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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  Been a great SUV - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By George - March 19 - 3:10 am

  Been very reliable. Had one warranty claim. Gas mileage has been good for its size average 18 city, 22 hwy. Mine is v-6 2wd so it will be the the best of all of the models. Has 45,000 miles now. not a squeak or rattle. Just as tight as the day I bought it.

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  The perfect ride! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Kevin Bharne - March 17 - 7:23 am

  Out of searching for a good SUV, this one is perfect. I got the D package, because I hate power windows, and remotes, so it saved money. It has 4x4 with the Freedom Drive I CVT2. I bought it for road driving, but got 4wd in case I need to go off-road for something, and for snow and heavy rain. So far, it has been great. It handles very well, and now that Im getting used to the CVT, has great acceleration. You can really feel the AWD help in daily driving, and the 4wd locking lever is easily accessible So far, been having about 24 mpg on average, with a combination of city and highway driving. This is definitely the vehicle for the more sensible buyer. And best of all, made in USA!

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  2013 Wrangler Sport - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By bomstead - March 17 - 12:30 am

  Finally sold my beloved 97 Wrangler Sport rag top and bought a 2013 Wrangler Sport with the T-Hard Top. My new Wrangler Sport has pretty much all the bells and whistles of a Rubicon, but for $15k less. Notably missing are the electric disconnect on the sway bar and the 4:1 Low range 4WD. Who cares? My Low range 4WD is something besides 4:1. Big deal. Took the back seat out of the last one, probably will with this one too. If youre at all interested in a Jeep, go to any dealer with lots of models and compare features and prices. You can get a loaded Wrangler Sport pretty cheap compared to a base Sahara or Rubicon - if you dont mind fabric seats. Drive one and youll be hooked.

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  Head gasket - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By nanafonda - March 15 - 11:00 am

  I love this jeep BUT it has a recall on the head or at least that is what I was told when mine was replaced at 31,000 miles

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  I Love the Liberty! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kathy M. - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I picked up my 04 Liberty 2 weeks ago. Have to travel 45 miles each way to work - all highway miles. I am so glad I purchased the Liberty. I just have a Sport model, but it has the anti-lock brakes and speed control. I also love the aluminum rims which were part of the package. This vehicle makes me feel so safe. It is smooth and sturdy. Even the gas mileage isnt as bad as I thought. I agree that this vehicle is so much fun to drive, you dont mind the gas as much. Highly recommended!

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  Great Value - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Rom - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive especially with the addition of a Magna Flow Performance Muffler.

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  Get Ready for Fun. - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By RAR - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun I have had in a car/truck. Great power from the 6cyl, millions of aftermarket parts for it, you can do anything to it. Its never left me stranded anywhere. I have had a few stupid things go wrong, nothing too expensive. Dont buy this expecting a cushy ride, your not getting it, its ment for what jeeps are made for, go anywhere, do anything. Love it, May sell it this summer for an audi (jeep not practial in traffic +clutch is real heavy) I have 79,500miles on it now, and it runs and drives like new.

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  Give me Liberty...! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By wilsonla - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a refined, fun-to-drive truck! The small turning radius makes it easy to park and get in/out of other tight spaces. The 210 hp helps us blow past road slugs on the highway. Very comfortable interior. We recommend it highly.

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  My 2015 Grand Cherokee - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kathleen Pilz - March 10 - 10:47 am

  I have owned Grand Cherokees since 1995. We bought our daughter one for college. Then I purchased a 1998 4x4, then a 2003 Overland (which I am still driving) and the 2015. I have had very few problems with my jeeps. I LOVE my Jeeps! If I could afford it, I would buy a 2017 because my daughter is driving the 2015. I had given her the Overland, but decided I wanted it back because I smoke and didnt want to smoke in the new one.

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  I love this Jeep! - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By kest812 - March 9 - 10:12 pm

  I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited first and when I finally had to start looking for a new car I chose the Jeep Commander. I have had it since April 2010 and have had not one problem with it. I drive all over the country in it, Long Island, NY to Orlando, FL etc. We are a Military family, so its my Husband and I, 2 kids, 2 dogs and 2 cats when we move (which is a lot!) and it fits us comfortably. Its a smooth ride, performs AMAZING in the snow and on the beach and I feel safe having my family in it. I am upset they stopped production on these. I love it.