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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  Second Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Foxtoad - September 4 - 10:00 am

  We currently traded in our 1996 Limited Cherokee and purchased the 2004 special addition. Off the lot it is a wonderful vehicle very quite and plenty of power. The in line 6 has been around for a long time and jeep has really had good success with it. DonÂ’t change a thing. Our limited had more options than the special addition but we never used all of them any way this was perfect fit for us. Leather, sunroof, CD, steering wheel controls for radio and cruise lade out Perfect!! And the jeep is the best looking vehicle in its class.

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  My yellow submarine! - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Victor - September 1 - 11:52 pm

  Check around at different dealers and on line. Got great deal on line plus got the renegade in my color with the equipment I wanted $5,300 less at a dealer 150 miles away. Worth the drive through the country side. They were a pleasure to deal with, and we were in and out with in a couple of hours. Of course it helped knowing what I wanted.

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  Jeep Liberty Limited 4X4 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By CRD Limited - September 1 - 6:16 pm

  I have had the vehicle over one year with no problems. Only regular service has been done. I have driven on road and off road in Deep South Texas in mud and on sandy beaches. I drive 50 miles a day on open highway pavement plus another 40 plus in city with an average MPG of about 25. Plus it does well in Mexico on steep mountain roads where 1 1/2 MPH is fast. I did change the original tires to meet the demands put on the vehicle from road type tires to all surface tires. It goes through one foot of water with rocky bottom no problem.

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  Renegade - 2017 Jeep Renegade
  By Thomas Malcolm - August 31 - 4:35 am

  The Renegade is a Jeep it rides like a Jeep. It has very little frills but overall it’s cute and worth owning. Buy one and have fun!

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  Jeep wrangler sport - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By gulfrader - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Love riding around in a jeep

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  My new Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Barbara - August 27 - 8:23 pm

  I first rented this vehicle to see how it performed. While it consumes a lot of gas during city driving, I like how it is a smooth ride on the highway. The interior fits my needs, looks great on the inside and sporty on the outside. A great buy especially with the zero percent financing for 60 months! The price is right for purchasing and financing.

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  Made it through "Snowmeggedan" - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By LP - August 25 - 5:21 pm

  My husband and I just bought our Patriot on Tuesday 01/19/16. We live in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Our purpose for purchasing a 4x4 was for me to be able to get off our mountain ridge to make it to work. Our Jeep Cherokee is a freaking mountain goat so we decided to look at the Jeep product line again. We chose the Patriot. Less than 24 hours after purchase I had to challenge this vehicle with the ice/snow obstacle course of our three switchbacks and it handled it with ease. I love the stability and especially love the Hill Start Assist. Looking forward to the next snow storm.

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  Outstanding value for the money. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Niles F. Bell - August 25 - 10:43 am

  I am very pleased with my 2005 Jeep Liberty. Yes, it does drink quite a bit of gas within the city, with the normal "stops" and "goes" traffic. However, on the highways, its very economical. The Jeep Liberty is a "fun" vehicle to drive.

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  So Far ...We love it! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rocky Mtn Family - August 24 - 10:40 pm

  I was against buying a Jeep Grand Cherokee because of their poor maintenance records but my wife wanted one because of her experience in the past. Drove everything else on the market (and I mean EVERTHING else) trying to talk her out of it...but the ride in this car blew ME away! We are going on two years and almost 30K with no problems...none! Im a believer!

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  Owner of two 2004 Jeep Limiteds - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Debbie Bryant - August 24 - 2:53 am

  We own two Jeep Limited 2004 and we love them. In 2006 when the new bigger Jeeps come out we will be purchasing it also. We have owned Jeeps in the past and they are wonderful vehicles.