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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  Its Got a Hemi - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sean - May 7 - 3:46 pm

  I recently traded in my beloved Honda Accord for a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. The ride is smooth and quiet but you can hear the RUMBLE when you need that HEMI power to kick in. The fuel economy stinks but I was ready for that when i was getting the 5.7 liter engine. Driving stability is phenomenal. I love the front chrome grill on my Jeep. Its got every imaginable feature such as rain sensors, auto dimming mirrors, heated front seats, 6 disc mp3 cd player, dvd player, memory seats, tire pressure monitor, back up sensor. And its size is not as monstrous as the Suburban so ... you can step on it a little without the fear of losing control. How can you not gun it if youve got a HEMI! :)

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  A good used buy - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepster - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle on my 17th birthday. I drove it for a month and the front right brakes siezed. I brought it back to the dealership and 1500 dollars later i had brand new motor mounts, brakes, track bars and new bushings. it had 140,000 miles on it, so that is expected. It drives like new, and the V* is awesome. I beat the crap out of little wannabe civics. The only thing I would change is the gas mileage.

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By JMBNY - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Jeep Liberty for 3 weeks. I love the car. The power is good and it handle very well during a snow blizzard. Also the wierdest thing happen to me today. I was in park waiting for someone and the car stalled on me.

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  Jeep Wrangler - 2017 Jeep Wrangler
  By Adam Brunson - May 6 - 7:00 am

  This is a solid vehicle that holds its value. However, because of its popularity, there is less room to negotiate the price. The best I could do was $3,600 of MSRP. In the end, I feel that I got a great vehicle at a fair price.

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  Loving my Jeep - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By 2014blackjku - May 4 - 4:35 am

  I have a bare bones 6spd hardtop Wrangler Unlimited and I love it. After owning a S2000 for 10 years, I decided I needed a new vehicle for my expanding family. I wanted a convertible, I needed to seat more than 2 people and I wanted something that can get me up the hill to my house in the snow. The Jeep is the only car on the market that fits my needs. It is a rough ride, slow (especially up hills) and handles poorly but I could care less. I love how this car drives. It reminds me of driving around College in my buddys defender.

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  Jeeps are the most reliable vehicles - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Janna - May 4 - 4:16 am

  I have had my 2003 Laredo for 7 months and would not trade it for anything. When I got it, I had to replace the main cylinder valve which cost $200. A couple of months ago the window motor and regulator went out and had to be replaced. It was very easy to replace and took less than 15 minutes. To replace it cost $100. I dont understand why so many people do not like their Jeep. Yes some things arent perfect on them but that is expected out of every vehicle. They are very safe and reliable. Ive saw jeeps that have been flipped 6 times and driven home or some that have been hit going 75 mph into an embankment and still driven home. I will not drive anything other than a Jeep.

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  Commander is Good Value for Big SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Chris T - April 30 - 4:10 am

  I bought this Commander new in September of 2006. I have not had any maint. issues, and the vehicle is very quiet and fun to drive. Towing capacity is great with the 4.7 V8. I have noticed many reviews complain of fuel mileage, but this in no surprise. It produces exactly what it is rated, about 16 around town and 20 to 21 on the highway. Vehicle is very versatile, and is definitely worth a look in this size SUV. I think one would be very surprised to take this vehicle for a spin.

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  Bring back the Jeep Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By lheywood - April 29 - 9:46 am

  A great car for off road, and for me has been just fine on road. Has been pretty reliable for the first 13 years, then problems (see below).

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  Love My Wrangler but... - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By lh - April 26 - 8:13 am

  Only owned it for a month but, love it, except for one thing. Fun to drive and so many cool things you can do to it. Very smooth drive. Theyve improved a lot. However, a very annoying feature that I didnt discover until after my purchase. They apparently did away with the passenger seat feature that allowed it to pop up and foward making entry into the back seat easy. Now its very difficult to get in the back seat. My kids just climb over now. If youre an adult, forget about it! Jeep really needs to rethink that change. Gas mileage has improved but, definitely more room for improvement.

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  Best Jeep Ive Owned - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ArcadeTom - April 25 - 12:30 pm

  I replaced a 1996 Grand Cherokee with this 2004 in Nov. 2003. I liked my old one, but this one is fantastic. It rides great, handles very fine and once I rid myself of the factory Goodyear tires (replaced with Michelin LTX MS), this Jeep will literally go anywhere I want to go. I absolutely LOVE IT!