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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  Best Buy Small SUV, No Question! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Jimmy d - August 1 - 10:36 pm

  I needed a solid 4 wheel drive small SUV. I did an extensive comparison with Rav 4 / CR-V / and all the others in this class. no one could touch it for price vs. features. Plus it still has a little German influence, i.e. Pwr assist brakes and anti-roll mitigation. Very solid, quiet and I think, with the leather seats (Ltd) a luxurious interior. I covered the Grey dash surfaces with fake burl wood and it just popped. A very surprising value for the money. Very pleased. I would only like to see the milage improve, and after 1st oil change and a few thou miles, Im sure it will. You cannot beat this buy anywhere at any price! This is a home run! Toyota and Honda - better go run and hide.

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  only in a jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepmaster - July 31 - 2:00 am

  great vehicle, true 4 wheel drive convertible, jeepers are a breed of their own, most of my friends are jeepers.

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  Upstate NY Monster - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rob H - July 31 - 2:00 am

  With long winters and over 110" of snow, The Jeep JC is the monster of the midway. I traded a 2000 JC Limited, which I drove for 80K miles without incident (OK, the usual warped rotors). The Inferno Red Overland is a real head turner. Gas Mileage is poor as expected. Comofort and ride are excellent. DVD Nav system is great for trips away from home. Easily find Gas, ATMs, or food by type. Thrilled to be an Overland owner!

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By automan - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car used with 22000 miles and have driven 44000 since then. Ride is very comfortable on long road trips as well as in urban setting. Fuel economy on the highway is good at about 23 miles per gallon but get only about 17 in an urban-highway mix. Car has had no mechanical problems since I bought it. This car has the V-8 engine and it is very powerful - that probably is why gas mileage is as it is. i would recommend this model to anyone interested and particularly for off- road and hauling (trailer).

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  Jeep Liberty Limited 2WD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By warrantcwo - July 29 - 7:26 pm

  Fun to drive. Informative, useful console info (tire pressure, average gas mileage, miles to empty, etc.). Heated leather seats are great and comfortable.

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  My favorite car - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Teresa Payne - July 27 - 4:13 am

  My Jeep has been a great blessing. I have enjoyed driving in the city, felt safe in the floods (did not go out when I did not have to) and have had a blast on the dirt. The V8 engine saved my life as I was able to get out of the way of an out of control car spinning toward me. The acceleration that is possible is something that you would expect from a sports car.

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  A true Off Roader for everyday - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Driven1 - July 26 - 10:26 pm

  I love my jeep. I put All terrain tires on it and there hasnt been much I cant get through. I have even done off-road courses with about 200 Wranglers, and I kept up with them. They all gave me high fives that I was using it off-road. It is also my daily driver. I have a Limited so it looks good and is a comfortable ride. IT has been my most favorite vehicle. Dont complain about the gas mileage, the vehicle weighs 4500 lbs and is built like a tank. I love the power it has and I have pulled about 10 people that were stuck this winter alone. Even a big 15 passenger van. This is not an Escalade, it is a great everyday, comfortable driver that can handle anything you throw at it.

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  2006 Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By redlemon - July 26 - 12:23 pm

  I love my Jeep Liberty. It is better than expected off road. It turns sharper than any car I have ever owned. Pulls as good or better than the full size Chevrolet I replaced. Big complaint is fuel economy. You would expect better out of such a little Jeep, but that is the price you pay for having the strength to pull like a half ton.

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  three in a row - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By edward52 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my third --85, 92 and now 2000-- they keep getting better --for repairs only been to dealer once in four and a half years to get ball joints done, otherwise local texaco does all regular maintenance -- the expensive 6,000 mile increment plans at the dealer are not worth it --300 to 500 each ! absurd!! Only minor issue --black paint finish on mirrors and rear hinges did not hold up well otherwise it is great -- about to buy an unlimited

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  2015 Patriot - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By S. McElwain - July 25 - 10:03 pm

  I bought my 4WD Patriot to have after my knee replacement surgery. It was easy to get in and out of and this is true for when my back goes out. I don’t “fall into” the drivers seat because it isn’t low and I don’t have to pull myself out of it. I love my Patriot