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:

• 

  Jeep Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Rion Allen - September 27 - 8:43 pm

  10,000 miles and still loving it, not the fastest but smooth to drive and built with quality. I like chicken. 5 spd manual had a little trouble grinding in 3rd gear but local chrysler/dodge/jeep dealer fixed it right up with a new blocker ring. Towed a 2500 or more load from Michigan to Texas in 2 days over foothills of mountains, no trouble at all and not equipped with tow package, however i do run synthetic. This car was perfect for me with the basic package because the vinyl is easy to clean and the removable rear cargo floor is easy to clean. I am very happy with my new Jeep and look forward to a long companionship. Purchased extended warranty- lifetime bumper to bumper good buy.

• 

  Jeep Unlimited - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sunbakt - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my new Jeep for two weeks and already I have 1,100 miles on it! I love it!!! What fun it is to drive, and how well it handles! I highly recommend owning a Jeep!

• 

  Never buy an exploder again!!!!!!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Forever Jeep Man - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my explorer for this tiny thing that they call a JEEP and I will never go back. This vehicle is just awesome, ford cant touch this. Gas is a problem but its worth the extra money to be able to drive around in my JEEP.

• 

  Jeep Liberty - Limited Edition - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Tante Amy - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have not had my Jeep very long, but it is comfortable, and handles very well. The night I bought it there was a bad electrical storm with loads of rain. The 4WD handled beautifully and was easy to turn on and off.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Love my Jeep - September 26 - 10:00 am

  With close to 20000 miles not a single problem. The car handles great, fun to drive and is great on trips. The head room is very good this is from someone who is 63", much more than the 4Runner. The price for the options is much better than the explorer or 4Runner. We bought the Jeep after Ford bought back our lemon Escape. We could not be happier.

• 

  Your info. - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tiffanychloe - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have never loved a suv more than my grand check.

• 

  Get me to the train on time - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By RLB - September 25 - 8:13 am

  I researched alot of SUVs before I made my decision to purchase. I wanted the diesel but a limited number being a produced this year and I needed it to get thourgh the snow to work. The V6 power is great and manageable. The 4wd is great. I also liked the classic looks of the Renegade over the Sport or Limited.

• 

  Review - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By buy it!!!!! - September 24 - 12:00 am

  This is the best car i have ever had. The 4x4 works geart and you cant go wrong with the I6 its the best motor in the world! I have 109,000 miles on it and the only thing that goes out is the radiator and the power streeing. This Jeep looks great with a 4in lift and 31s and it goes any where at anytime through mud and snow it does it all. Gas miles will drop if you lift it. If I could do it all again I would just add tires and rims if you do that youll be able to go most place a Landrover can with a lower price!

• 

  Love my little Jeep. - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Erik Parker - September 23 - 10:36 am

  Got my car almost two weeks ago and since I bought my vehicle, I fell in love with it, its very easy to drive and easy to use for cargo!

• 

  Flawless - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By 71charger - September 21 - 7:53 pm

  Three years and nothing to fix, nothing to replace except the factory tires at just over 30k miles. Zero problems. A wonderful vehicle. It has handled all weather conditions beautifully, including a couple of nasty blizzards the first winter we owned it. We will definitely buy another one.