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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  Very Disappointed. - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By luvmachines - November 7 - 1:48 am

  I have always loved the Jeep and when I got the car it was really great. I am so disappointed at how fast the decline has been from really really good to a very worrying point. At this moment it takes an average of 2 minutes to start the car, once it has gone to more than 6 minutes. It just cranks and dies. It also has strange vacuum and knocking noises from the engine bay. This is from a pampered car, never maxed my Jeep. Yet this happens, why? So very sad.

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  Mountain Driver - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By cav - November 5 - 8:00 pm

  I bought this Jeep in Golden, co and drove it to my house in the mountains. I was very surprised how well it climbed the hills for a 4 Cyl. The interior of the limited was very nice. I upgraded at the last minute and was glade I did. I think it handles very well for a 4x4 and look forward to the next 4 months of snow, just so I can put it to the real test.

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  I finally found my car - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Karl - November 5 - 3:33 am

  Ive owned a G35 Coupe, a Mitsu Eclipse, an SUV, and this takes the cake. Ive never had so much fun driving a car. Driving with the top down on a sunny day, I get more looks than I ever did in my fancy sports coupe. Once again, "Its a Jeep Thing". Yea the rides a little rough, who cares?! I plan on keeping this baby for a long time.

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  good solid suv - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By j nabor - November 4 - 7:53 pm

  I like the laredo; had only one problem (non response when accelerate/15OOO mi.)so i took it to the dealer and they fixed it that same day.I get 20.7mpg combined out of the v6 at 70mph.I love driving it on snow/ice and rain.This suv is solid,safe and handles great. I recommend it to anyone looking for an SUV,not for commuter econobox type. My next car will be a JEEP!......its a jeep thing......

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  Great fun - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By rvdown - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I wouldnt recommend this to anyone who has to drive it all the time (fuel economy and bumpy ride) but its great to take out every now and then. I love the convertible aspect, sitting high like a truck but whipping into parking spaces, and the noise (especially in 1st gear) makes me feel like I own the road.

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  Wish it were brand new - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jake - November 4 - 8:23 am

  Like the size and driver visibility. The features are good. The motor has a 180k miles on it and uses a qt of oil every 1500. Hoping to drive it for another 16 months and then buy something newer (or new).

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  Too Much Fun! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bert - October 31 - 3:23 pm

  Convertible sports car owners eat your heart out! The open air driving experience doesnt get any better than this...and you dont have to worry about getting a ticket racing anyone. It sure is nice not to worry about the road conditions limiting you when the outdoors call. I used to have to get friends with high clearance vehicles and 4x4s to take me to the hiking and biking trail heads. Not anymore, I am like a dog in the back of a pickup truck now days, smiling the whole time, and I go when I want. I have a Sahara with all of the bells and whistles because I liked the fenders the same as the body color. It is a great way to travel in a very capable vehicle in style.

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  Family Member - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rod - October 30 - 9:46 am

  Bought as new and have 120K with nothing other than normal maintenance items and has been driven off-road. Original engine and tranny, still easily passes CA smog gets 25 mpg hwy and 16 city. Change oil every 3k - 4K miles. Paint in great condition but rear liftgate shocks are wearing out. No other complaints.

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  Love it! - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By imatthew - October 28 - 9:50 am

  I have logged just over 1,000 miles on my Patriot, and I am in love with it. I am pleased with the fuel economy so far: First 4 fill-ups averaged 25.92, 27, 24.9, and 28.24 MPG (60/40 Hwy/cty). Seats are comfortable, as is the driving position. I think it has fairly good acceleration for an SUV. There is a bad blind spot at the drivers side rear. You cannot see through the rear side window from the drivers seat. Its not a problem though, if you use your mirrors and check over your shoulder before you change lanes.

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  My 1st Wrangler - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mauthie1 - October 28 - 6:26 am

  This is my 1st Wrangler and I love it. The drive is much smoother than I expected, I love the interior. The MPG could be better, but I bought it knowing this. Great SUV, I love the style and great look of it.