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:

• 

  Very Satisfied! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Very Satisfied!!! - December 7 - 5:40 am

  My husband and I have been a Jeep family since 1974 and my Dad owned a Willys Jeep. We had a 1974, 1979, 1995, 1998 and then this 2002. This 2002 Overland has been the best Jeep that we have owned. It has 110,000 miles on it and still going. Sorry, but I have not I liked the Jeep product since the 2002 Jeep. Something happened to the back seat. The seat has shrunk. The back seat just isnt comfortable for the passenger. Too much plastic on the dashboard now and no storage area on the dashboard. I feel sad that I need to pick a different product for my next vehicle. Why ruin a perfect vehicle?

• 

  Enjoying the ride - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By guido - December 4 - 5:13 pm

  So far enjoying my new Jeep! Pretty comfortable, great mileage- 28 mpg. Got a great deal! Just wish I had gotten power door locks! Well see how it does in the snow in Colorado in Jan!

• 

  Great Jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Yoss - December 3 - 6:33 pm

  I have put 5000 miles on mine already and I still love it. It is a comfortable commute and a very reliable car. The CVT is a little weird at first but you get used to it, and the fuel savings is worth it. We had an ice storm last December and mine was one of the very few cars that could climb up the icy exit ramps to the highway. I get 25 MPG average but have had up to 30 occasionally. Ive transported kids from school, lumber and gardening soil with it: its easy to clean. If you can, get it with a foldable front seat so you can transport stuff up to 8 feet long.

• 

  A Best Buy For My Family - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Josh in LA - December 3 - 4:26 am

  My wife and I looked and looked and looked for a SUV that fit us and our 3 kids without the size of a suburban. We absolutely love this jeep. The gas mileage isnt great but it is fun to drive, it seats seven, and its very comfortable. We went with the V6 because there wasnt a need to pull anything, but it still offers plenty of power and get up. I am confident that it could pull a ski boat and 7 passengers with no problems.

• 

  Incredible, funny and sporty SUV - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Flavio - December 2 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for SUV and do not require a looot of room for cargo/backseats, this is the SUV for you!!!! After Merecedes took over Jeep/Chrysler everything started to improve on the american plants of Chrysler/Dodge/Playmouth.... And this is a true example of it... Fun to drive, nice sound system, best 4X4 system in the world (Quadra-drive), I only think Audi QUATTRO is better, but hey they do not make SUVs....

• 

  Very Impressed - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By TonyC - November 30 - 10:33 pm

  This is my first American car purchase in over 15 years. I was impressed with the Liberty right from the test drive. This is a fun to drive SUV, with plenty of power and refinement. This is also my first Jeep, and from the looks of it, wont be my last. I would highly recommend putting the Liberty on your shopping list if you are seeking a great little SUV. Even if you are skeptical of American made cars (like I was), give the Liberty a look, it will be well worth your time.

• 

  Love IT - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By TBurden - November 30 - 1:50 am

  I got this thing with 6 miles on it. Last night when I put inside for the night. had 61,000 miles. I have only Changed the oil every 2500 miles. I have 4 Kids . My only prob is the sun roof and rain. Other than that not one prob.

• 

  New car - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike Porter - November 29 - 8:45 pm

  Ive only had the vehicle a month but so far Im pretty impressed. The interior looks high end, the ride is smooth. I love the overall look of the vehicle. Gas milage could be a little better and i think the engine is under powered i also hate the start/stop function. So far I really love car.

• 

  Impressed with the 4.0 - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BBull - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used in 98 with 28K miles, still driving with 242K. Very impressed with the inline 6. Have replaced water pump, EX manifold, computer, etc. mostly myself for low cost. Trans rebuild at 152K. Recently changed idle air control valve and throttle body sensor; got back to average 19MPG in city & 23 MPG HWY. Solid engine, would recommend the inline 6 and would buy again but this one is till running literally like it was 12 years ago.

• 

  Stick shift, Fun and Economical - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By movingalong - November 29 - 12:50 am

  My wife and I are in our fifties and wanted a car that we feel we are driving instead of it driving us. We chose the 6 speed and discovered that we are averaging 20 MPG. A good share of our driving is between 40 and 50 mph. It seems that with a stick you can keep the RPMs lower (w/o lugging) and still have the HP when you need it. We are now at 8000 miles and just love this car.