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:

• 

  Perfect Jeep...Beats my BMWs! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hoosier02 - April 17 - 1:26 am

  I have been driving German vehicles for years now and I decided to take a detour and give jeep a try. Paid $45,580 (much less than my BMW X6) and have been very happy. I love the transmission because it "feels" German which equates quality. Same with the interior; the steering column is fantastic and the touch screen is simple to figure out and amazing agile. I have read many reviews trashing this car and I dont understand because I have had not one issue with the car since its purchase last August. I drive nearly 100 miles a day and enjoy every mile of it. Many of my co-workers have driven it to lunch and are always impressed (mainly with the technology and the feel of the transmission).

• 

  Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Alpine - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Randy Edge - April 16 - 3:21 pm

  Its a race car, not an off road vehicle.

• 

  Totaled it and not a scratch - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Greg Murphy - April 16 - 12:16 am

  Bought it on 3-30 (traded in a Dodge Ram) and totaled it on 5-6. Bounced off guard rail at 65 mph and did not have a single scratch. Has to say something about safety. We love this car so much that we are buying another one today.

• 

  My First SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Charlie - April 14 - 10:23 am

  I traded a 2000 VW Jetta in for a 2004 Grand Cherokee. While I was a bit shocked at the much bigger gas tank and gas cost, I truly love this car! It has been a pleasure driving it around town and on long trips. I like the feeling of sitting up higher than other drivers while not losing the comfort of luxury found in the Grand Cherokee.

• 

  First SUV - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Vetdoc - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck was my first car and I still have it 7 years later. I feel safe and comfortable in my Jeep. In hot and sunny AZ, it is as good as when I bought it. All I have had to do is the usuall tires, brake check and battery. I would definetly recommend Jeep to anyone, but the arent made anymore!

• 

  1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DougNH - April 13 - 2:00 am

  My Jeep has been nothing but good to me. I really use it off road plus drive it to work everyday. Its been the perfect vehicle for someone who truly uses their 4WD. In winter, Ive driven it through a solid foot + of snow for hundreds of feet and it made it (barely).. try that in a Ford Explorer HA! Great vehicle for the northeast

• 

  Dam - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By ret - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the coolest SUV out there. It even has a removeable top.

• 

  I love my Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By mitzi - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Liberty for approx. 4 weeks, but I LOVE IT!

• 

  Surprisingly Jeep-like! But...incredibly comfortable. - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By wrightonman - April 8 - 12:38 pm

  I reluctantly and sullenly bought the Patriot over a year ago. With a growing family, full sized dog & insane gas prices, I traded in my Wrangler with resent...the poor Patriot didnt have a chance. I hated it before I even set foot in the Jeep dealership-lol I was 100% wrong. I honestly cannot say anything bad about this vehicle. I really like it! I grew up with a CJ5 as our "family" car, I have no idea how my parents managed that!?! My favorite Jeep product I ever owned was a 1988 Cherokee & the sweet little Patriot comes darn close to that Cherokee in looks and solid feel. Performance is far better, off-roading...well, Im older now & seldom hit the trails. Great little 4X4Xme.

• 

  The only SUV to own - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DLukas - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Basically, the only repairs beyond the normal wear (battery, tires, brakes) are: REPAIRS Radiator@90K-$235 Rear door gas spring@120K-$35 Rr axle shafts & Bearings@145K-$700 Water Pump@155K-$85 ExhaustHeaders@205K-$1200 (Tuned Headers, cat, Muffler & tailpipe) Air Conditioner@180K-$700 (at a shop) That jeep commercial where they show a mole tunnel of snow that comes to a stop sign, stops, makes a turn and keeps going. Well I laugh everytime I see that commercial because its just about the truth. I dont think there is anything that will stop a jeep except someone who is out & out using stupidity. Go for it own one, and love the experience.