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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  Its the only choice our there - 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By L. Mazza - December 16 - 9:41 pm

  Purchased a Trail hack 5.7 L and I am simply in love. This vehicle makes me feel I am in a much more expensive SUV. The ride, comfort and the power is second to none. It is my second Jeep and on the first one never had a single issue and it has almost 80k miles. On this one I feel I am in a complete different vehicle. The V8 power is amazing, the ride is limousine grade. It is quite, it is comfortable and it looks just incredible when compared to all those "SUVs" from the Japanese and the Germans. The design is very attractive. So far I have put close to six thousand miles and I have had zero issues. I plant on keeping my old jeep and my new one. Maintenance is not that expensive and as far as reliability it seems as good or better than the competition. What I am not in love is how easy and lazy the engine works, just a touch to the accelerator and that V8 power sends you moving with ease. I am truly I love with my jeep.

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  Great Jeep - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Bono - December 15 - 3:54 pm

  We love this Jeep. Great options, great price, great ride.

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  Nothing beats it! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By colorado1974 - December 15 - 11:20 am

  An absolutely fabulous vehicle! Love everything about it.

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  No regrets - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By morrisdg - December 15 - 10:00 am

  A convertible for people who still want a rugged feel, who still want to be able to go anywhere. An SUV for people who dont need to compensate for shortcomings elsewhere. A fun car that still has a few practical uses. Friends may not be willing to buy one themselves, but theyll all want to ride in it. Life is better with a Jeep.

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  FUN AND VERSATILE - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Archaeologist - December 15 - 10:00 am

  THE JEEP BEGAN AS A MILITARY VEHICLE AND HAS NOT LOST ITS OFFROAD ABILITY THROUGH OUT THE YEARS. THE REMOVABLE TOP COUPLED WITH THE 4WD CAPABILITY MAKES IT A VERY VERSATILE RIG.

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  Jeep Rubicon dont be left behind! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Scfairlane - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Its the best one built yet!

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  Great vehicle! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jwater04 - December 14 - 7:43 pm

  I bought this Jeep two months ago. Within a week I noticed the transmission slipping, rear-end popping and the wheel bearings making noise. As the second owner, I transferred the warranty and the dealership replaced the transmission and fixed the rest of it with 45,000 miles. I thought I made a mistake but now that its fixed, its doing great and I love it. It really is as capable as my wrangler I traded and I can actually use it during the week. Not just let it sit at home as just a weekend toy. Mine is an automatic and I usually let it shift about 2500rpms which takes off pretty good and doesnt get left in the dust completely. I also do alot of city driving and this gets me about 18-20mpg

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  Fun! Fun! Fun! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Pete - December 14 - 2:54 am

  This is the most FUN vehicle to drive.....I SPECIAL ORDERED Mine with the Freedom drive 2 "off road " package, CVT automatic trans, and Air Conditioning! .......Otherwise NO Electric.......Windows, seats, door locks, Navigation......Just The Basics that come with the Jeep....., Like,,,,, am/fm, cd, sirrius radio, intermittent wipers, Manually adjustable drivers seat (up,down,forward,back,tilt,recline) bluetooth ,rear wiper, cruise control, usb, Folding rear seats,Full size spare tire (a REAL TIRE) ......STEEL Underbody skid plates (not plastic like everyone else), Tow hooks FRONT and REAR, Roof Rack, And a real 4X4!....for Under $18K......PLUS 24 MPG! What a Joy to drive! It Handles Great, very nimble, Wet traction is Very good, Cargo space is REAL NICE for a Compact SUV, OFF ROAD or in mud, snow , sand it has been fantastic! I have 4 other vehicles, 2 of which are AWD ( competitor)..... Much more expensive , loaded with the electronic wizardry, and DOWN RIGHT BORING TO DRIVE! The Patriot Is The Most FUN ......If it only had MORE POWER.....it has 172 Horses.........Im a guy.....what did you expect!

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  Great ride - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By lady_reyna619 - December 13 - 9:00 pm

  I enjoy being higher off the ground. Very fun & comfortable to drive. I live in an area with poor road conditions. so its less bumpy. Costs a lot in gas. Love the V6 -- great for the highway. Helped a lot when I was moving.

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  Brake issues - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bf5013 - December 13 - 10:56 am

  This is the second and last Jeep I will ever purchase. I love Jeeps, but Chrysler does not love their customers, they have brake rotor issues. First brake job at 18,000 miles (warranty). Second at 28,000 "good will" warranty; we paid the labor! Third is now at 38,000 miles, they claim they dont have any brake problems. Im here to warn you, they do have brake problems and it is expensive! Nissan Pathfinder here I come.