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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  I love my Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By LaurBry25 - January 6 - 1:03 pm

  I purchased my Commander a month ago and I love it! I had also considered the Patriot, Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape, and am glad that I chose the bigger SUV. I recently took a 1400 mile trip and it rode great on the highway and I felt very comfortable and safe. The gas mileage was decent considering how big this car really is, I am averaging 16-18 city and 19- 21 highway. The only problem so far is the CD player which first wouldnt take in a CD, and now it does but reads "Error." Overall, I love the ride, looks, and it goes through snow like nothing!

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  First Time Except for 1967Kaiser preSUV - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HEADON - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Grand C Ltd is a great vechile to drive The comments I receive about my particular taste in a SUV was a good insentive as the truck suits me Fits me like a glove.What can I say The best of the best

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  Put the 3.6 not 3.2 liter engine in this! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By buffalotom - January 2 - 9:45 pm

  Great great great car, I was so happy to see this come out, excellent all way around and the off road features are unsurpassed.

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  way cool - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By rlbrich - January 1 - 9:30 pm

  I love my Jeep, right now it is a totally stocked Renegade. I plan on adding a lift kit and larger tires. I keep on eye on the Liberty websites for news and ideas to improve my Liberty. The family loves to go off road and to go geocaching. This is an awesome vehicle. My Liberty is so much better then my first Cherokee was.

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  so far so good - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By spider41 - December 31 - 5:20 pm

  veryy happy with my jeep,first time owner,no leaks yet and we have had alot of rain here (N.Y.).I like the ride,pretty smooth.just wish I would have waited for the 2012,more power and maybe would have better gas mileage.on a rating of 1-5? I would put it at 4.....

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  FIRST SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RICEMAN - December 31 - 2:00 am

  ALWAYS WANTED A 4X4 SUV AND I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE GOING WITH A JEEP. I LOOKED AROUND BUT GAS MILAGE WAS A BIG CONCERN WITH OTHERS, PRICES WERE PRETTY EQUAL.

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  Transmission - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jvnoel - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a Demo with less than 6K on the speedometer. The transmission failed within 1ooo miles of my purchase. The Dealer repaired the auto, but, is this something that should (can) happen this early in a cars existence?

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  Powerful and Well Built - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By WriggleWraggle - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Jeep and I love it. I had always wanted one, and finally a good opportunity to own one came along. This truck is very capable, and has been very reliable to date. Whats with the wave thing every time you pass another Jeep anyway? :)

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  Your get out what you put in... - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By friendofbillw - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Picked up used, pre-owned by a little old lady...really! Recently took care of 60K maintenance at independent dealership, saved 100%-175% off of dealership service quotes. Absolutely love this vehicle! All options except V8, heated seats, and digital heat/ac. Better than Ford & Chevy SUVs (many experiences w/both) in numerous areas. 2000 and forward has been much better for these vehicles. Take care of your vehicle, including ALL maintenance as suggested, dont drive like a teenager, and your vehicle will take care of you.

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  I love my Jeep Liberty! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By gagonzo - December 30 - 10:00 am

  You have to find an oportunity to go off road with this Jeep. It is a little mountain goat, for sure. Loves to go fast on the freeway and gets much better gas mileage at high speeds. Can pull anything with ease, but gulps gas when it does. I am looking for ways to increase the gas mileage now. Leave it dirty, because will all the fancy body cladding, it is hard to wash.