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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  Kool-Aid Smile Every Time I Drive It - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By mmush - December 26 - 9:10 pm

  My first vehicle was a 91 Wrangler and I loved it. After all these years I bought another Wrangler and Im home. I havent stopped smiling since I bought it. I forgot how fun a Wrangler is to drive.

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  5.7 Limited 4x4 - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rob - December 26 - 10:40 am

  What can I say - just awesome! I just came from a F-150 Laredo and its night & day. I would have to say the one thing that jumps out at me is the build quality & raw power.

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  Dont Buy the V-8 - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gil_j - December 26 - 4:17 am

  Great styling, plenty of power, power mileage. The V-8 has an annoying surge under light load. The Jeep regional service guy agrees, but states its the way Jeep has the engine and transmission programmed. I know the styling is awesome, but dont let the beauty get in the way. Dont say I didnt warn you!

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  Smokin Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Retat53 - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had absolutely no problems with this Jeep. This truck is as sound now as when it was when I bought it new. When the style changes I will buy a new one.

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  A Real Combination of SUV/Car Like Feel - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JVG - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Great looks, comfort, fun to drive. I test drove several mini-SUVs and this was the best one on the market, with the exception of gas mileage. The Liberty handles well and glides down the rode. The interior styling is innovative and unique with the two tone color, white instrument panel and chrome accents. Adequate storage with the exception of sun glass holder. The overhead console is nice, but outside temperature reading is 5 degrees high all the time. On my old Grand Cherokee it was always accurate.

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  1999 grand cherokee - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By drfrickenevil - December 25 - 2:00 am

  ive had my jgc for 3 years.i had a few of the popular problems, such as jerking forward after coming to a complete stop.after 3 visits to the dealer(and a new drivetrain),that problem was solved.the transmission stinks!it jerks forward when accelerating.the overall design is great, but they need to do something about this transmission.there is no shot of buying this vehicle!

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  Jeep Cherokee Laredo - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lora Johnson - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Jeep and I have no problems with it. I do suggest keeping up the maintenance on it. Like with anything you buy, if you take the care in to car doctor on the scheduled visits you will get great performance out it. You cant just drive and drive and expect any vehicle to not ever need some type of up keep maintenance. I love the Jeeps and would not think of buying anything else.

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  08 commander - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By l greaves - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV for Canadian climate. Fuel mileage not bad for a heavy 4.7 v8. Problems with rear diff bearings, front diff failed at 40,000 km had to be replaced. Wife loves this SUV (our 2nd Jeep) will probably purchase extended warranty to ensure Peace of mind over the long run

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  What a Surprise - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By sanpedrodave - December 23 - 8:50 pm

  I bought this Jeep Patriot with the World 2.0 liter engine and I am very surprised at the performance of this small engine. This little engine packs 158 horses and Chrysler has slapped a lifetime warranty on the power train. Yes, you heard me right, a life time warranty! The body looks and feels solid and has the traditional Jeep line, although not as sexy looking as the Compass. My only complaint is not having the back hatch window open separately in order to load my lumber from the home improvement stores. Lastly this SUV came with a lot of standard such as electronic tilt control, 4 air bag, security key, and many other features. I was proud to buy American on this one. Good Luck Jeep!

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  A different look! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Lee - December 23 - 12:18 am

  I have the 2016 Trailhawk 3.2 V-6 AWD, When you get behind the wheel you think your driving a larger SUV. It has the feeling that it is well built. I have driven the other small SUVs in this class and the tinny feel when you shut the door and the road noise from different types of payvment let you know your in a small SUV. This is different from the fit and finish on the interior to the snappy 3.2 V-6. I have know about the transmission problems but they must be fixed because this tranny is as smooth a butter. The MSPR of mine went just over $40k and that is a bunch for a small SUV but in this case you get what you pay for. What other small SUV comes with Rock setting with locker rear axel. Its also the only one you can tow four down behind a motor home. I give it two thumbs up.