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:

• 

  Best Mid Sized SUV - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MikeH - May 10 - 8:26 pm

  Ive owned my Jeep Grand Cherokee for going on 9 months with no problems. It has great performance, wonderfully designed interior, a terrific stereo. It is definitely a cut above the rest in its class.

• 

  Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Vetra Whittington - May 10 - 12:20 pm

  This is our 3rd Jeep. The dependability of this vehicle is exceptional. I really doubt I would ever buy any other make auto. A real quality ride.

• 

  2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By usafss - May 10 - 9:22 am

  Finally the transmission is fixed. The 2016 transmissions are smooth as silk with no hesitation at all. I had a 2014 Jeep Cherokee that I traded in for the 2016 and am glad I did. To all who were wondering about the transmissions. They are working great with no issues.

• 

  Buy A Commander! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mr Moose from Maine - May 10 - 4:50 am

  If a Jeep Cherokee and a Chevy Suburban had kids, they would be Commanders. This is one great SUV. Ive owned a lot of SUVs since 1988 and the Commander is the best. I live in Maine where snow is measured in feet, not inches.The Quadra Drive II is amazing; I BURIED my Commanders right side in a snow bank on purpose and the Quadra Drives limited slip differentials locked in and out I came. I tried it with my 96 Cherokee with Select Trac and a Trac Lok rear. I needed the Commander to pull me out. Get the 4.7 V8 and the Off Road Group II if you do any off roading or live in an area with a lot of snow. Buy a Commander! Youll love it!

• 

  A real 4WD for all needs. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By baldguy - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall,my Jeep Liberty had exceeded my expectations. It handles well on road and off road, (I drive over 100 miles per day). The engine is powerful and the braking system is strong. The balance of weight front and rear make the traction excellent under all weather conditions and on all terrain. My only criticism is the windshield which chips when impacted my the tiniest of debris.

• 

  just jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeff glauner - May 9 - 2:00 am

  no problems on or off road---and fast!

• 

  Great Vehicle - better than pre-2005 - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lmannino - May 8 - 4:30 pm

  Just purchased this vehicle in Sept. after test driving a Liberty. For the extra $5000 theres no comparison. Its smooth, comfortable and solid, with the driving heft of the old Wagoneer. Family member have Grand Cherokees from 2000-2004, and the new V6 has considerably more power. I got the base model, which is very nice, though I did upgrade to Quadra Trac II - seems foolish to not offer a low 4wd gear in a truck of this size. Gas mileage (hwy) up to 25 mpg! (cruise control set at 55 mph, windows closed).

• 

  Its not just a truck..... it is a Jeep. - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Netastoph - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the most fun, versital, engaging, exhilerating experiences there is....

• 

  Cute&Comfortable - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By JEEPGRL - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I without a douby love this Jeep! I only have one problem with it, it goes into over drive too easily. The tranny is great for its hauling ability however it lags on a day to day driving basis. Now dont get me wrong I love my jeep but that is my only complaint! I like the fact that you can have a Jeep Grand Cherokee features with a Jeep Liberty price tag!

• 

  Love it - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AM24 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Enjoy the ride, the looks (not only how it looks but how others look at it), It feels safe ( nice with grandchildren),