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:

• 

  Cute Ute? are you CRAZY? - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By kjmike - October 30 - 2:00 am

  So far, I have found the Liberty to be an EXCELLENT vehicle because of its overall build quality, terrific handling, and solid JEEP like feel.

• 

  My Perfect Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Andria - October 30 - 12:30 am

  Always wanted one...and its so much more than I expected.

• 

  9 month update - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Luganathan - October 28 - 2:26 pm

  Have now owned my Patriot for nine months. This vehicle is better than expected. Drives much better than my previous vehicle with was a Forester. The new interior design on the 09 really makes you feel like your driving a luxury crossover. Once you learn how to drive the CVT is becomes very smooth and a joy to drive. I did have the dreaded front dome light leak in April, i brought it in, they replaced a seal and after a record breaking amount of rainfall over the summer I have not had any other problems with it. Once the CVT gets broken in a little, gas mileage improves. I now average about 25.5 on the highway (on long trips) and 22+ city. Pretty good for a 4x4.

• 

  I love my JK - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepin Dad - October 27 - 6:23 pm

  I upgraded from a 89 Wrangler to the 07 with the 6 speed, S-package, freedom top, tow package, rear locker, swaybar disconect, 17" wheel/tire package. The ride is great, the engine is responsive with the 6-speed and 4.10 gears. Gas mileage isnt great, I have been averaging about 18 mpg which is what the sticker said it would get. The seats are comfortable, the height adjustable drivers seat is a nice feature. I really like the removable hard top panels, it takes less time to remove and replace these than it did to put up and down my soft top. I have had it off-road and with the rear locker and swaybar diconnects it performed great. The disconnect really smoothed the ride out.

• 

  Real Sport Utility - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Wilie KihotE - October 27 - 11:16 am

  Have owned lots of suvs including 3 Jeeps. The Unlimited is the most capable. It can haul more inside than a Grand Cherokee. It tows my trailer with tractor easily. Lot of leg room front and rear. JKs are 4" wider so there is shoulder room. AC is powerful as is heater. The 6 speed is smooth shifting even when it is -11 outside. Nice stereo system. 1st birthday with 18,000 miles. Not a single problem. What else can you ask for? Bottom line: Where else can you get a 4door 4wd, convertible with a great ride and unlimited options for under 20 large? No wood, no leather, no separate climate control, no fleeting styling cues. Just solid performance.

• 

  Hit the Road - 2017 Jeep Renegade
  By Carlos Maldonado - October 25 - 11:01 am

  The 2017 Jeep Renegade is a sporty SUV that drives like a car. Its a great companion when cruising the adventurous outdoors. Its one of the most comfortable vehicles Ive owned. Its a great ride...you wont regret it.

• 

  2014 4dr Jeep Wrangler manual - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By wpotis - October 25 - 5:15 am

  I bought a brand new 2014 jeep wrangler sahara back in September. I drove an automatic and didnt like it at all. Drove the only manual they had on the lot and bought it on the spot. Havent regreted it for a min. Got the hard top, navigation sirius and alpine stereo. This is my 5th jeep and best yet. Everyone that gets in it can not believe how smooth and quiet the ride it. Including my dad who has a Jeep grand cherokee. I will have this vehicle for years to come. Very happy with my purchase especially since we just had our first snow fall here in NJ and it handled beautifully.

• 

  its a Jeep! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ryan - October 24 - 2:56 pm

  I have had three Jeeps now, two of which were Wranglers. Although I still love the Wranglers, they cant compare to the everyday capabilities of my Cherokee. I have a 99 Limited and have yet to encounter any problems. The power is great coming from the 4.7L engine and the overall quality is superior. It goes great in the snow. Ive had to pull out Blazers before in places that my Jeep wouldnt even bat an eye at. This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned and will definitely buy the new 05 Hemi within the next few weeks.

• 

  I love my Patriot - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Maureen - October 24 - 4:13 am

  I love my 09 Jeep Patriot; it is a pleasure driving it; this is my first Jeep product and Im very satisfied. I drove the 09 Toyota RAV-4 and the 09 Honda CRV and I did not like them but when I drove the Patriot I felt in love with it. The interior is so comfortable and the design is so elegant; it is easy to maintain. The exterior design is so cute, perfect size, easy to park, in other words it is the best SUV for its class: (economic + reliable + comfortable). I have driven about 3600 miles and more I drive it more I love it. Thanks Chrysler for this wonderful product! Maureen, Ft. Lauderdale FL.

• 

  Jeep Grand Cherokee Review - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By carsrule444 - October 18 - 12:00 am

  The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is an important vehicle for Chrysler. Under its new FIAT ownership, Chrysler has kicked up everything a million notches in performance, safety, looks, quality, reliability, design, and fun in this new Jeep. borrowing parts from the next-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class, The new Jeep is much more composed, agile, and fun to drive while retaining its extreme off road capabilities. Engines offered are a 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 290 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. its a strong engine, but when put in a car over 4,000 lbs, well, not so much. The optional 5.7L V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque pulls effortlessly for 0-60 under 7 secs. overall this car is truly perfect.