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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  Great little offroader/suv - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Bacchus_mn - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had good luck with my Cherokee. No problems other than routine maitenance. If you are into the outdoors this is a great vehicle. I have gone through things I wouldnt dare with other vehicles. And the Cherokee is just the perfect size; youre able to haul stuff with the back seat taken out but can also manuever around downtown easily unlike some enormous SUVs.

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  2002 Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By pjo - March 2 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Jeep Liberty is reliable and handles like a much larger vehicle. The turning radius is outstanding, as is the visibility. The access to fold down the seats for hauling is easy from either the rear or the sides of the vehicle. I would reccommend this to anyone who is considering an SUV that is not in need of its own zip code.

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  extreme fun to drive - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By inancs seckin - March 2 - 2:00 am

  i have bought this machine 2 weeks ago. So far excellent, you feel like flying.

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  Trailhawk 6cyl loaded - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By angrybird1 - March 2 - 12:07 am

  I traded my Subaru 3.6R wagon after it blew a head gasket after 60,000mi. I decided to try the new Cherokee and I was not disapointed. I can say Ive had Chevys, Subarus, Hondas and Nissans and this is the first vehicle I can honestly say I cant find anything I dont like about it. The performance and comfort are amazing and I love the front to back sunroof. Off road handling is Jeep Trail Rated and does not disapoint. Love my Hawk!

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  Great Ride! - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By jonnyd28 - March 1 - 11:21 pm

  Traded in my 08 Jeep Wrangler for the 11 Patriot mainly because of gas mileage and I could not be any happier. It truly is a tremendous vehicle and very easy to drive. Its quiet, comfortable, runs great, and handles great. My only complaint would be the small gas tank. Has a 13.9 gallon tank. I commute 45 miles to work each day and I am filling up a lot. Nothing major, just inconvenient. I average about 23-24 MPGS on the highway, not the advertised sticker number but Im told once you break it in it gets better (Im just waiting for that.) I have a 4 cyl. automatic Patriot Lattitude and you cant tell its 4 cyl. Powers up nicely on the highway. All in all a great vehicle.

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  blast - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By gtrbt01 - March 1 - 3:40 pm

  This my 2nd unlimited 1st 2007 2wd Sahara 53k no problems, this one 09 4wd Sahara and love it 18 mpg city 20 hwy has both tops changing to soft now for spring so much better than old wranglers. I had no water leaks at all with either and I believe people arnt realizing its a Jeep not a Acura SUV, but the ride is outstanding, very satisfied but do worry about Chrysler rep. Has decent pwr but a small v8 would be great, mine even has leather seating I wouldnt have wanted but its worked out fine nice quality

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  I loved my Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By madeline_86 - March 1 - 2:43 am

  I loved my jeep! This suv was very reliable and I felt safe driving in it! I dont have any complaints about it. Before I traded it in, I only had to get oil changes on it! It was dependable and drove really nicely, especially in the snow!

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  skyslider - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By yank - February 28 - 4:50 pm

  jeep rides great skyslider roof great one problem when closed noise wind start at about 55 gets louder at65 jeep says then are working on something to correct that problem we hope? antenna had to be change water was coming in.

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  Nice! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By thekidd.... - February 27 - 9:20 am

  I have the Laredo 4x4 with the 3.7 v6.it is a very good family vehicle.the rear entertainment system is great.no problem going on vacation with it. the engine is decently powerful and has OK acceleration loaded, i wish it felt more powerful or i should of got 4.7 but the 3.7 is good enough.watch your fuel economy because it goes down very fast if u have a heavy foot. i wish it had more oomph at 40 mph but this jeep engine is for better fuel economy.

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  Dont waste your money - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ANONYMOUS - February 27 - 6:03 am

  First of all, I know nothing about mechanics. But I have had problems with my Jeep from day one. First day I had it would not shift past 35 mph, it got worse and I had to call roadside assistance. They sent a tow truck from out of town so it took over an hour. Turns out something was wrong with the transmission. Then all winter long the service 4 wheel drive light would come on, dealer could never find the problem. October 2006 it started stalling as I drive at low speeds. Again dealer cant find the problem it now does this at least once a week and Ive been told theres nothing they can do. Its been to the dealership for leaks around the sunroof and windshield 3xs.