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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  overall great buy - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By john clark - October 8 - 10:08 am

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  Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Grandma of 3 - October 4 - 3:00 pm

  I have leased two Grand Cherokees and two Libertys (2002 and 2005). Love this little frog, as my husband calls it. Just as plush and much better pickup than my Grand Cherokee that was an 8 cylinder. Fun to drive, easy to park. Comfortable leather seats. Great doodads. Plush, sporty, rides like a car but has lots of room for hauling plants, boxes, etc. when you put down the back seats that fold down very easily. I have had no problems with either of my Libertys. I love it. "My little Beep."

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  Boo ya - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Kara - October 2 - 7:36 pm

  Nice ride. I went from a Wrangler to the Compass and it was a wise decision. Great gas mileage for a Jeep and I love the exterior/interior look.

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  Great SUV!!! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mialsu - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Make sure you get a color that will not show too many knicks.

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  I love my Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Slab42 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I absolutley love my Rubicon!! This is my 3rd Jeep, so I think I can officially say, "This is it!"

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  XJ = Quality - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By boardz - October 1 - 2:46 am

  I have owned several Jeeps and have been pleased with the quality, dependability, simplicity and utility of every one. My 1999 Jeep XJ Cherokee is by far the best overall vehicle I have ever owned. I would recommend any year Cherokee - that has been well maintained - to anyone that needs a dependable utility vehicle at a reasonable price!

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  2nd Jeep......First Commander - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Jake - September 30 - 12:53 am

  This is our 2nd Jeep. We traded our 05 Liberty for this. The "Overland" rocks. We love it. It rides much nicer than the 2wd Liberty we had. Very quiet at highway speeds. Easy to get above 80 and not realize it. The Hemi is smooth and effortless. Mileage is lousy...but hey, it is a Hemi, we are expecting that. Kids love the skylights. Plenty of room for 2kids, dog and camping gear. Looking foward to CampJeep in VA this summer. We love our new Commander Overland.

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  Fantastic Fun - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Scott - September 27 - 3:26 pm

  Its time to rate these Jeeps for what they are. These are fun vehicles made to play where others cant go. This is for a person who needs no GPS, DVD Screen and dislikes wearing a suit! My Unlimited has been exceptional since the day I drove it from the lot. Problem free and able to go anywhere, its the perfect vehicle for a rag-top lover who loves a nice summer day. I have nothing but nice things to say. I dont even miss my 2002 Convertible Mustang GT. The Jeep is more fun!

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  My Jeep - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SUSIE - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I could live in this car. I sleep in it and eat in it and talk on the phone in it and my kids have changed clothes in it. I bought my first one and the car salesman wrecked it after I drove it 1 day and I refused to take anything but a like model. I had to settle for a different interior color but I was o.k with it. The square cargo space is roomy and the front seats are perfect for us. I love that it adjusts the seats and mirrors for us since my husband is tall, and I am not. Thankfully he does not drive it much.

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  LIBERTY LIMITED - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By KATHY - September 27 - 2:00 am

  LOVE IT!!! VERY RELIABLE - GOOD ALL AROUND CAR AND HOLDS ANYTHING IVE EVER WANTED TO PUT IN THE BACK!! GREAT ON SNOW AND ICE, VERY ZIPPY BUT FEEL SAFE