• There are several alternative vehicle choices similar to jeeps.Milk & Honey Creative/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
  
  Jeeps were born out of necessity during World War II when the U.S. government needed a light all-terrain vehicle to help in the war effort. In 1950, Willys-Overland was granted the Jeep name as a registered trademark. As of 2010, it sport utility vehicles are equipped with the latest 4-by-4 technology and come in several models. Out on the market, other automakers produce models that rival Jeep's 4-by-4 sport utility vehicles. Some of them offer better interior features and powertrains with the same 4-by-4 advantage, and often close to the same price.
  
  

Toyota FJ Cruiser

• The 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a four-door sport utility vehicle that can seat five passengers. There are three available trims: the 4-by-2, the 4-by-4 MT and the 4-by-4 AT. The base powertrain is a 4.0L V6 engine with 258 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and a torque of 270 ft.-lb. at 4,400 rpm. The drivetrain is either a rear-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive. A five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive comes standard on all trims. A 2010 FJ Cruiser retails around $22,200 to $23,700, as of 2010.
  
  

Honda CR-V

• The 2010 Honda CR-V is a four-door compact SUV that can seat up to five passengers. It's available in eight trims ranging from the base model LX 2WD up to the Ex-L 4WD. The standard powertrain is a 2.4L I4 engine with 180 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and a torque of 161 ft.-lb. at 4,400 rpm. All trims come standard with a five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. A 4-by-2 or a 4-by-4 drivetrain also is available. The 2010 Honda CR-V costs around $21,500 to $29,000, as of 2010.
  
  

Suzuki Grand Vitara

• The 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a four-door compact SUV that can seat five passengers. It has nine trims, ranging from the base model up to the limited edition 4WD. The base powertrain is 2.4L I4 engine with 166 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a torque of 162 ft.-lb. at 4,000 rpm. Drivetrains available are rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Standard transmission is a five-speed automatic with overdrive. Purchasing a 2010 Grand Vitara is around $19,000 to $27,000, as of 2010.