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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  Love my Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Javier Andrade - June 24 - 8:13 am

  I love driving my vehicle. Like the way it handles the road and the way it also handles off road. I think it is very comfortable and powerful. I like how it looks too. Its been two years and I dont regret buying my unit.

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  07 Wrangler that knows rocks and trails - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By mattjk84 - June 23 - 2:26 am

  Bought my 2007 JK while still in college so I logged many miles during its first year, now it is used more for rock climbing and hunting. Extremely tough and reliable, I installed a 2.5" lift and 33" BF Goodrich M/Ts and it will take anything I can throw at it. Great fuel mileage given the use, and no mechanical problems.

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  Edmunds is CraZy - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Woods n Water boys - June 22 - 2:26 am

  Ive owned my 2015 patriot since new. It currently has 45,000 miles on it and is a daily driver for me. I have had zero warranty issues and my only repair costs have been routine maintenance. My favorite thing about the vehicle is its simplicity of interior layout and controls. It certainly is not a touring vehicle youd want to jump in and drive across the county, but with the 6 speed automatic it feels zippy on city streets and is a great little bomber to boogie across town in. As an avid outdoorsman this little buggy gets me where I need to go and can haul all of my gear even for multiple day excursions. Youre not going to tackle the slick rock of Moab but I have been impressed by the capability to access my favorite camping spots as well as its ability to blast through the soft sands of the East and West coasts of Florida. Check it out for yourself.

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  Jeep Patriot for a Patriotic American - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By zulu45 - June 18 - 7:00 pm

  I bought this to replace a Ford F150, and have NOT been disappointed. I average about 27 mpg with mixed driving out in the country. The acceleration is great, although not really outstanding, it is much more than I need. Overtaking is easy with the Patriot going from 45 to 75+ in almost a blink of an eye. The CVT really does a great job of giving the power when its needed. And though I dont have the Trail-Rated version, even during a major ice storm this past Winter, the Jeep handled inclines and roads that even pickups with off-road packages couldnt handle. Its nimble, and very comfortable.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By US COMMANDER - June 16 - 4:56 pm

  I have been 2 weeks with my Commander and it has being a great ride so far. Mine is a Limited fully loaded and is really entertaining to drive. This is my third JEEP and it just keep better and better.

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  Love my Jeep - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Deb - June 16 - 9:33 am

  I bought my Jeep in Jan 07, and wanted to drive it for awhile before reviewing it. So far I am very happy with it. I live in the snow belt and drive a lot for work, it handled the snow with no problems. I always felt like it was holding the road and it went through anything I asked it to.I have no idea why the window controls are in the middle, and wish the cup holders & shifter were reversed but not a big deal. I looked @ Toyota, Honda, & Chevy but think I made the best choice for the money. My husband bought a Ranger but now wants my Jeep, we race for the keys. Over all I cant find anything I really dont like, & my next one will be the new model with the huge sunroof. Great little SUV.

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  Really Like It!!! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By lshlsh2 - June 14 - 1:10 pm

  Bought used and have had for a little over a year.Have put over 26k on it and had no problems. Ride is good for a truck with 2 axles. 4wd is great and have never been stuck. I-6 is strong but thirsty.One note I have added K&N filter system and have noticed a big improvment with fuel economy. Town went from 17 to 19-20mpg. Highway went from 19-20 to 22-25mpg. Might want to consider adding one to yours. Back seat is small and I have to watch my head getting in. After a local hurricane drove through about 20 inches of water no problem. No problem towing my boat. (1800lbs)

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  Best car I ever owned - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jolena911 - June 12 - 12:23 pm

  I bought my FWD Jeep Cherokee Sport brand new in 1999. I had it for five years, put 90k miles on it and only did routine maintence. This was an awesome vehicle and I hated to get rid of it. The only down spots were hard plastic interior. Otherwise, it was an awesome vehicle. Im still hoping to pick-up another one used sometime soon.

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  All around perfect vehicle! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 4x4thewin - June 12 - 9:47 am

  After such bad luck and poor choice in vehicle purchases I feel like I finally found a gem! Purchased my 1999 JGC from a relative, me being the 2nd owner and it just rolled over 175k miles. Lucky for me it came from the south, as I live outside of Detroit and our roads and weather eat cars up. I love everything about my Jeep, it rides like a truck, but feels smooth like a luxury car. Its had overall minor replacements done, all routine work. Planning on replacing the motor in the next 6 months, as the rod bearings are just starting to act up. Other than that and some foggy head lamps, its in stellar shape. My next vehicle purchase will definitely be another Jeep!

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  Cool Ride Unlimited X 4dr 2wd - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By dgreenone - June 12 - 12:33 am

  Ive driven small trucks, 1/2 tons, 1 tons and now a Jeep. Im going to stick with the Jeep. Its a lot of fun to drive and can really hang the corners without feeling like its going to roll over. It also pulls my boats just fine and is very stable. I dont feel the Jeep getting pushed around by the trailer like some smaller trucks tend to do. The take off power seemed a bit lacking but turning off the ESP seems to cure that, but this could just all be in my head because I like this ride so much.