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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  Really like this car! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By harvemax - November 17 - 2:26 am

  After test driving other names in the mid-size,this one fit me the best.I love the way it feels on the road.We have all weather conditions here.Ive taken it up and down heavy gravel,sand and snow terrain.I took her up to northern bc for x-mas this year and had miles of glare ice ,hard pack snow,really rough highways,no problem maintaing 50-60 mph.The family and I were completely comfortable.I feel safe and confident driving it.Havent had any issues except the fuel door doesnt like to open in -25 temp.I did recieve a recall notice to repair a ground wire.Have 6k on it now and will wait until she goes in for her first service at 8k to address the recall.

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  Great Buy - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Trader Rick - November 17 - 12:16 am

  14 months and 18,000 miles after purchase I have no regrets. The patriot is a versatile vehicle that is good! On gas, in foll weather, on the purchase price and oddly enough ( resale value ) because its a Jeep. This Jeep is fun to drive to the local store and comfortable on a 500 mile trip. Avg. 23 to 27 mpg. With the 2.4 engine and CVT trans. Before purchase I also drove, cr-v, rav4 and Forester. The patriot was the hardest to take back and when I did I bought it. No regrets.

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  Awesome family ride! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tracey Shaw - November 16 - 6:36 am

  I love my Jeep! It is all new and rides as smooth as a luxury vehicle yet can run off road better than the rest! I love this vehicle as a family ride due to the extensive safety features, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring, backup warning lights, airbags (knee, side, roof, curtain), latch for child seats, g1reat handling, wide body not tipsy like most trucks, Hemi gives it amazing power, roomy back seat for kids, roomy in back for groceries and stroller, top rack for traveling, navigation system is great for trips! Super stereo and DVD for the kids (a must have!); what can I say, it is everything you need and want! We will drive it into the ground and it will last.

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  Solid Jeep Package - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By James - November 15 - 12:03 pm

  Great all round SUV. Ive had my Jeep for 2 months and its proved worthy of the Jeep name.

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  2000 Cherokee Sport in VA - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By markp - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a great suv. With so many others coming out. The Jeep is the only choice for me. As an owner I know that I can get in and out of ski areas, camp sites, beach and anywhere else for that matter with no problem. I know that no matter what my JEEP is there and will deliver. Just as they were when they came out. I will always have a JEEP.

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  There is nothing like a Jeep - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By mtbiker82 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  First, I am seeing a lot of reviews that are using gas mileage as a negative. I get 17mpg in the city and 21+ on the highway and thats with the 4.0L straight 6. Its a SUV...thats great!! Unstoppable off-road. Backseat slightly uncomfortable, but just fine for short trips. If want to drive a legend...get a Jeep.

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  Great Jeep - Terrible Gas Mileage - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Passt2009 - November 13 - 3:53 pm

  This is by far the best built and designed Jeep I have owned (previous 2003 Laredo & 1994 Cherokee Sport). The Hemi has three loves, hills, speed, and unfortunately, gas is by far her favorite; it’s horrendous on gas mileage. Other than terrible gas mileage, my only other “complaint” would be you almost have to regulate the way you drive, not there is such a thing, but it’s almost too much power. I love this Jeep so much though (ga$ prices may have factored in as well), I’m getting a second car to use as a commuter. That way she’ll be around as long as possible.

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  great truck - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By fdcboys22 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  love it , lacks a little engine power everything else is solid

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  Great - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Elisua Saucedo - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car in the world I love cars but none have worked as great as all the others have problems and waste too much money on gas. I love my ride!!!!!!!!!!

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  All around utility at a fair price - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By regtqm - November 10 - 5:50 pm

  We love our new Jeep 4 door. It holds us, two kids and the dog plus our luggage for a weekend trip and the tops come off! Rides well and handles like a sports sedan. We get 21 MPG highway with a 6 spd and cruise control set at about 72. In town mileage is about 16.5.