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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  2016 Grand Cherokee Summit - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jesus Soba - May 28 - 3:13 pm

  Great car but over priced.

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  Repeat Owner - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Jinx - May 28 - 1:00 am

  This is my 2nd Patriot. I bought my first in 7/07 brand new. I loved the classic Cherokee body style. It is also the roomiest SUV with the best MPG at the best price. I couldnt resist buying a new one and I couldnt see myself driving anything else. I love my Patriot and as long as they keep making it I will keep buying it!

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  Another great Jeep for our lineup - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DoubleKPerformance - May 25 - 3:40 pm

  Have numerous XJ Cherokees that have proven themselves time and again for reliability and capability. Was hesitant to add a Yuppie Jeep to the lineup, mainly because the creature comforts kinda took away from the hardcore Jeeping mentality that we have. But all in all, this has proven us wrong. Who says you cant have an extremely reliable vehicle AND be comfortable at the same time?

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  Best Jeep Yet! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Heather - May 25 - 11:40 am

  I have owned three other Jeep Vehicles in the past and this is the best one yet. I feel totally safe and comfortable with this Jeep. Its ability has overcome all the other Jeep vehicles I have had in the past. My Laredo is actually a 8 cylinder not a 6 but they dont have that choice on here but it is an option. To anyone who would be interested in buying this vehicle, I give it 5 stars and you cant get better than that!

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  !995 Jeep wrangler rio grande - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By adamlang05 - May 25 - 8:51 am

  It was my first vehicle im 18 and have a 1995 wrangler rio grande with 174k miles and still running strong. put a 4 1/2 in lift on all spring no body. and some 33in extra wide tires. im stuck on jeeps thing will go anywere i live in alaska and that thing will start up at -15 easy. easy to work on had to do a few things but not alot. put a new starter, steering box, clutch, and exaust manifold. and transmission just now starting to go out dont have 5 th gear but new transmission on its way as we speak. could ask for a better vehicle.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By W. Williamson - May 24 - 12:13 pm

  I have no regrets about buying the Jeep Patriot. It is a great compact SUV for a great price. I purchased the limited style which is great. The leather seats are very comfortable and the design in the SUV is good. The seats are very roomy in the front and in the back. There is not quite as much room for cargo as I would like in the back, but its OK. Also, this SUV gets great gas mileage but it has a small tank. Overall, great SUV.

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  HEMI Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By thekid - May 22 - 5:56 am

  I was looking at Range Rovers before stumbling upon the Commander. For the money this SUV is way better, unless you "need" to be seen in a Range Rover. Mine is fully loaded, I mean everything pretty much. It has really been great as far as comfort and fun to drive. Endless power with the HEMI. Arent we all a little sick of the predictable styling from other manufacturers?

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  LOVE IT - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Loverz - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle!

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  love this Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By deskset31 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Buy the Jeep...its a good safe bet and cute as a button to boot.

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  Excellent! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Night Runner - May 19 - 10:00 am

  My wife wanted a new Equinox or Acadia but after we saw the new 2011 JGC on the lot she fell in love with it. The V6 has tons of power and its extremely smooth on any road surface. Even though ours is just technically all wheel drive it has great traction on dirt and gravel and wont slip when the gas it pushed hard. interior is very elegant for a jeep. We have never even considered buying a jeep until we really looked into the new JGC. If you are looking into ANY type of crossover, take some time with the new JGC, it will make you think twice.