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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  I love my Jeep...kinda - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By scrane48084 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Its got just about every disadvantage going for it. Mediocre to poor gas mileage (especially for a vehicle this small), bumpy/bouncy ride, noisier than a motorcycle, no cargo space, not a highway car AT ALL...despite all those things..its got one huge ADVANTAGE...ITS FUN AS HELL TO DRIVE.

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  made in Toledo Ohio - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Rob - April 15 - 11:13 pm

  Jeep is a great make. This is my fourth; had 94 and 96 Cherokees and a 98 Grand. My 2008 Ltd Liberty is the best. Driving position is excellent. Interior/exterior design is superb. Daily commute mpg is 19-20 mpg. Steering was a bit over-responsive at first, but I like it after 2000 miles. Get the cargo area plastic tray from Mopar; fits perfectly and it can be easily removed to shake out dirt/mulch. Braking is sure and even. Outside mirrors are overlarge - great for backing-up. Recommend the sun-roof, no problems with leaking in car washes. Sound system is best I ever owned. Get inferno-red, looks great! Transmission can be a bit growly when accelerating uphill, must be the gearing.

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  I heart my Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By mkinthecity - April 15 - 8:20 am

  With the continual climb in gasoline prices & my need for a 4WD vehicle for the wintry conditions of New England, I needed a rugged yes stylish car to get me to & fro work & play safely. After searching the market for a compact SUV, I stumbled upon the Patriot. I couldnt be happier that I did! The price was right and the design is classic Jeep through and through. The heated leather seats, moon roof, and standard Sirius Radio on the Limited Edition, it was love at first test drive! Easy to maneuver around town and in tight parking spaces, but surprisingly roomy on the inside... couldnt ask for a better combination. A definitive mix of spunk and sexy...WARNING: Cute-utes beware...

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  Comfort without giving up Jeep nature - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By Happy in TN - April 14 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this 2011 Jeep Wrangler Sahara last week and couldnt be happier with our choice. The traditional Jeep crowd may be put off by the heated seats, navigation system with HDD audio, climate control, and power windows. For us, its a great way to give us the comfort and convenience of a luxury vehicle during the weekly commute combined with a capable off-road fun vehicle on the weekends. The family hasnt stopped smiling since our purchase.

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  best suv out there!!!! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rad4372 - April 14 - 12:33 am

  couldnt be happier with my Grand Cherokee. Looked at Acura, M-Bs, Lexus, and Land Rover. Had a Explorer- hated it. The Jeep is the best price and performance wise hands down!!! Dont be fooled, there really is only one...

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  2005 Jeep Liberty - Enjoying the Ride - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Donna - April 11 - 9:53 pm

  I wanted a ride that was 1) economical -- darn those gas prices 2) affordable 3) a small SUV with with big SUV luxuries. Its the 2nd time I have owned a Jeep and gotten great performance.

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  Clean - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By basem - April 11 - 12:20 pm

  It is great car, and fun to drive. It is really strong, and you could rather any other cars with it. The problem that it is going too fast, so you could not feel the actual speed yor are going on, so you think you are going 20 when you are really going 50, so in the curves, you think you will roll over, and that is not something to be ashamed about your Jeep.

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  Very impressed - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By fallguy83 - April 11 - 1:15 am

  Purchased our 2012 Patriot in Feb. of 2014. My wife totaled my 2003 Tacoma 4x4 after hitting some black ice and losing control. Thank the Lord my wife was fine other than some bruises and a concussion. We decided we needed something better on gas and with a closed back end to haul things out of the weather. 4 wheel drive is a must since we live on a farm and do get snow in our part of Kentucky often enough. Weve put nearly 20k on it in the year weve had it and love it. Has had no issues and like every owner says, dont listen to the magazine and professional reviews. This thing is a great vehicle and value for the money.

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  Get a 1995 or earlier for a used Jeep! - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By West Dawg - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1995 Wrangler new and its as solid as they come. Ive put $78,000 miles on it and have only replaced the muffler, and I damaged the muffler while off road. Other than that just put in the oil and go! If you are in the market for a used Jeep the models from 1995 and older are cheaper to maintain, cheaper to lift, do custom things with and more durable than the Jeep Wranglers made from 1997 on (There was no 1996 model). The Wranglers made from 1997 on are basically Grand Cherokees with a Jeep body (to put it simply). The suspension repairs or a lift kit on the newer Jeeps cost a fortune!

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  Best Vehicle I Ever Bought - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By murph - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This SUV was a gem. Not a single problem until 100,000 miles and that was only minor. Very capable off-road performance as well.