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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  My favorite ride - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By taggart - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Jeep new in 2001 in Georgia. I have driven it twice to Moab Utah from Georgia once pulling a trailer with a Goldwing on it The little 4 cyl is a great engine. I have been on the highest rated Jeep trails here in Moab and this Jeep is a stock Jeep no lift kit. By far this is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It may be a bit noisy at 75mph but hey, I have been in bad snow storms and downpours and always felt very secure. The Amber Fire paint job still looks great and at 120,000 it still preforms as it did when new. I replaced the rag top at 100,000 as well as the front brakes. It is simple to tune up and real fun to drive. I am totally into jeeping out here in the desert.

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  Great buy! - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SM CORRAL - February 28 - 1:19 am

  This is the second JEEP Laredo I have owned, however, the first Grand Cherokee. The ride is great and I am really enjoying the SUV as a car and an SUV. The interior and exterior are well designed, and I am pleased with the overall package. I am still learning how to use all of the features. I have the tow, safety, and off-road packages, as well as a sunroof. It is a great buy!

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  My Liberty Tis of thee - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Julio - February 27 - 2:46 am

  I like the comfort and ride I get with my 2005 Jeep Liberty. I enjoy the neat tech console and the premium radio with Sirius satellite. Overall, it is a fun car to drive.

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  2002 Libertry - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JY303 - February 26 - 11:50 pm

  Right off of the sales lot the head lights low beams were not working. Its been back at the service dept for 2 days now and waiting for a new "Body Control Module" computer. The dealer gave us a "loaner" Liberty to drive till we get our car back. Other than that it seems to be a great car and very fun to drive.

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  2014 jeep Grand Cherokee LTD-4x4 V8 - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By camrydc - February 26 - 4:49 pm

  I love this jeep. The Navigation, Sound System, Hemi V8 power. I can connect my iphone wirelessly to the system and listen to all my songs. Seats are comfortable, Vehicle looks amazing. Got the 20 inch wheels. I drive almost all locally and short distances so my first mileage check im getting 14.7 mpg. Only thing I might have done differently is go with another color. I chose the green which usually looks black its so dark.

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  No problem in blizzard/mud/rain/dessert - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By renaroo - February 26 - 7:53 am

  Traded in older Jeep, overheated near Vegas en route to Zion during July 4th weekend. Performed flawlessly in the dessert, and A/C kept cool in over 100F temp. Moved to mountains, and helped towed moving truck up the hill when it overheated. Commuted 3 years 90 mi RT, from 5500 ft to sea level, in various conditions: blizzard, ice, mud slides, scorching summer heat with no problem. Rebuilt transmission at 150K. Gas mileage no noticeable change. Hit-n-run accident on the mountain at 170K. Not sure if related to accident, but a few months later: memory loss in computer settings (seat, mirror, radio), heated seat. Now at over 240K mi still works great at -30F. Replaced water pump-no other repairs

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  Jeep - Its whats for dinner - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Hodson - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. No problems with this at all. My only complaint is that I have put 3 windshields in it. They catch everything! Perhaps if they were slanted back a bit more it would help. Took it up in the mountains last summer and did all kinds of trails. Its a blast! Go topless in the spring summer and fall. Its just a cool vehicle!

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  She sure was a good ship - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By A great ride - February 23 - 6:26 pm

  Always wanted a Wrangler, and I got one in 1996! Had it for 14 years. She was the Millenium Falcon to my Han Solo. Sure there were problems. All cars have them, but my love for the car outweighed any daily annoyance. Its the kind of vehicle you either love or hate. What I liked: Tight turn radius, no bells or whistles (Im old school that way), , various top/no top options. Didnt like that you felt every bump in the road. Mechanically it didnt really give me too much trouble til the last several years. I didnt miss a day of work for car trouble. Met its untimely end early 2010 when it flipped on its side on an icy highway. Green w/ tan hardtop.

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  Love this car - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Leesburg Guy - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my second GC (had an early 1992) and my most recent SUV was a MB ML 430. I have had a range of cars in my life (Peugeot, Jaguar, two MBs, and a number of Big 3 vehicles). I am semi-retired and dont drive a great deal and my ML had only 90,000 miles. I liked that car but love this one. Extremely solid, very comfortable, well equipped. Love the seats (the previous rater who gave comfort a 1 must have a butt the size of Texas). MBs, Jags and particularly Peugeots all have great seats and the Jeep is every bit as good. The ride is great so something good came out of Daimlers little money dump into the US. I consider this to be a Jeep refined (not designed) in Stuttgart.

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  Best SUV ever - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jim448 - February 21 - 2:35 pm

  I have owned 8 SUVs. Including explorer, expedition 4 runner and sequoia. Best SUV ever by far. Better interior than any foreign car I have owned.