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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  I love my Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Slab42 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I absolutley love my Rubicon!! This is my 3rd Jeep, so I think I can officially say, "This is it!"

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  XJ = Quality - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By boardz - October 1 - 2:46 am

  I have owned several Jeeps and have been pleased with the quality, dependability, simplicity and utility of every one. My 1999 Jeep XJ Cherokee is by far the best overall vehicle I have ever owned. I would recommend any year Cherokee - that has been well maintained - to anyone that needs a dependable utility vehicle at a reasonable price!

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  2nd Jeep......First Commander - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Jake - September 30 - 12:53 am

  This is our 2nd Jeep. We traded our 05 Liberty for this. The "Overland" rocks. We love it. It rides much nicer than the 2wd Liberty we had. Very quiet at highway speeds. Easy to get above 80 and not realize it. The Hemi is smooth and effortless. Mileage is lousy...but hey, it is a Hemi, we are expecting that. Kids love the skylights. Plenty of room for 2kids, dog and camping gear. Looking foward to CampJeep in VA this summer. We love our new Commander Overland.

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  Makes Me Smile Every Time - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By alphadog10 - September 29 - 4:13 am

  I have the soft top version, and wow, with the top down, its so much fun, it just makes me smile and feel happy to drive around town. With the top up, its quieter than you might expect, but I prefer the top off every chance I can get. The only thing I dont like about my Jeep is that its absolutely terrible to drive on the freeway. When I test drove it before I bought it, I really didnt spend much time driving it on the highway, but after living with it for a while, I sometimes wonder whether I made a good choice. This is my one and only vehicle, and I think it makes a better second car than a primary one. I find it terrifying on the freeway.

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  Not bad - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mary M - September 28 - 9:30 pm

  I traded in my 2001 Trooper with 156,000 miles for this brand new Commander. Fuel tank is a big disappointment - only 17.2 gallons. However, I have increased my highway mileage to an average of 20.6 MPG by adding in a bottle of gas treatment or fuel injector cleaner with every other tankful. City driving is approx 16.5 MPG. I have a possessed passenger window. Not thrilled about gas cap - anyone can open it, no safety lock. Not much cargo room (Trooper held a sheet of plywood with ease) and the loss of 3"-4" because of 3rd row seat now folding level with tailgate. Molding not glued to back door frame. Replaced windshield which also took part of factory molding with it!

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  Love My Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Jeeper - September 28 - 8:13 pm

  The 2008 Patriot is "most excellent". Considering that I got a relatively maxed out 4x4 limited for $23,500, it is truly an outstanding value. I did choose the 5 speed manual over the automatic and am quite pleased with the result. Handling is nimble and I like the Jeep styling. Have logged over 9K miles in less than 6 months. Had one experience in very slippery snow conditions, and found it had better traction than my 94 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4. Fuel mileage has been 25 - 28 mpg for combined highway/city driving. The Boston acoustic speakers are outstanding - it is terrific for tailgating. Space utilization is excellent. Like the interior materials and they are easy to keep clean.

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  Fantastic Fun - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Scott - September 27 - 3:26 pm

  Its time to rate these Jeeps for what they are. These are fun vehicles made to play where others cant go. This is for a person who needs no GPS, DVD Screen and dislikes wearing a suit! My Unlimited has been exceptional since the day I drove it from the lot. Problem free and able to go anywhere, its the perfect vehicle for a rag-top lover who loves a nice summer day. I have nothing but nice things to say. I dont even miss my 2002 Convertible Mustang GT. The Jeep is more fun!

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  My Jeep - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SUSIE - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I could live in this car. I sleep in it and eat in it and talk on the phone in it and my kids have changed clothes in it. I bought my first one and the car salesman wrecked it after I drove it 1 day and I refused to take anything but a like model. I had to settle for a different interior color but I was o.k with it. The square cargo space is roomy and the front seats are perfect for us. I love that it adjusts the seats and mirrors for us since my husband is tall, and I am not. Thankfully he does not drive it much.

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  rugged - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By donutsapd - September 27 - 2:00 am

  it is a little "trucky", but, this is a solid, fun and rugged vehicle. For the dollar, Id put it ahead of any SUV in its class.

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  Just awsome! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By felo - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this jeep. I ve driven alot of diffrent suv, nothing is like my Rubi. Stop being a baby, grab your *$#@ and get one!