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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  so far ,so good - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By shepherds2 - July 3 - 9:00 am

  We have had a few problems, but overall very good luck with this vehicle. 123,000 miles on the car. Break rotors warped and replaced 3 times. Chrysler finally paid for a really good set of slotted rotors (class action suit) and we have had no problems since. A few lights have burned out and a seat heater went out. Overall very pleased with the SUV. Love the smooth,tiny, but powerful V8 engine.

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  I love my 4 door Wrangler - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Peter - July 2 - 7:26 pm

  I feel this is the perfect blend between the toughness and utilitarianism of a Jeep and a family vehicle. My family of four fits comfortably in it for the drive to school and trips yet I still have the ability to take the top and doors off fold the windshield down and ride offroad trails in my Jeep. My mileage for the year will be more but I have not had it a year however I feel I have put a hard 5,000 on it and given her a thorough shakedown and love everything about it. I have found it hard to come up with a negative for all the positive things I could say about my Jeep.

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  Love my Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Wave - July 2 - 5:13 pm

  The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is extremely fun to drive and the little extra cargo room the Unlimited offers goes a long way. I plan to get a 3" lift and put some 34" tires on...which the wife is against but what does she know. Mine came with a grille guard and fog lights which look very nice.

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  First Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By phllyntv - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I really like my Jeep Liberty its my first SUV and first jeep and it rides very smoothly and handles well. My previous car was a honda del sol and I was nervous about the size and parking with the liberty but come to find out its shorter in length then my wifes toyota camry and it rides better to me then her camry but definitely better than my del sol.

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  Love My Compass! - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By polarbare49 - June 29 - 12:31 pm

  After doing 4 months of extensive research on various small SUVs, the Compass Lattitude 4x4 proved to be the best value for my dollar. Love the new baby Grand Cherokee design. Decent gas mileage with surprisingly more power than I was lead to believe from reading the expert reviews. Handles like a car but still has the solid build of a Jeep SUV. All in all, IMHO, beats the Rav4,

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  Not for Teens - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By vacottonking - June 27 - 2:00 am

  My 17 yr son rolled this vehicle, He was unharmed which is probably a plus from that stand point. The body of the vehicle held up even though it was unrepairable. In my opinion, the short turning radius, power, and top heavy nature of this vehicle require above average driving skills to be safe. I am sure most SUVs fit this category. I still want another one. I also had a 1991 Explorer that was much more comfortable and quiter, but not nearly as fun to drive as the jeep. The jeep was better off road and was lighter. Jeep was Better on the beach. Pick the jeep for fun & recreation, but get something else for trips if you are over 40

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  I want it to last forever. - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mathteacher - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have replaced tires, belts, fluids regularly. The only non-routine expenses have been replacing the air-conditioner and the boot... A very inexpensive vehicle for us.

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  Awsome Jeep! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ben yothers - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the best Jeep ever Built

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  Great Experience - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim Bolton - June 26 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Limited is great. The exterior styling is sharp while the interior quality is exceptional. Ive owned 28 vehicles since I started driving and this is one of the best vehicles that I have owned. And no...my previous fleet did not include Gremlins, Pintos or Ygos! My Jeep experience has ranked up there with my Infiniti and Lexus experiences.

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  OUTSTANDING! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kevin Mobley - June 23 - 10:03 pm

  I have been extraordinarily pleased with it. I did have some concerns over Jeeps choice of transmissions for it, (it is a Mercedes transmission) but it has done just fine. My wife adores it too.