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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  Grand Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By robertsteve - January 1 - 3:10 am

  Good SUV. Highly recommend it.

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  Why am I smilin? - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By badgerjeeper - December 27 - 2:33 pm

  Im smilin because Ive got the best value ride for the money. This is a great looking vehicle. Im 62" and there is more than enough leg room. Fantastic towing power with the V8. Pulled my 5000# trailer and it didnt break a sweat, even at 65mph. The build quality is very impressive. The doors slam with a solid "thud". Freeway mileage with the V8 not yet broken in is just over 20mpg. Was able to make a deal for $460 under invoice with an additional $5500 in rebates. Also got $990 discount for the V8. If there are any 2004s left out there, grab one. When I saw the 2005 body style change it convinced me to buy an 04. Much classier styling in the 04. Ill always own a Jeep.

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  Nice ride for a change of style - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By tony g - December 26 - 10:40 am

  I got tired of all the look alike cars out there, with all the curves and bumps. Now this one stands out and is a better choice for a guy with a family than a minivan. The price is under a Grand Cherokee which is nice. I like the smooth ride and the tight turn radius, I dont like the gas mileage, but this car is bigger and heavier than my last one, the oh so feminine Jeep Liberty. I also like the fact that the third row is there if needed, and that there are lots of standard features like rear sensor and side curtain bags. Makes a lot of difference in terms of safety. I have had it now for a month, and we like it a lot.

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  Me and my Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Wulffan - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my Jeep. No other vehichle Ive owned has given me such a good feeling to drive. The Jeep just feels so right in so many ways. I took her out "wheelin" right after break-in period. I only took her on what wheelers call "the doe run", (easy trails), after all, it is a brand new vehicle. Only modification is bigger tires. (I really dont understand why they even put small tires on at the factory, it just isnt right on a jeep.) I was absolutely amazed at the obstacles I went over easily. After the 2nd worst winter in NYs history with it, and now a hot summer, I can truly say this is a vehicle for all seasons.

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  Jeep Liberty fun to own - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By wjp - December 26 - 10:00 am

  You cant buy a better vehicle for the money. Its a ton of fun to drive , with lots of power and plenty of room.

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  My favorite Wrangler ... so far! - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By MSJEEPGUY - December 25 - 5:56 pm

  Ive owned several Wranglers, including the new Unlimited, and while the 98 is the oldest (and most experienced) ... so far, its my favorite. The 2.5L 4 fits me better than the previous 4.0L engines, and this one is also my first with a manual tranny. Aside from a bit more road noise (a great excuse to add a "monster" audio system) than my other Jeeps, I have no complaints. The economy of the 4 cylinder is fine for me. Its a fun little utility vehicle, and I guess Ive been lucky, but Ive had no mechanical issues with any of the Wranglers Ive owned, putting a collective 150,000 miles on them. Ill never be without a Wrangler as long as I live.

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  Diesel is the Future - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Zathrus - December 25 - 7:23 am

  I looked at the Escape hybrid and the Liberty diesel and the Liberty won hands down. The price was several thousand less and it performed better. At start up the diesel is not as quiet as the standard V6 but after it is warmed up there is almost no difference. There were no clouds of back smoke or foul smells that I remembered from the old Chevy diesels. Power is good and it is quiet on the road-even under hard acceleration. Even after just a few tanks of fuel the Jeep is already beating its 26 mpg highway rating. Once cleaner diesel fuel starts to show up in 2007, diesel vehicles will start to appear everywhere.

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  I love Jeep! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Christene DeRossitt - December 23 - 7:36 pm

  First of all this is my first brand new vehicle, and my first SUV. I shopped around ALOT, and I found that I kept coming back to the Jeep Cherokee Limited. I bought mine with just about every upgrade you could get. The inside is very nice. I love how comfortable the seats are, they will be great for long term driving, even the back seats are just as good. The exterior is equally as nice. I think chrome wheels would have looked better but these look good, and are probably more durable too. The Panoramic Sunroof is perfect I get plenty of light, and when its open I feel like Im in a convertible.The only bad thing I have to say is I wished I would have got the V6. There just isnt a lot of power to it. With that said I test drove the V6 too and there was not a big difference in power or take off. But my previous vehicle was a Pontiac with V6 which are know to have lots of power, so I guess I just have to get use to it. The only Vehicle I found that compared as well was the FORD Edge but it cost more too, other than that I LOVE my new JEEP.

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  At least test drive if considering a SUV - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By dragonant - December 23 - 7:33 pm

  I test drove and now enjoy my trail rated 2008 Patriot. The CVT even as a baby has enough umph to throw our heads back. I currently average over 20mpg city but expect it to improve in a thousand miels or so. Inside is roomy for my tall 200+ self, wife and sons carseat. The ride is very smooth, stable, and quite. Drives better than a base Chevy HHR and better than the Dodge Caliber IMHO. Previously I had a 05 Dakota, it served its purpose I needed more MPG all though an excellent truck, I wanted something closer to a sedan economy/handling wise but still get off- road. Well loaded yet affordable

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  Lot of Miles - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By RDS - December 23 - 5:30 am

  I bought my Jeep new and now have 178000 miles on it. I have done very little maintenance on it other than regular stuff like oil changes etc.. I get around 23 mpg with the 4.0 six/5 spd. I still have the original clutch in it. I wish they still made the Cherokee.