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 it! - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By abbeykadabbey - December 23 - 4:48 pm

  I have read a lot of poor reviews on this vehicle and I have to be honest, Im quite surprised. I absolutely love my 2014 Jeep Latitude 2.4 4x4. It drives amazing in the snow. I feel so safe and I also test drove a few other vehicles, including the Nissan Rogue. I absolutely hated the interior of the Rogue and felt it display screen was very outdated as compared to the Jeep touch screen 6.5 display. I definitely recommend the Lattitudes. I didnt test drive the sport though, so maybe thats what people were unhappy with.

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  Love my Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Laura - December 22 - 5:56 pm

  I have owned 2 other jeeps ( a 78 cj5 and a 94 cj) my husband has owned 3 jeeps (a 89 cj and a 99 cj and a 02 liberty)) we have both Loved our old jeeps but with the single life gone they werent practical any longer... Until Now! we have only had our 07 for a couple of weeks but we love it and fight over whos turn it is to take to work. we can fit the babe, the car seat and the groceries with room to spare, still look great... and have fun driving again! The sound system rocks and the drive great. A+ in my book

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tmcmull - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2004 GC Loreado for a year and have 16,000 miles. It such a joy to drive, every trip is an adventure. The I6 engine has such great torque it always seems happy to respond. I have always been a driving enthusist, but the Jeep has me thinking up places to go just to drive it. Reliability has been outstanding, I wish I had bought one years ago.

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  Cleared for Take Off !!! - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Ready for Take Off ! - December 21 - 12:33 pm

  Very pleased with the ride and roadability both in the city in the highway. My compliments to for the new re-engineered 4.7 and refinement of 5- 45fre autotrans being one of the best rans out there, period! The offering of creature comforts is higher than most Benzs! This vehilce is a keeper - it tows our flat bed to get the chores done, our 24 ft trailer to play, a limo for arriving at our favorite dinner spot, plenty of room for our family, and looks great in our circle drive - it does it all. "American" got it right and Jeep does not go out of style! Gas, . . . I got such a good deal and my driving miles are very reasonable I am just fine. It drives fresh as the day I tested drove it!

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  WONDERFUL CAR!!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bart520 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is no CRV or RAV4. It is heavy and has substance. FANTASTIC CAR. 12,000 miles of worry free fun!!!

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  Ive Grown to love the Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Cindy - December 18 - 5:50 am

  I have driven a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited for several years. I have always liked the luxury look of a Limited package, but the durability & safety of an SUV. The "boxy" Commander style was not what I was looking for in a Jeep for 06. I dont need the 7 seats but could use the cargo room. The Commander standard was too plain & reminded me of the old Jeep Wagoneer style of the 70s. Then I fell in love with a Black Limited Commander with the saddle brown leather seats. It had the Hemi (would have preferred the V8) & the side curtain airbags sold me. I was in an accident a month ago, with another Dodge Ram truck & we both hit at 45 mph. The 5 star rating was right on. That vehicle saved my life.

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  Clean SUV - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cedric - December 16 - 6:31 am

  It is a great vehicle very dependable and reliable....

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  Edmonds verse me - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By onefofun - December 16 - 4:09 am

  I have owned the 2010 Jeep Liberty for about 8 months and have found the negative press given to this vehicle to be just subjective preferences. The first knock by professionals is the power...well this Jeep has plenty of power and in fact is very zippy and torquey at low end. It gets up and scoots off the line but does lose some punch at 50 and above....but what is the speed limit? This Jeeps power is more than enough. The handling? love it! It is stable on the highway, fun to drive in town and has answered every task I have given it off road including 15 inches of snow mud combo and very rugged terrain. The interior cleans up well and while not fancy remember..its a Jeep.

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  Its a Jeep thing! - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Leonard - December 15 - 6:30 pm

  There is nothing like a Jeep Wrangler. I live in Montana, and This is the perfect recreational vehicle! Nothing out preforms my Wrangler. It is built with the highest quality on the market.

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  2000 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By pweimar - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Excellent utility. One of the few vehicles made in the US which can be relied upon to exceed 200,000 miles if regularly serviced. "Jeepers" refer to them as BABY TANKS!