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 it, love it, love it!!! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LOVE IT! - May 1 - 8:46 pm

  Not sure what everyone is complaining about. I have no problems with acceleration. This has been the most fun driving I have had in a while. My first SUV and I am hooked. Love the look, love the ride! My favorite vehicle thus far. One thing, my back seats rattle. Not sure why, but I am having it looked at soon. No biggie though.

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  Its A Jeep! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeep450 - May 1 - 7:10 pm

  My first new vehicle was a 1979 CJ-7 and I had to get rid of it when I started a family. I always swore Id have another, and with the kids gone, the 30 year anniversary of my first Jeep seemed like a great time. This one is far superior in comfort and ride, but when you the pavement ends, its still a Jeep! I bought it for $6K off sticker and have have a blast buying after market add-ons for it. This vehicle is just plain fun to drive, whether on or off road. It is not my primary vehicle, but I consider it a safe alternative to riding a motorcycle. If youve always wanted one, get it! If your more concerned about mpg and cargo space than fun, forget about it. I have no regrets!

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  All is great except fuel capacity - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Traveller - May 1 - 12:00 pm

  My first 4-wheel drive vehicle was the 1976 Scout Traveler. Since then Ive had Explorers/Mountaineers. The Commander was a return to the Jeep style. Best riding SUV Ive ever owned. I bought the 5.76 Hemi used with 4,000 miles on it. Huge design flaw is the small gas tank. I cant drive 326 miles to my home on Cape Cod without having to stop for refueling. My Mountaineers always made it with gas to spare. Going to 4 cylinder when highway traveling is a nice idea, but it saves very little fuel. Price of gas makes this car a non-purchase. HOWEVER, fuel efficiency and capacity aside, its a great vehicle.

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  From CJ to JK - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By J3-Colt - May 1 - 6:43 am

  This Jeep is our 8th in 20 years, and its quite an improvement over the previous generations going back to our very first CJ-7. We use our Jeeps as daily drivers and they spend a considerable amount of time off-road, camping, hunting, fishing, and exploring. Jeep has made the Wrangler more comfortable in all aspects, plus its still highly modifiable (like a big Lego set) and we have purpose built ours to fit our specific needs. If you demand luxury and on-road perfection, then this model is not for you; however, if you need a 4 door with above average off-road prowess (and can embrace the inherent quarks found in an open top Jeep), then this is the perfect vehicle for you.

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  Loss of a friend - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By The Surfer - April 30 - 11:20 pm

  The Jeep gave me 8 years of great fun. Both my daughter and son learned to drive a manual on this car. Original clutch with 149,000 miles. Great summer fun vehicle wish it hadnt been totaled. I would buy another one in a second. Great fun vehicle. Nothing major in 4 years of ownership. Very easy to work on reasonable parts cost and availability. Very reliable.

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  best bday present i ever purchased - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kristen - April 30 - 12:46 pm

  Love my Jeep. bought at 125k so most of the kinks were fixed. well kept. i keep reg mait. heated seat dr s doesnt work. all the options paid about 8k i am a jeep buyer for life. mpg kinda stinks but i live on a mtn in pgh. gets me where i need in the winter. infinity gold sound system is awesome.bass hits hard for stock. 10 disc changer! been thro a ton of cars, this one is def a keeper. next suv will def be a jeep!!

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  Fun To Drive - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By John Brigman - April 29 - 9:33 am

  I havent had it long, but it has been a very fun vehicle to drive. I am looking forward to getting it on the beach.

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  Almost great so far - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By movingalong - April 29 - 1:00 am

  I have 4500 miles and really like this car. My only problem so far is the transmission intermittently gets stuck in 1st (not in sport mode). I notice when it is up to 4000 RPM and hit the shifter to Sport Mode which then notices high RPN and upshifts. Then back to automatic and it shifts as normal. I traded in a 2005 Jeep Liberty with a 6 speed stick. I loved that car too and "never had a trany problem. Good old sticks. Anyhow I am sure that they can fix this. I can always go to sport mode and use the paddle shifters. Everything else about this car I love and for a 68 year old I am getting quite techy. Nicest car I ever owned.

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  06 Grand Cherokee Limited - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jon - April 28 - 11:16 pm

  Ive only had mine for a couple weeks but already its the best 22 grand Ive spent. The fuel economy is not the best but the way it drives and runs is fantastic. I highly suggest it to anybody thats in the market to get one.

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  Great Car For The Money! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Mary - April 28 - 9:46 pm

  Having switched from a 5-speed, V6 engine car, to this I-4 Jeep Compass was a huge difference (but I knew that before I bought it). The Compass has no take-off or get up & go power (so my days of quickly dashing out in front of tractor trailers and other cars are over. SMILES) However, it is still a great car and I am having a WONDERFUL time with it....so far.