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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  The Powerful Beast - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Danielle - January 26 - 7:20 am

  I have owned my 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee for over a year now. It is my first vehicle and my mom also owns one (1998 though). It is very reliable and the only problems have been mostly from abuse of past owner. The CV shaft on the driver side was badly torn but other than that, no major problems. It handles well on-road, as well as off-road.

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  I hate it - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By alm - January 26 - 6:46 am

  We bought this Jeep thinking it would be reliable for our daughter as she just turned 16. So far shes terrified to drive it because the car has spun multiple times from poor traction. Ive sat it in more now and see that the seats are extremely uncomfortable, the technology/music is hard to reach and you have to lean forward to get to it. The wheel base is short and the vehicle is hard to turn and maneuver when you are an inexperienced driver, I wish that my husband and I would have gotten a better car for our daughter and we are highly considering getting her a different car.

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  Read all the facts before you buy! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matt - January 26 - 5:33 am

  This was my first significant buy when it comes to an SUV and it was the BIGGEST mistake I could have made. I have owned the Jeep for 29 days and it has made 4 trips to the repair shop! Many difficulties with it not starting up, but just cranking and cranking. The shifting from Park to either Reverse or Drive is a real hard shift and makes me wonder if there are problems with the design with the transmission. The reliability for Jeep is garbage! I use to own a Jeep Wrangler and I was a die hard fan of JeepÂ…not so much anymore. I am taking mine back and buying a Nissan Xterra. Read all the other reviews and you too will see there are many problems. BEWARE!!

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  A blast to drive! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Cody - January 26 - 3:13 am

  I love my Jeep! This is the first one I have owned, but when I was little mom had one. It deff takes me back 20 years and I love it as much now as I did then! Door off, top down is the best! Not a lot of power in this little Jeep but I didnt buy it for that. Handling is really good and ride quality is surprisingly great!

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  Lovin It! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rachel - January 25 - 8:00 pm

  Overall, my little beast is a dream come true! I love everything about it (except the gas mileage, but that comes with the territory)! I put a 3.5" Super Flex Rubicon Express Lift Kit suspension lift and a 1.25" body lift to fit the 305x70x16 (original rims) tires. Shes a little monster now! I couldnt have asked for a more fun vehicle to own and drive. Just driving around and watching the heads turn make me love it just that much more!

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  Its Great - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By truckres - January 25 - 10:18 am

  We spent over a year researching and testing vehicles before we decided on the Liberty. We wanted something that did 3 things. Could go off-road on some fairly tough trails, could tow a camping trailer, and can still be used as comfortable daily driver. The Liberty does all three very well. We have had it a month now, and find it to be very comfortable to drive, quiet on the highway, maneuverable, great in the snow, and though early perfectly reliable. The Limited has a nice leather interior and other nice to have features like power seats, bluetooth, etc. We strongly considered Xterra, FJ Cruiser, Wrangler, and 4-Runner. All were either too big, too expensive, or not daily driver friendly.

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  Jeep Commander A+! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Dawne Miller - January 24 - 9:20 am

  Cool, fun, and safe - great value and smooth ride! Compared and drove H3, BMW X5, and Jeep. Jeep Commander won - visibility very poor on Hummer 3 and no side air bags; ridiculous price with no features on X5. Jeep is loaded with heated seats, luxury package and tow package, leased with extra miles - cant beat the luxury, safety and price. I love it!

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  Kens. 2016 Trailhawk - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Ken Gissing - January 23 - 10:27 pm

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  Its decent. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Gixbusa - January 23 - 5:00 pm

  I used to build show cars and trucks but I ended up leaving all that for a stock vehicle. I bought the liberty a few years ago, have not been to happy with it to be honest. all the a/c vents have broken and fallen out, need repair. The light in where the shift column went out and i have to bump the box for it to come on (short in wire). A/c, radiator, window regulators, overhead light, radio wire all needed to be replaced. The driver and passenger seat levers broke off in my hand trying to lean back. I have been trying to sell it for the past 7 months. I have 108k miles on it now and it makes a weird sound when i turn at low speeds.

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  Nice surprise - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By jimmylake1 - January 22 - 4:16 am

  Great car. Wasnt interested at first since Id only seen women driving it, but Ive been very pleased and whenever there has been a little problem, Jeep takes care of its customers. Gas mileage is disappointing but thats the only thing that isnt great.