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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  Love my Wrangler! - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By GEB - June 11 - 1:30 am

  Ive had my Jeep for 7 years. Ive had a few minor issues with it but most were covered under warranty. I beat the crap out of my jeep; both 4 wheeling and busting through the snow. The old stock tires arent that great but when you upgrade to BFG/AT, youll be impressed.

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  2008 Jeep Wrangler 2 door X - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By dstanzini - June 9 - 4:05 am

  Must say I love this Jeep! Ive had Jeeps my entire life from CJ 5s to now. This rides like a car. Ive had no issues at all. Plenty of power, love the 6 speed stick, amazing turning radius. I must also say this; it get amazing gas mileage. I was certainly not expecting that. The last Jeep I had was a 2000 4 cylinder automatic and the best that got was about 18-19 MPG. This can get up to 24 on the highway, very surprising and unusual to get more than what the deal says. Maybe I just got a good one. But I am extremely pleased. Very fun to drive. Ive only put about 60,000 on it so far as it is just a pleasure vehicle

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  Excellent Fun Car - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By sabnack - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive wanted a jeep for about 10 years (love the outdoors), finally I traded in my car for one, a soft top Sport with half doors. It was a great decision. I love the flexability, and the phylums of after market products to make the car unique. Like driving a convertable, but not having direct sun on you? Leave the top on, but remove all the windows. Or buy a bikini top and cover the two front seats only. Need to put something in back? Take the back seat out - in less than 3 minutes. Its not a glorified minivan like most SUVs. Its designed to go off-roading, which I need. "Jeep - Takes you where you want to be"

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  Limited Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Robin L Robey - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I am the first and only owner. Jeep gets detailed once a month faithfully and regular maintenance records are available. Excellent condition.

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  Buffys - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Buffyb - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY JEEP!

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  CANT GO WRONG WITH THE JEEP LIBERTY - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Debbiedearest - June 8 - 9:26 pm

  The Liberty so far is the most reliable car I have had in my 40 years of driving. Great in bad weather plus you can view the road much better than a sedan which makes me feel safer and keeps me more alert. The color (I have RED) and style are very appealing. It is just a FABULOUS automobile.

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  1st Jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Melissa - June 8 - 1:16 am

  I recently switched from a Pontiac G6 to a Jeep Patriot. I love it. I am going to be on my own soon and needed something to cart my dogs around in easier. The Patriot drives great, handles well, and is extremely comfortable. It seems small when looking at it from the outside, but there is tons of room inside. My dad, who is 6ft tall, fits with plenty of room to spare. Its been hard going from a sports car to a SUV, but I am happy with my switch, I do not regret this decision at all.

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  Reliable Grand - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 01traildriver - June 6 - 1:52 am

  I purchased my 2001 in 2002 with 13,000 miles on it. The only problem I had with it was the brake rotors warping, and the slotted rotors cured that. I took my Grand to numerous states for Jeep Jamborees and it performed great ! People at the Jamborees were amazed at the capability of the Grand. I had an ARB steel bull bumper, Old Man Emu shocks and springs, and a K&N filter system on it. It was comfortable on the street and trails. I traded it in 2008 when it had over 250,000 miles on it due to an incurable death wobble with the front axle.

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  Italian Job - 2015 Jeep Renegade
  By titan1fan - June 4 - 9:38 pm

  researched before I bought, lots of things the salesman had no idea about yet because it was so new, but I knew. Love to drive it, people love to look at it, I actually have the 2.4L 9 speed auto 4x4 Latitude but that was not an option in the drop down only the limited had it on my choices here so I picked the limited but I actually have the latitude. I wanted a trailhawk but the reviews turned me off with the interior noise, rougher ride and gas mileage so I fell comfortably into a latitude. The design is awesome inside and out, interior is convenient and roomy for a small suv. I got the sand color and love it, lighter in person than on the web site.

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  Maybe I got the only good one? - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By minetrainer - June 4 - 2:03 pm

  I have read a number of negative reviews on this car. I bought mine new, in December of 2008. I have been driving it exclusively since then. I log about 25,000 miles a year. They gave me a first owner only lifetime or 1,000,000 mile warranty and I have often wondered why. This car is like the energizer bunny and I love it!