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:

• 

  Only dreamed that I could own one! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By remmons - July 28 - 8:20 am

  My wife and I were looking for a newer vehicle to replace her 2006 Toyota Corolla. We needed something more practical for the environment that we live in. Being in Utah, where we have the mountains and the desert, along with the frigid, blowing snows of winter to the arid, hot summer days, we needed a vehicle that was capable of getting us around at any time of the year. The 2007 Wrangler four door unlimited was possibly the best choice for all of our needs. It gets better mileage than our Suburban, has more passenger and cargo room than the Corolla, and better highway capability than my old 1965 CJ5. Thus far, this is the better model of Jeep. I cannot imagine anything better than this.

• 

  wifes 2010 commander - 2010 Jeep Commander
  By s burke - July 27 - 1:36 pm

  So far my new jeep is fun to drive and draws lots of attention, seems to be well built and designed. For us this was the only midsized SUV with 3rd row seating in our price range....nothing else compares, poor mans Land Rover...This is our 3rd SUV of sorts, SportTrac and a Explorer, we looked at this car when we bought the 07 explorer, pricing made it unaffordable, now its the best option

• 

  Family Fun - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brian - July 25 - 7:30 pm

  I also have an 02 Wrangler and love to drive it. I wanted my wife and kids to enjoy the Jeep experience, but with limited room, it was terrible for the ones in the back. I also couldnt carry any gear in the 8 inch trunk. When I saw the 4 door, I knew I had to have it. It has tons of room for cargo. Now we can all go camping, hiking, trail riding in comfort and it is a blast!

• 

  Jeep fan - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By nilekinnick - July 25 - 3:16 am

  I bought my 2007Jeep Wrangler greystone pearl X, s package, power package,17 rims with soft top. Ive always wanted a TJ about 17 years now. Being in the market for a new vehicle for the second time ever I stopped in and test drove the redesigned 2007 Wrangler. I was impressed from start to finish - 5 inches wider, really well refined, so much more room and interior features. The body is bigger and tougher looking. Dont get me wrong it does not ride like a car but with the improvement in comfort from the TJ to JK I fell in love with it and drove my Jeep off the show room floor that day!

• 

  Great Rebuild - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By jeeper - July 24 - 1:56 pm

  This is a great SUV. I have had this for a little over a month and decided to get the SUV despite the gas prices because every time I started looking at another car I would always come back to this one. The gas mileage isnt really that bad, get about 18-19 on avg. This vehicle is so much fun to drive. Instead of dodging potholes, I am aiming for them because the tight suspension takes large potholes with ease. Very comfortable seats and love how much higher i sit. I really liked the old liberties too, but this one is so much improved from the last one. A must have!

• 

  Its the best value! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tonkatrucks - July 24 - 7:19 am

  Im very happy and impressed with my new Jeep purchased 2013 between christmas and New Years. The vehicle feels solid, smooth, and is fun to drive. My search for the best SUV started early 2013 with a 2013 BMW X5 loaner while my wifes car was in for service. I test drove them all, but with the focus on a two-row, mid-size that provided good handling (for and SUV), decent acceleration and lots of leg room all around. I did not want too much storage with the school bus feel. Exterior styling and luxury interior with a large touch control/nav. screen along with a good sound system also on the wish list. The Summit provided all of these things and much more, like strong off road abilities.

• 

  Good for everything - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kody47 - July 22 - 11:00 pm

  I got the Jeep from my uncle with 200,000 miles on it and since have added 30,000. I havent had one issue with it. It still has good power uses zero oil and gets 20-ish on the highway despite awd and 3 in over sized tires. It does quite well off road. Ive yet to meet a hill it wont conquer. Good all round vehicle from the city to the country from the 1st time vehicle to the one thatll last forever

• 

  I love the Jeep - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By John Graham - July 21 - 9:40 pm

  First wrangler I have owned and I think it is the most fun suv on the market. I love the top down and really hope they never change the jeep look because it is one of the last American icons left.

• 

  Jeep to the core - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Countsparkula - July 21 - 8:43 pm

  I wasnt exactly sure what to expect from the Liberty, but from the moment I pulled it out of the lot on my test drive, I was impressed. This is a Jeep all the way! Nothing short of awesome. Although it does like to chug a little gas, the V6 is very responsive. This car is solid and extremely well built. Instantly you can tell it was made to be taken off road. Great interior design, great exterior style, couldnt be more fun to drive!

• 

  JEEP CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By patentguy - July 21 - 1:30 am

  This Jeep has been outstanding. Great power and excellent mileage. Hard to beat in off-road ability. I needed a vehicle that was small enough to park easily, had good mileage, could tow and launch small boats, and was capable off-road. This vehicle gets high marks in all those categories. The diesel engine really outperforms any gas engine I have used in the past.