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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  Most Fun to Drive. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Cassie - November 28 - 10:50 am

  I have owned Chevy Blazer, GMC Jimmy, and presently own a 2004 Dodge Durango (Hemi--of course). After driving and enjoying them all I must say that this Jeep Liberty is the most fun to drive. It fits into parking spaces that most SUVs wont, and unless you have 4 or more kids, I feel it is the ideal vehicle for women from their 20s all the way though their 40s. The vehicle is functional for the administrative duties on the job, travels well and it looks great when I show up at meetings or when I want to spend a night on the town.

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  My Cadillac Replacement Ranks #1 - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MrJeep - November 28 - 7:30 am

  Driven Caddy Escalades for years, but the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland is the ultimate. Ride/handling and high- grade/sturdy materials inside and out rank #1. Ahead of vehicles costing far more. A top contender for "car", "truck" and SUV of the year. It is everything! Rough and tough, yet smooth as silk. AWD system rivals our Range Rover. The leather is classier and it is far better built. Room, viability, panorama roof make it a breeze for people of all sizes and shapes to ride and drive in complete comfort. The Cadillac and RR are too lanky, tippy and cumbersome w/ distance too hard to judge. I urge everyone to test drive the 11 JGC. You will be amazed. It is as great off road as on.

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  Outstanding Value - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By John in Phoenix - November 28 - 2:43 am

  Bought this vehicle while I was in Iraq through military buying program. Did research on these types of sites, and information was overwhelmingly positive, even though it was not rated well in Consumer Report. I took a bit of a "plunge" and bought it strictly on consumer ratings, vehicle magazine ratings (other than CR), and people such as you giving honest feedback on these sites. Got a great deal and bought a Sport 4x4, CVT transmission, electronic package. I have been driving it for a month now and it exceeds my expectations! I was concerned about a 4-cylinder engine, but more than enough power to get around. I heard some cons about the CVT, but not an issue...works very well.

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  Tough Love - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By J.G. - November 28 - 2:13 am

  I have had this Jeep for about 6 years and it has been fun. The only trouble that I have had is replacing the cam shaft sensor and O2 sensor ($78 max). I suggest getting a new intake system, the stock intake is heavy (15 lbs) and bulky. Also, to make life easier for the people who cry about fuel, just replace the fuel pump with a performance pump ($330) in order for you to be able to get what you want. I now get 27 mpg/19 mpg, and yes, thats on the 3.7 6cyl 4wd model.

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  First Impressions - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim C - November 26 - 10:06 pm

  Just picked up the new jeep and took it on a trip to northern Michigan. It is a wonderful SUV and everything is better then the previous version. This is the first jeep I am happy to park next the BMWs and Audis at the office. Looks great and is good value for the money.

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  The Best One Yet - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By A319 Jeep Pilot - November 25 - 8:13 pm

  This is my 3rd Grand Cherokee and by far the best. Highway mileage is 22.5 and around town 19. The seats are a big improvement as is the handling and build quality. A pleasure to drive. 10 times better than the 2000 model. I currently have 12,000 miles tallied without ANY problems. Traction control works great, especially like the remote liftgate window opener on the key. The hi-beams literally turn night into day.

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  Love It! - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lwjustme - November 22 - 10:56 pm

  I traded in my Mercedes for this beauty and I have no regrets. That says a lot because I really loved the Mercedes. This truck is sporty and classy combined. Its no soccer mom mobile guaranteed! More than enough horsepower, lots of room and very comfortable to drive. Gas mileage? I didnt buy it for the gas mileage.

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  snow - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By betty kashkin - November 21 - 5:03 am

  We live in New Jersey; the trip into New York used to be a disaster for us whenever it snowed. Since we leased our Jeep vehicle the trip has been a no brainer, comfortable and easy to get wherever we are going. When our lease is finished, we will lease another one of your Jeeps. Thanks for the ride.

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  My Red 4.7 L Commander is top notch - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jonathan - November 18 - 4:53 am

  I love it. Looked long and hard for a safe vehicle, 4x4 with 5 star crash ratings. Best ride, quality, look and you cant beat the price. The 5 speed is wonderful. I did splurge for the 7yr/100,000 mile warranty via Chrysler. As big as a Durango, a whole lot safer! The 4.7 v8 has enough pick up and pull also.

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  I LOVE MY JEEP !!!! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By DAPHNE - November 15 - 2:00 am

  My husband bought my Jeep for me on my 35 birthday. Fully loaded. And I love everything about it. I drive from the Country into Town everyday. 60 miles round trip and it a great ride. People ask me why didnt I get a car. My response I dont like sitting on the ground. My kids and their friends think I have the coolest SUV in the neighborhood. Since it is red, we put the Red Hawaiian print seat covers. Looks like a real beach Suv.When I bought my jeep I had the only one in my town now they are everywhere.