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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  Jeep Wrangler - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By crrazy1 - July 25 - 3:30 pm

  Fun to drive all summer with the top down. In the winter there is no stopping you. Aside from a little bumpy ride and not the greatest gas mileage this vehicle is GREAT!

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  Wish I could get 2014 - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By cicmurphy - July 24 - 11:02 pm

  I live in Utah and we have considerable amounts of snow and ice in the winter and I trust my Jeep to get me to where ever I am wanting to go, no matter the weather. I have taken it playing in the mud, sand, rain and snow and have absolutely no complaints. I have 120000 miles on it and other than the recommended upkeep, there has been no other repairs, replacements or issues. I only wish Jeep had kept making them so that I could upgrade to a newer model once I hit 200000 miles.

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  New jeep owner very satisfied - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By corybomberx - July 24 - 9:46 pm

  I have only owned this vehicle for a few days but to tell you the truth I absolutely love this jeep. This is not my first jeep and I have never had any serious issues, I dont believe I will either. The new jeep liberty feels very good with on road manners to brag about. I feel a lot of these reviews are based off other vehicles and compared to my 500hp turbo diesel this truck is a dream. It is very smooth and the seats are so comfortable. I feel the interior is made pretty well considering its not a 50,000 dollar suv. It is a little noisy but then again its really quiet compared to my old truck. I feel that I got what I paid for and dont think I would have been as happy with anything else

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  Its a Jeep thing! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Matthew J - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Wrangler X gives you the chance to purchase a 6 cyl soft top for about 2 grand less than its sibling, Sport. You can specifically choose the extras that are important to you without being forced to take delivery on a vehicle with extras you dont want or need. Wrangler is no doubt a fun vehicle to drive. You can get anywhere and highway driving isnt too bad. If youve always wanted a Jeep...take the plunge...its worth it!

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  Command with the Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By c hammond-outram - July 23 - 6:43 am

  This Jeep has proven to be comfortable,capable and reliable. Fun to drive, handles backroads, ice and highway with ease. Absolutely the best car I have ever purchased.

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  BEST CAR EVER OWNED!!! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jeeplib0545 - July 21 - 11:53 am

  I bought my jeep in 2009 with only 33,000 miles on it. I havent had a single problem with it since the day Ive gotten it, and I love it so much! Ive had cars in the past that were awful, and my jeep is truly dependable and reliable. My family has owned jeeps, and will never own anything but Jeeps! If you are looking for value for your dollar, the Jeep Liberty Sport is worth every penny!

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  Best SUV Ive ever owned - 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GC - July 19 - 1:21 pm

  I have owned mostly smaller SUVs in the past including Honda CRV, 3 Subaru Outbacks and most recently Jeep Renegade. I finally made a leap to the mid SUV segment and got a 2017 Jeep GC Limited.. What a difference. For a bigger SUV, it drives smooth, very quiet and it is totally not a gas guzzler as I initially worried about. In fact for the power of the engine I was getting 24-25 during the summer time and about 21-22 in our winter so far. Interior is clean and upscale looking better than the Toyota Highlanders and Honda Pilot. I am very impressed with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its value at all levels.

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  Family Adventure Platform - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By odsjk13fap - July 19 - 12:23 pm

  First off it is a Jeep so the priority of being able to head off the beaten path, plow through snow, and over things have to be something at the top of your list o/w get yourself a Honda Pilot or Minivan! I have 3 x Kids (9, 7, 3) under the age of 10 and the most awesome facet of the Unlimited is the ability to host 3x Kids seats! They love it! I went on a ski trip and was able to pack for a family of five w/out putting on a cargo carrier or nothing! The Sahara Model - provides a nice balance of jeep ruggedness with creature comforts.

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  mojo - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By mojo - July 18 - 9:10 pm

  Have owned this for three weeks, enjoying it thoroughly. Have not had the opportunity to have off road for hiking, kayaking or winter for skiing - cant wait for the snow to hit.

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  Downsizing for a Durango - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By spiegs - July 15 - 10:23 pm

  Coming from a LARGE suv I feared all small suvs. Boy was I relieved to find it roomy and very fun to drive! I can still pack a full cart from a day of shopping. My husband has even taken it out on some trails, he says it was surprising.