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:

• 

  Jeep Liberty 2003 - satisfaction - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Rice6roni - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have driven vehicles on business prior to my purchase of my Liberty. Comparisons were done between Xterra, Escape, and the Liberty for ride and enjoyment. The Jeep Liberty won hands down ... and was cheaper to boot. If youre looking for an economical call from a fuel perspective, this is not your car.

• 

  Great buy - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By inspect7 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Jeep in 4 years. My first Jeep was a base model purchased new with a four cylinder - and was slow to accelerate (also, the mileage was awful - 13mpg all around - and I am not an aggresive driver). In addition, it was loud with the softtop. With the six cylinder the power is abundant and the mileage is better (Overall average around 18mpg). Fun to drive - a head turner. Ride in lap of luxury with the Sahara without the expense of the exotic imports. Insurance is low, re-sale high. Reasonable sound levels with the hard top. Stock CD/Stereo is sweet.

• 

  Better than 2001 V6 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mvickers - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 2001 Limited Grand Cherokee 2WDw/V6 engine for 2004 2WDw/V8. I love the way that it drives. I totally disagree w/ Edmonds that it rides like a truck, and so does everyone else that I talk with. The V8 with 5 speed transmission is much more fun to drive and very smooth; IMO.The styling is great inside and out.I did have a number of problems with my 2001, but I believe that Jeep has strived hard for better quality in recent years.

• 

  made the right choice - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By marvin chinitz - May 20 - 5:12 pm

  About my jeep cherokee trailhawk: I bought every option except the fancy audio speakers. After I ordered the car, Consumer Reports came out with best 10 safety options that every new car should have. With the trailhawk options I had every one on consumer reports list. The options are worth every cent. Just returned from drive from NYC to ski trip deep in Canada, a total of 32 hours of driving round trip. The Trailhawk was amazing, on highway or on snow or at city pace. If you cannot afford all the options i would not recommend the car. The options make it worth every penny, and make the car extremely safe to drive. That should be your first priority.

• 

  2016 Jeep Grand 4WD LMTD - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Grand - May 18 - 2:53 am

  Love everything about this vehicle, off road is just amazing. Great performance, handling and awesome on long HWY trips. Test drove many 4WD SUVs none come close to the Grand Cherokees interior and performance. I went for the luxury and tow package. Very pleased...

• 

  the jeep - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By drew haught - May 17 - 3:06 am

  Overall the vehicle has been good and reliable. The biggest issues are the shocks and struts went bad at 40000 miles. The ride of the vehicle and cabin are wonderful.

• 

  Luv My Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Colleen Ewald - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned a Jeep. I love mine. The preformance of this vehicle is fantastic. The best handling and turning radius I have ever experienced in a vehicle. The 4x4 is great. I had never used a 4x4 until this winter and my Liberty put the BIG BOYS to shame. I could go through anything, and the others could not get the traction that the liberty gave me. I work at UPS and several of the Drivers wanted to test drive mine. Now 7 (seven) of us are happy Jeep Liberty Owners. All of us agree it has great preformance, style and is very unique. I will never turn back to the other brands. Great Product Colleen Ewald

• 

  Grand Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Andyslove - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I think that my Gran Cherokee is quite possibly the best car of I ever owned. I am a mother who is hauling kids everywhere, and I feel very safe in my jeep. I have owned a Mercedes and a BMW and now I am on my 4th Grand Cherokee and love it.

• 

  Jeep Rules - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jilian - May 15 - 7:06 pm

  Jeeps in general are amazing, but I love the Wrangler. Its fun to drive, stylish, and you cant beat its off-road capabilities. So the gas mileage isnt the best--are any SUVs that great on gas?

• 

  What A Ride! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By papaphil08 - May 14 - 11:23 pm

  I LOVE MY JEEP! This is my first GC. I purchased my 08 Overland last summer when gas prices where over 4 dollars a gallon, got 11 grand knocked off the price because they were not selling. Whos laughing now! I test drove a Lexus IS350, Ford Explorer, Edge, Lincoln MKX and Acura MDX. None can compare to the quality of this Jeep. Great fit and finish! For a SUV it rides like a Dream! Leather and Wood is Beautiful! Black with the chrome really turns heads, HIDs are flawless! And lets not forget enough power under the hood to really humiliate the kid in the Mustang at the red light. Bustin a** with a EMPTY baby seat in the back! HaHa, I Love My HEMI. German styling/American Muscle, Awesome!