in the ice and snow three3 times. Th Liberty Performed flawlessly, only wish it came with Bridgestone Revo tires. Really like the style and the solid feel. Compared with the other SUVs its size, I must say that the suspension is a lot more beefier than the other brands. The Honda CRV looks like a toy compared to the Liberty. So far, after 1000 miles I am very pleased with all aspects of my new car. (Especally the heated seats!)

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  love it - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By stacey lynn - January 15 - 2:00 am

  it my first jeep and i love it

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  Liberty Means Freedom - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By wj223 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Liberty means the freedom to be different than the rest. If you want 30-plus miles per gallon, buy a Neon. If you want perfect road manners and car-like handling from your SUV, buy the Escape. And if you want to look just like everybody else on the road, your choices of cute-utes are plenty... No doubt youll be happy with them too, because you got exactly what you were looking for-- a big car thats shaped like an SUV. If, however, you want real SUV performance mated to civilized handling and some rugged, good looks-- the Liberty is not only the best choice-- but really, its the only way to go.