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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  Jeep still has it! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Merlin315 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  For one of the lower priced SUVs on the market, the Cherokee still performs. I only hope the Liberty shines as bright as the Cherokee has.

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  Finally decided to Buy a Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By GregA602 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Though certainly not for everyone, owning a Jeep Wrangler can be very rewarding. Every time I shopped for a vehicle over the past 15 years I considered buying a Jeep. For reasons usually related to practicality I talked myself out of it. This time I did not. Though a generally rugged ride; navigating area roadways in a Jeep is a blast. Its powerful, solid, and packed with enough basic creature comforts to take care of its owner. Unlike many vehicles Ive purchased in the past, Ive never regretted buying my Jeep. Its a genuine what you see is what you get experience

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  Great SUV - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeffo - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my liberty. It is great on the road, and off the road. It looks sharp and is comfortable for us "big" guys. I am 63 275 and I fit great. My wife loves it to.

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  Its a change - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Ivona Jenis - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Its reliable, fun to drive, very quite engine, but strong.

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  Jeep cannot be beaten - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Randy Hopper - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Buying the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee was the best design I could have possibly made. This is an incredible vehicle. Capability doesnt shy from the original American Motors Jeeps. I previously owned a 1986 Cherokee and was sad to depart with what I consider the most comprehensive and powerful 4- wheel drive system ever made. But, the 2004 is quiet, very comfortable, and the 4-wheel drive is still just as capable. Not only is it a great ride but it is a gorgeous design. The front fascia has been modified from the 2003 adding circular fog lamps which are excellent in all conditions. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Nothing Beats a Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rhino - October 27 - 11:40 pm

  This is my third Jeep. The first two I drove over 100,000 miles, and never had them in the shop for anything more than oil changes and brakes.This Jeep is by far the best of the three. Jeep are no longer just fun, they can go head-to-head with any of the "luxury" car manufacturers.

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  whats not to like for $17K - $28K ? - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Tom Wood - October 27 - 8:52 pm

  Look, youre not buying a top of the line Lexus or Acura. If youve got 21K to spend on a comfortable, modern ride with the classic Jeep styling, THIS IS IT! This is the most economical SUV on the market. For 21K (Latitude 6 speed) its far superior to my previous purchase of a 25K bottom of the line KIA Sorrento. It is more comfortable, more head room and doesnt flop all over the road like the KIA.

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  CRD Perfect Timing - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Drudgery1971 - October 26 - 2:30 pm

  Purchased as our primary vehicle with many needs - hauling 2000-3000lb trailer, multi-passenger (small) transport with good fuel mileage. The big differentiator between the CRD and everything else, even other Liberties, was the combination of towing capability and good fuel mileage. Add on the extended engine life with the diesel and so far its exactly what we need.

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  There truely is only one Jeep - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Stephen "Slacker" - October 26 - 2:33 am

  I bought my 97 TJ Jeep (her name is Jessie) with 86,000 miles in 2004. My ex-wife used to say I loved my Jeep more than her. Well, apparently she was right...I still have the Jeep! It now has 162,000 miles on it and runs stronger than ever. The 4.0 may not be fast, but it will pull trees out of the ground and get you out of the stickiest situations. There are very few vehicles out there that generate such a since of pride, excitement, and comradery as a Jeep. Hands down the best vehicle Ive ever owned. For those who have a Jeep (wrangler) it is customary to waive at other wranglers you pass on the road. I know youre checking out my Jeep so dont forget to waive, you are family now.

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  Love it, although its far from perfect - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kelsey - October 25 - 3:53 am

  My Jeep is a 2008 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4X4 with a 3.7L V6 engine. I bought it brand new in 12/08 and got $9,000 worth of rebates and discounts. I havent had any problems with it so far, but I have only put 4,000 miles on it. Therefore, I cannot comment too much on reliability. I will tell you, though, that many of the reliability complaints about the Grand Cherokee relate to 2005-06 models, which had many issues, indeed. However, many of these issues have been fixed for 2007. For 2008, which is the year of my Jeep, the front-end suffered a light facelift and the interior received a major improvement. Some online data show that reliability has improved dramatically with the 07 model.