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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  The best vehicle ever built - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By FBHSswimmer2006 - August 28 - 3:43 am

  I love my Cherokee. I fell in love with it the second that I saw it on the dealership lot. I surf so its a lot fun to drive, especially on the beach. It can take anything that I throw at it and what I need it to do. It is the best vehicle that I have ever had. Im gonna keep it until it dies, even with todays gas prices. Chrysler needs to bring this Jeep back and sell it again.

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  The Great Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By TJL - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep, it is my third one in about 6 years, my wife and I have two right now and love them both. Reliablity is great, they have never let me down. Use the 4wd lots and you cant stop them in the snow. Would highly suggest them to anybody who needs a rugged SUV.

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  2007 Wranger Unlimited X 4dr - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By clwnsc - August 26 - 4:00 am

  My wife & I just picked up our Wrangler yesterday (10/17/2006). We have always wanted a Jeep, but also needed a vehicle with some more room to it. So, when we saw the 4 door, we had to have it. So far, we love it. Ours is 2wd with the upgraded stereo & power group. Nothing but positive feedback from other people. It seems like there is not much take off power. Also, the center armrest/console is a little low, so there isnt anywhere to rest the arm while driving. Have been getting 16mpg so far. Overall, a great Wrangler.

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  Woo Hoo!!! - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Marie Izoco - August 24 - 7:51 pm

  Well have always thought of buying a Jeep and now I finally have. Was not really sure about it, but Frank Carbone was quite helpful in helping me come to my decision. The Jeep drives like a dream. With my children grown, I am looking forward to a vehicle for my husband and me. My Jeep is fully loaded and am sure Ill be riding around in comfort and style as soon as I get accustomed to all it has to offer. Heres hoping to to long time of fun and comfort.

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  Great Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Great Jeep - August 23 - 2:43 am

  Have had my Jeep for 10,000 miles so far. So far It has just needed routine oil changes, a battery, and some tires for the winter. Very reliable and dependable vehicle. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable SUV. It gets decent fuel economy; probably get around 320 miles on a tank of gas.

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  I Love My Jeep - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By crystak - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Living in colorado this jeep has gotten me through plenty of snow storms, when its time for a new vehile it will be another jeep grand cherokee

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  Jeep Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jhony - August 21 - 10:00 am

  this is an awesome car. Although, it is a bit loud with the soft top on at high speeds and the handling is pretty bad at high speeds as well. This car is very fun to drive on and off the road. Great for anyone.

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  better than rav-4 & crv - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Pam in LA - August 21 - 5:33 am

  My first time writing a review, but had to let everyone know how well the Jeep Patriot drives. I had mine almost two years and havent had one issue to repair or replace. Love the plastic interior as I have two big dogs. Seats are comfortable and easily cleaned. The performance is great. I do a lot of city driving and still average 24 mpg. I couldnt beat the price of less than $13,000! Well done Jeep. With the money I saved not buying a Rav-4 or CRV, I had a great cross country trip in my Patriot.

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  2014 Jeep GC Overland DIESEL - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 14gcdiesel - August 20 - 9:30 pm

  Just traded my 2008 Mercedes GL 320 CDI for this GC Overland Diesel. Wow, what an awesome job Jeep has done with this engine and transmission. I cannot believe how impressed I am with the ride quitness, the engine, and transmission. The ride is much better than my Mercedes. The fit/finish and drivetrain puts my wifes 2012 GMC Acadia to shame! I am hard to impress when it comes to cars. I have owned BMWs, Mercedes, Hondas, Acuras, Volvos, and GMCs, but this diesel Jeep GC is by far my most favorite. (Edmunds did not have the diesel GC model available for review, thus the reason for chosing the V6 option)

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  Fun to Drive ....Soldier Toy Car - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Edwin Ramos - August 18 - 10:26 pm

  After been deploy in many locations. I look for a vehicle that was reliable and fun to drive and that vehicle was the JEEP WRANGLER with 2S pack 4X4. The vehicle can climb anything and do anything.I just love it and cant wait until summer comes so i can put the top down. I learn how to drive standard in a Army 1/4 ton JEEP back in 1989. We just have a relationship that have make me fall in love with this icon .