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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  155,000 - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Alicia - July 27 - 6:03 am

  I love my Jeep Liberty but I too have been without air going on 3 years now. For me it also would take over $1000.00 to fix and since it cost nothing to roll my windows down, I have not replaced the air. Other than that, I have had NO PROBLEMS at all and love my little jeep! So all of you with less than 100,000 dont worry at all you still have plenty more to go! I bought my Jeep brand new in fall of 01 when they just released the 02s for sale and I am not very good about oil changes and drive hard all the time and still no worries.

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  2016 Jeep Compass High Altitude 4X4 6 Speed Auto - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Greg Kronbach - July 26 - 7:57 pm

  I made a great deal on this mini SUV (I also own a large Liberty Jeep 4X4). It is almost as if the editors didnt even drive this SUV. Granted I would never have bought a Jeep with a CVT transmission, but when they offered this 4X4 with a 6 speed auto it was time to look closer. I bought the high altitude addition after a test drive that was unexpectedly brilliant. Make no mistake this not a back woods SUV but an Urban 4X4 traveler. The power leather seats, one button 4X4 engage, back up camera, cruse control, leather steering wheel with full controls and 430 digital touch screen with HHD make this SUV a joy to drive! The sky roof and the mentioned options give this mini SUV a very refined ride with the 17" all season radials...I guess Im miffed at the editors opinions of this SUV. I would recommend this Urban SUV to anyone...just skip the CVT.

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  Top Notch Danny - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Suthern Commander - July 24 - 10:06 pm

  Upgraded from our Liberty to the Commander. SUV is secure and handles great for a its size. Leather seats and drivers area are generous and comfortable, kids and seats fits great in the second row, plenty of cargo room. We like that the third row is not a bench but 2 indepedent seats that ultimately allow for multiple cargo configurations. Controls are easy to use, the 5 speed transmission is seamless and efficient. Kids love the command view skylights and we love the moonroof. This vehicle also gets a thumbs up from kerKernel saying that this vehicle provides me with the lifestyle my family deserves.

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  The Truth and nothing but... - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By GLamb - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I inherited a 96 Cherokee in 2001 with 260,000 miles. Made many repairs to worn out parts but no faulty parts and unecessary towing bills with this vehicle. I ran it until it had 330,000 miles and then sold the vehicle for a surprising amount with many offers. At that time I purchased a 98 Cherokee with only 98,000 miles. It has treated almost as well as my first Jeep, but they just dont build like they use to. Well actually they dont build them at all anymore, but I suppose thats because the Wrangler got all the attention.

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  Soak Up The Sun... - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Keith_M - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The JEEP Wrangler is a true original. Ive just moved on from the one that I bought new in 1996. It now has 82,000 miles and is going to be a third car for a family with a new teenage driver. Overall, Ive had no unexpected problems with the vehicle. Great in the snow, Awesome in the summer, but not good for long trips or windy days. Gas mileage is ok. Fun to drive around the neighborhood; would make an excellent second car.

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  quality SUV - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gjf - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had great success with this SUV. Limited repair work and very reliable.

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  I LOVE MY JEEP - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By ROBIN - July 23 - 10:00 am

  BOUGHT MY JEEP A COUPLE OF MOTHS AGO, AFTER YEARS OF WANTING ONE. ALL OF MY FRIENDS LOVE IT, MAKES ME WONDER WHY THEY DONT ALL JUST GET ONE. LOOKS SHARP, ESPECIALLY W/ THE WINDOWS OUT AND/OR THE TOP DOWN.

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  Never Again... - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Took a bath... - July 23 - 10:00 am

  We knew we were rolling the dice when we bought this used vehicle based on the reviews. Two weeks after purchasing the vehicle, the a/c started to blow warm air on a road trip. Dealer could not find a problem. Door locks broke soon after. Dealer wanted $370 to fix. Car vibrates above 65 mph. Dealer seems unconcerned about providing solutions to the customer. We have only put 6,500 miles on this car in 10 months. We have traded this car in for a foriegn model. I will never buy another JEEP vehicle again. Build quality is awful and customer service is pathetic!!

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  Sahara 2001 - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Victor Romero - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My second jeep! I love them but the gas mileage Really sucks. very fun to drive

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  My 4th Jeep-My dream Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Fotisv - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My 4th Grand Cherokee-I just love the way it drives,the Overland is an exceptional vehicle-interior quality at its best-love the fancy features like the rain sensitive wipers and GPS. And last the off road capability is something more than an experience!! Thank you Jeep team for making such a wonderful vehicle-love it