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:

• 

  The Best Jeep Ever - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By hjgfchj - February 13 - 10:00 am

  The best wrangler ever. It is an incredible improvement over my 97 TJ. With the hard top the ride is nearly silent(once you get used to the tire rumble.) The brakes are a massive improvment over the old disc/drum setup, but ABS should be offered, especially with the MT/Rs. Their wet road traction is not that great. The 4 wheel drive is incredible. I dont think i could walk that slow. The posi in the rear is great, and the lockers are even better. The new transmission is much better than the old one that was in my 97, but the throw is still quite long. The interior is classic jeep, simple, rugged, and functional.

• 

  Best GC yet - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By vidguy72 - February 13 - 8:06 am

  Ive owned quite a few Grand Cherokees.I have a video production company and drive the heck out of them mostly loaded with gear.Ive had the 11 for just over a year and have put 66K miles on it. To date the only REAL issue is the clunk in the rear (that I cant find the source of) and the poor quality seat. Regarding the seat, Im 510" 175 lbs and I have a couple of springs or something coming through the bottom cushion, along with the material looking worn already. My seat in my 09 with 100K still looks new. Other than that, super comfortable, great gas mileage (V6), decent power, nice features blah blah blah. Overall I love it. Once back to the dealer for tranny reprogram.

• 

  Wrangler Unlimited - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mike - February 12 - 4:56 am

  Jeep Wrangler has a bad wrap with automotive critics!The Unlimited is the most fun and versatile vehicle I have owned. The extra space the Unlimited has is a big plus for hauling cargo. I hope Jeep continues its legendary style for years to come.

• 

  Love it! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kent - February 12 - 1:16 am

  This is the first new vehicle Ive ever bought, and Im loving it! The seats are very comfy--I like the heated seats in the winter, the ride is smooth, itll drive anywhere, and it looks cooool. The 4.7L V8 has power to spare--Im glad I didnt spend the extra money for the Hemi. I can carry a lot of cargo inside, plus with the roof basket and bike racks I can carry almost anything for a weekend in the woods. This Jeep also handles like a dream. I never imagined an SUV could take corners like this! The ride is smooth in spite of the on/off road tires, even at highway speeds. Traction control, ABS, Quadra Trac II, airbags everywhere.

• 

  The Last Car - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By robertolive - February 11 - 11:05 pm

  I call this "the last car" because I will never drive anything else. That said, it is not a "car" as much as a street legal toy. A giant go-cart. The feeling of driving a jeep is incomparable, but certainly not for everyone. In fact, if you even have to debate whether you should; then you probably shouldnt. If you are comfortable, however, with the idea of changing a heavy stubborn top (hard or soft), having little freeway acceleration, and generally driving a giant go-cart; then this is the car for you! You have to be prepared to think of your Jeep as a street-legal toy to really appreciate it. (Also, get the manual transmission or just get yourself a minivan)

• 

  My 2004 2 wheel drive - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By buck1sailer - February 10 - 3:53 am

  I purchased my Grand Cherokee Laredo from a local used car place with 145,681 miles on it. The vehicle now has 210,450 miles on it. I still average near 21 mpgs on the highway with it. The inline 6 is a very durable motor, the only items Ive replaced on it was at 175,265 a water pump, tires normal wear, brakes, and all push rods for lift gate, hood, and back glass. The cooling fan went out a few miles back going to replace it soon. Great vehicle. I get 17.5 mpgs in the city.

• 

  Very nice - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Rebecca - February 9 - 9:31 pm

  If you dont get the 4.2 motor I think you will not be happy. but if you do you will be very pleased and you can see my reviews its nice and I also have the 2017 45th anniversary.

• 

  good old jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By christine - February 4 - 2:30 pm

  Me and my husband got this Jeep after I drove on of his buddys jeeps. I like his and wanted one. This Jeep has been good to us. Just the normal repairs. We bought it used with 43,000 miles. Good power, goes in snow and mud. I would like to get a brand new one if I could. We have 105,000 miles and it still is going strong.

• 

  LOVE My Baby Jeep!! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Stacey - February 2 - 5:57 pm

  I just traded in my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the 2016 Cherokee Latitude (v6) and OMG! Im in love. I didnt think I would like a smaller version of what I had but I was wrong. The comfort, the bells and whistles and the road handling. I feel like Im in a sporty type vehicle. It handles curves AWESOME! Im happy. The ONLY thing that can be a little annoying is the ceiling noise. I guess, with the panoramic moon roof, the glass doesnt shield road noises like a metal ceiling would. But it looks FABULOUS when the roof is exposed! I love it! Ill always have a Jeep in my life! Since I only had 11 miles when I got it (2 days ago), I cant speak to the gas mileage yet, but the car is wonderful! I LOVED My Grand Cherokee, but it had soooooooo many issues. It was hard to part with it because it was truly my Dream car, but this baby Jeep has me wondering what took me so long. Great look, great "toys", great handling and GREAT car! But wait! Forgot to mention the fact that with UConnect, I am able to start my car from ANYWHERE. From my computer at my desk(!!!), from the mobile app on my phone or from my keyfob.

• 

  97 Jeep - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Tyler Kunde - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive a full fledged jeep lover. Im 17 and this is my second jeep, and it surely wont be the last.