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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  First Jeep ever - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By winter2 - July 16 - 10:40 am

  This is my first Jeep ever, but second diesel powered vehicle. Have about 1050 miles on it and am still discovering the vehicle. Had a failure at 586 miles. A spike wiped the engine controller and it had to be re-flashed. Works fine otherwise. Construction of this Jeep is very robust and the fit and finish is on par with what the Japanese give you. Engine is strong with excellent power and smoothness. Transmission is generally smooth but a little harsh until warmed up. Great seating, once you get it the way you want it. Good handling and ride once you get rid of the Goodyear garbage tires that come on the Jeep. I would recommend this Jeep in a heartbeat!

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  Great Jeep! - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Thomas McCarty - July 15 - 2:07 pm

  This is my first experience buying a Jeep, it is great! The vehicle handles great and is a great ride!

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  great jeep - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By wrangler4x4me2003 - July 15 - 11:46 am

  Always owned a Jeep, cj7, yj, and Cherokee. But never thought of owning a tj. Once bought I love it right away. Great performance, strong, comfortable, great in the snow, and smooth driving down the hwy, even great on the offroad. I would buy one again if anything Major happens.

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  Luxury Price, not so luxury quality - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 00jeepgcl4x4 - July 15 - 7:40 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive, it handles well, has nice part time 4x4 option -- great for the rain. However its not reliable, rotors, and pads must be changed to aftermarket asap (expensive). Sensors, relays, and windows quit working way before youd expect. And Ive had serious electrical issues which cause the vehicle to quit while Im driving (dangerous). Dealerships seems to provide little product support, and manufacturer takes little responsibility. These problems seem persistent regardless of how I take care of my vehicle, or how I drive it. Oh, the fuel gauge and rear gate lock have also quit working.

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  2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brad - July 15 - 7:13 am

  This is my first Jeep but after having a GMC Jimmy theres no comparison. Steering is light but responsive, corners well and the highway ride is much improved over past generations. Noise is still there but not dominating. Engine isnt a powerhouse but with the 6 spd thats up to the driver, and it can go fairly well. No problems with the roof or door seals. Suspension is firm but in town it doesnt have a problem absorbing northern Alberta potholes. If you want a cushy ride, buy a Crown Vic. I plan to have this thing for a long time, and so far so good!

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  My forever Jeep - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By tjinsaanich - July 15 - 6:51 am

  Ive bought it used the first day of 2007 at 72,000 KM and I havent regret it once. I have made many mods to it and now it sport Aussie lockers, 3" lift with 31" MT, snorkel with Body spacer air intake, body armor all around with flat fender, Bush bumper with winch, striped down interior and a truck bed liner paint job. Needless to say it is an off-road machine but I also use it as my daily driver most days. My other vehicle is a VW Eurovan camper that is great and comfortable but it aint my Jeep and if I had to choose Id take the Jeep any day.

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  ok - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By chelsie - July 15 - 1:10 am

  My parents bought my 99 Cherokee sport in 2000, drove it for about 5 years, and then handed it down to me. It now has 140,0000 miles on it. I have no complaints about how it runs, never had any problems with that. However, the ac has stopped working, the front speakers blew out, the rear windshield wiper doesnt work, and the handle that pops that hood was so sticky, that mechanics changing the oil completely pulled it off and now the hood wont latch and I have to put a ratchet strap around it to keep it down. It gets me from place to place, but thats about it.

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  1995 Jeep Cherokee Sport V6 - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike - July 14 - 9:30 pm

  I bought my Cherokee Sport only in 2009. It has been very reliable, and is a daily driver. I enjoy the V6, and get an est 18-21 mil pr gall. This jeep has been well maintained which is a huge plus. The stereo is upgraded to a pioneer cd player (nice), and off road tire package makes it look very sporty! Besides that everything is factory. I have driven it for a few weeks now and it has done well. Hasnt used any oil, and has 129,000 miles! I use it to deliver pizzas 4 days a week, and its great on gas for an SUV. I plan on keeping it for a long time.

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  2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By darlene - July 14 - 3:00 pm

  The Jeep Unlimited is a much smoother & quieter ride than the old Wrangler. Dual top is great for year round driving.

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  Good Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By ga19891 - July 14 - 12:11 pm

  Bought my used 2006 Jeep in 2014 with 110k on it. Driven it for 10k miles and no problems yet. Incredibly smooth ride and a lot of boost from the engine. Very happy with it. Gets a ton of compliments when I pull up. Down side is the horrible gas mileage. Welcome to Jeeps though. Transmission also concerns me but no real problems yet. Holding up well at 122k miles. Id recommend this car but be wary of gas mileage. Just take care of it and it will take care of you.