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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  Awesome redesign - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By beguy - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Have driven about 5,000 miles with no complaint. The vehicle is everything I had hoped. Mileage is almost exactly as promised averaging 20 to 22 for our type of mostly rural driving, the V6 is very smooth and quiet and gets the job done just fine (we dont do any towing). MPG readout is a bit optimistic. Unlike our old CR-V the JGC is quiet enough for front and back seat occupants to carry on a conversation. I like the firmness of the seats though I can understand why some may feel they are too firm. Overall quality is superb with little road noise and no squeaks or rattles.

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  Weve come home - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Todd L - January 28 - 1:16 am

  We rented a Jeep Wrangler X when we were vacationing in Maui and came home and bought one. We had owned a CJ5 about 20 years ago before we started having kids. We had so much fun with the Wrangler on the Road to Hana as it took every curve and hill with ease that it reminded us just what we loved about having a jeep. This one definitely has a better heater/AC than the CJ (thank goodness) and handles great. All we own if 4x4s but the jeep handles so much better than our trucks. Thanks goodness we rented one and rediscovered what a joy it is.

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  Jeep is best SUV I ever had - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By msolomon@stevensandgoldwyn.com - January 26 - 12:26 am

  I have had acura, lexus, land rover and porsche suvs. The jeep was the best by far...love that ride, handling, minimal maintenance issues.

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  Bring back the cherokee - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By truxton - January 25 - 7:00 pm

  My 2001 is my second Cherokee. I bought a new 1994 when Chrysler rumors came out that it would be discontinued. The 2001 was the last year, so i bought a 2001 Cherokee classic. My daughter has a 2000 and my son has a 1998. The Cherokee was a classic well built utilitarian vehicle. I love the visibility, 4x4 ability and the dependability.

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  Great buy for the money! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ken p - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Jeep after a Ford Explorer. Its priced right and very fun to drive. Handles well and parks great in the city. Comfort is great for two but not built for a family.

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  Love My Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By PWils - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Excellent turn radius and handling, comfortable ride and alot of pickup. Very fun to drive.

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  Best Buy - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CCS - January 24 - 5:06 am

  A must have vehicle! A perfect combination for someone that still enjoys the finer things in life while having a need for a SUV due to two small kids. Quick, agile and flat out strong! I never imagined a vehicle that would ease the pain of parting with our Land Rover Defender 90. Its an awesome felling knowing that you have an elite vehicle that only a few are privileged to own.

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  jeep, back in the game. - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By jeepers20 - January 23 - 9:19 pm

  2012 patriot, smooth ride, quiet engine, nice head room , nice cargo space.. a big difference in the jeep line..

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  Great SUV (especially for $) - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By JimM - January 23 - 9:03 pm

  I have owned the Liberty for about a month and love it! It is tight in its handling, rides smoothly, is quiet and is an absolute beast in the snow. I got an 08 with $9K off in incentives, total cost 15k and the dealer gave me a $1,000 over book on my 02 Jetta trade. Easily beats a more expensive Toyota or Nissan that would cost $5-6k more. And for what? The build quality and performance are certainly on par with a 4-runner or Pathfinder. So for the total cost of ownership (purchase, insurance and gas cost) this cannot be beaten. Good job Jeep!

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  Awesome - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rhett - January 23 - 8:53 pm

  Except for having a rear view mirror in my view, i dont have any complaints. Ive driven mine into a ditch on the interstate, off-road, very off-road, on gravel, and its a great ride and Ive never broken anything on it. Built like a tank. GET ONE!