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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  Too Much Fun - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By BWB - December 3 - 10:00 am

  The Rubicon is everything I thought it would be, and more. It handles very well around town and thinks nothing of off-roading. Havent had a chance to try the lockers out yet, but hopefully soon. Jeep has outdone themselves with the exterior styling of the Rubicon - between the Moab rims, diamond plate rocker guards and MTRs. The interior is simple, but attractive. I find the operation of the soft top to be quick and simple, despite what others say. My last vehicle was a 96 Cherokee Sport. The Rubicon, even with the soft top, is not much louder on the highway than the Cherokee was. The Rubicon is truly the essence of Jeep.

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  Love My Patriot - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Lady Di - December 3 - 8:43 am

  I was hesitant to buy this model because of the negative reviews. I test drove the Subaru Forrester because it was so highly rated. It was an Ok ride, but it just felt like I was driving a nice car not an SUV. As soon as I got behind the wheel of this Patriot I knew it was the vehicle for me. That is one solid vehicle! Holds the rode well and stops on a dime. I wanted a vehicle that was tough, durable and will get me around in the snow. I found it. I did not get a lot of fancy options because they are not important to me. This is basic model, no frills. Its a Jeep for goodness sake! I got mine for about $21K after rebate. Not a bad price for a 4 wheel drive vehicle IMO.

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  I love my Grand Cherokee Summit - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bernard Jones - November 30 - 6:11 am

  I love my 2015 GC Summit. The navigation system could be much better resolution wise. Maps are dangerously outdated. On the other hand, this vehicle is a joy to drive and looks fantastic. No reliability issues whatsoever.

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  last of great line - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By E Wallis - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Im reaching 75000 miles and my Jeep is going strong. Only problem was the A/C blower motor went out which was $500 in parts labor. Other than that, its been normal upkeep and service. If you can find a 5spd manual Id highly suggest it. With my modified intake, K&N filter, 62mm throttle body and flowmaster exhaust I pull 22-23 mpg city, and 25mpg on the freeway. Its been a reliable vehicle and has never let me down. After a decade of the Cherokee, the 2001 by far is the best model. Chrysler did a good job of working out all the bugs and quirks from previous models. If you want your leather seats, 40mpg, 0db noise, and weak engine go with a Hybrid, otherwise get a Jeep.

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  fun new suv - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By qshort - November 28 - 10:00 am

  overall fun to drive well priced vehicle

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  Command The Road in Style - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Paiz - November 27 - 7:40 am

  After owning two Grand Cherokees, and a Cherokee Classic in the past, the new 2006 Jeep Commander is by far the most exciting to drive, and to look at. Even with sub par fuel economy, the Commander drives and feels like a dream. I strongly recommend getting the Hemi 5.7L V8, as it actually gets better gas mileage than the 4.7L V8 because of the MDS Engine Technology. Strongly recommended!

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  06 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Nate H - November 26 - 3:23 am

  Great capability, fun to drive, sunrider top a nice feature when the weather is changing, geared really low (can start in 2nd gear), speaker quality could be improved.

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  Good - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jennifer - November 23 - 12:03 am

  All in all this car was very nicely finished. My only complaint would be the steering wheel, which looks kinda awkward. Besides that this car is ideal.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jill - November 22 - 9:46 am

  This has been the best vehicle Ive owned. Although it has been in the shop a few times (its a Jeep) its still going. It gets me where I need to go when and how I need to get there. As a jeep that is stock, it outperforms some of its competitors in the off-roading department. My brother also has one. He has a great photo of his jeep pulling a Ford 4x4 (with all the extra add-ons for four- wheeling) out of the mud. If youre looking for an SUV that can haul, tow, drive through snow and mud w/o any difficulties, Jeep is the one! One more thing. When the back seat is folded flat, I can fit a dining room set with six chairs and the table. Tons of room!

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  I chose the 5.7L Hemi - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Steelblueone - November 21 - 3:16 pm

  I bought the Commander as the family shuttle, realizing its limitations in that regard; it is not a mini Van, so in that capacity it is just adequate. It is not just a suburban taxi, it wants to play. It is a 7 seat 4x4 SUV and as that, it stands out as you leave the road and hit the trails. On the roads the Hemis power is effortless and always available. Inside it is very comfortable and my three kids (10, 9, and 6) love the stadium seating and the moonroof. It is quiet inside and the sound system is excellent.