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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  Great Purchase - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe P - August 6 - 10:33 am

  Great looking SUV. Handles nicely. Comfortable for my long commute to work, especially with my heated seats on winter mornings.

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  Love my Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By sgleo01 - August 5 - 3:10 am

  I have had my Jeep Liberty Sport for a few months now and I really love it. Its fun to drive and excellent on gas. Great deal!

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  Stiff backs and Caddilacs - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By yawlhangon - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Because this was my 1st Jeep (congradualations) (thank you very much) I did a considerable amount of research before making the purchase And from all ive heard I expected to get in this thing and feel like I was laying on a bed of nails during earthquake A lot of people are really overdramatizing the supposable lack of comfort in a Jeep. I realize that its all in the eye (or back) of the beholder but these people must have back trouble or somthing. Sure its no Buick Regal or Pontiac Bonneville but I dont see no call to exagerate. Sure it may not be as comfortable as a luxury sedan but its certainly not uncomfotable. Jeep does a fine job.

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  Good Value - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By OpenRoad - August 4 - 7:00 am

  It appears Jeep/Chrysler put a lot of thought in to fuel economy vs performance, Offroad capability vs Onroad handling. It is very well balanced. Its not the fastest but you reap huge rewards in fuel economy. Great Onroad handling and foul weather confidence. This evening I was driving on a dirt road that turned into a mud bog. I was worried that I would have to get out and push or hike out of the wilderness for help. I have a new appreciation for the patriots capability (I didnt have to jump into the mud). For those wanting more extreme offroad capability jeep offers a trail rated package. The vehicles to compare it to are Toyota Rav4 and Honda CRV. Once you try the Patriot you will buy it

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  A good ride - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Rak - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I just got my 03 Jeep Liberty Limited a week ago after ordering it around 10 weeks ago. I chose the Atlantic Blue exterior color, light/dark interior and added ABS and side-air bags too. The interior of the jeep is top-notch, the leather is fine grain and i love the overhead console and also the audio controls on the steering wheel. The sound system is decent and the seats are pretty comfortable too. Ride wise, its comfortable but the steering can sometimes feel heavy and it does not always take corners smoothly.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Owned - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Carlos M. - July 30 - 1:33 pm

  Ive owned 2 Mercedes, a BMW, 2 Hondas, GMs, Fords, and a partridge in a pear tree ... I test drove the Avalon, Chrysler 300 Touring, Acura TL, and Infinity G35. This Laredo RWD 3.7 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best vehicle Ive owned or could even buy for $10,000 more. We bought a *2nd one* for me after just 2 months after getting the wifes 05 Laredo! Power is great, handling as good as my E300, library quiet, turns on a dime, comfortable and supportive front seats, gray plastic dash reminds me of "das hinterland" but is durable, incredible standard stereo, ultra solid and safe feel, total driver control, MUCH more value than the dollars I paid. I cannot see forking over $35k when I got these for $25k each.

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  Happy Diesel Owner - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By davez - July 29 - 9:10 am

  I know have 42000 miles on this vehicle and except for the replacement of the ERG sensor at 8000, I have had no problems with the Jeep. I have gotten as high as 31 mpg in the summer but in the winter time (Upstate NY) it typically gets around 21 mpg. Workmenship has been good but the original stock tires are garbage. I would not hesitate to buy this vehicle again.

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  Renegade Nation - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Jason - July 28 - 10:42 pm

  Great design, true jeep quality. Love the detachable roof get so many compliments on the Jungle Green Color!

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  A Fine Automobile - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By spencesdad - July 27 - 2:00 am

  We have loved our Jeep for 4 1/2 years. Our previous Jeeps had been virtually depreciation-proof, so we were shocked at this models depreciation. At 104k, we are apparently lucky to have had no tranny problems. Ate up several sets of Goodyears before we found Bridgestones which have been awesome. Been hard on front brake pads, but not excessively. Still runs and drives flawlessly, has the most comfortable and durable interior ever. Looks showroom new after six kids! Would love to keep the seats when we finally sell it! We love the way it handles, and handles anything.

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  Its really a V-6 - 2018 Jeep Cherokee
  By Reachin - July 25 - 12:39 pm

  I put over 1,000 miles on it the first week. Very good on the highway and not bad on city streets. Compared to my 92 Wrangler with over 350,000 on the odometer this vehicle is a Limo. I do find it odd that FCA left 2014 technology in the radio when even they step down vehicle Compass has the new radio.