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 Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Les - December 9 - 11:30 pm

  Nice SUV. Loves to eat gas however, but great highway drive and super in winter or sloppy conditions.

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  Jeep X - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By cernuto - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I am very satisfied with the performance of the Wrangler. It is certainly a Spartan vehicle and is designed with the intention of off highway usuage. However I would not recommend it as the primary mode of transportation for someone who routinely travels more than 50 miles from home.

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  220,000 miles and still going !!!!! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Shane - December 8 - 1:13 pm

  I have had my jeep over 10 years no major problems...just minor things...very comfortable...I have 220,000 miles and still going...I want a newer one but I just want to see how long this one will last...highly recommend one...

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  2010 Jeep Wrangler - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Andy - December 8 - 7:40 am

  First jeep Ive owned and I LOVE it!! Added K&N cold air intake system. Mileage remained the same, power and sound increased! Sets you back in the seat while catching 2nd, engine GULPS for air when throttle down, sounds MEAN! Also added Westin step bar, and trailer hitch. Mileage 15-16 in city, 18-19 on road. Nice ride, built tough!

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  Too Much Fun - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By paffe3 - December 5 - 4:40 pm

  What can I say, I LOVE IT!! I use to own a little convertible and an SUV - now I have the perfect convertaSUV all in one. When you hit a good bump in the road it reminds you its a Jeep, but on the highway its a nice ride. If you love a Jeep but wish it had a little more comfort, the wait is over. Got for a test drive, youll be surprised. Enjoy.

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  not the best lookin - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By michael - December 5 - 1:20 pm

  Have 6000 miles in cool weather. Starts fine running better with more miles, use Mobile one gets much better mileage the expected average city and highway 20 by the on board computer. Use cruse when ever possible. It is quiet on the road and rides Nice not like a BMW but ok even on long trips. Storage space is limited in drivers area, and the rear view is really bad bad. The rear seat head rest are always in the line of site. Then add the spare tire and the rrear wiper seeing out the back is a accident waiting to happen. I guess the rear head rests are a function of design in Washington DC. Other then these issues I love the Jeep and would purchase another one.

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  Proven workhorse - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Long Tall Texan - December 4 - 4:20 pm

  Had this car for 11 years, 160,000 miles. Rebuilt the transmission at 90,000 and made a few non-critical repairs (electric windows, back hatch) over the years, but, to my surprise, its still running strong. I certainly do NOT regret buying it. It has withstood California commuter traffic, Wyoming fishing trails and Texas heat with a minimum of trouble. Mileage is bad (14-16 mpg), cornering is ridiculous, steering requires constant adjustment, but it has been reliable beyond my reasonable expectations. For an American car this old, it done good.

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  My overland. - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By wbastidas - December 4 - 12:00 am

  I drive a 2011 Overland loaded! I used to be so proud of my Jeep and would brag about it to everyone. Not anymore! So far the truck has been back to the dealer five timesÂ… thank god not for mechanical failures (so far) but for cosmetic reason. After owning several Jeeps, I wanted some luxury, style and of course towing capacity. So after looking into the X5, Lexus 350 and the ExpeditionÂ…I chose my Overland, boy do I regret my decision!!! The overland is fun to drive, slick looking and just all around FUN. The problem is how the inside of the Jeep was done and how bad the materials used inside are wearing down in such a small period of time. The dash board had to be replaced because th

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  Rotors, Rotors, Rotors - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rich F. - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchase my Jeep Cherokee Sport 4WD new back in July of 2001. I did enjoy driving it and it was my first Cherokee after owning 4 Grand Cherokees. I switched to the Cherokee after having numerous problems with the Grand Cherokees. In the end, the one problem that still persisted with the Cherokee was that the rotors warped approximately every 12,000-15,000 when they were just out of warranty. I have heard that the newer Jeep have a better brake design but I was not willing to try another one at this time. I just purchased a new 2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 and I am much more impressed with the build quality when compared to the Jeeps.

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  Forget the other Wranglers - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By DrATom - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I always wanted one and finally did a month ago. Biggest reason for only getting a Wrangler now was that there was next to no room behind the back seat. Until the Unlimited came out, it made no sense for me to get rid off my reliable and fuel- economic little soft-top Tracker. The unlimited has lots of room, is much more comfortable than anyone says and the soft top is not that hard to handle, simply needs some time to get used to. Obviously you cant compare the handling of the soft top when youre used to pressing a button in your Sebring convert ... It pulls 3,500 pounds and has no trouble with my 1,800 pd boat trailer and affects fuel economy very little.