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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  CA to NM JEEP - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By smack-ity-smack - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy this vehicle alot, but it sucks way to much fossil fuel.

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  Good Car! - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By lhlavenka - June 28 - 4:15 pm

  My wifes PT bit the dust & we ended up with a program 2011 Jeep Patriot. Good car. Handles well. and the fuel mileage is great. Two adults and their stuff, we got a low of 28 MPG in the hills of north Arkansas to 32.9 in the flat lands of Illinois and in Kansas. Thats with the air on. The transmission takes getting used to but is not a minus after you understand there are no real gears. Want to merge, give the shifted a swat to drop down a bit and GO! Remember its just a 2.4 not a V8. A great value . This is the the mild mannered 4WD, its ditch rated not trail rated. Plenty good enough. This is north central Arkansas, hills twisty roads and a lot of gravel.

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  Great Year for a Wrangler! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Krakenbound - June 27 - 6:56 am

  If you are looking for a used Wrangler to use as both a daily driver and a weekend trail runner, the 2003 year is a very good choice. This year saw the intro of the new 4 speed automatic transmission, making freeway driving easier. It had already seen a engine upgrade in 2001, and also now has the option for rear disk brakes (faster stopping, better feel and much easier to repair). Aside from the later Unlimited body extension option and the Rubicon off road package that became available in 2004 (and together in 2005), there is no better Wrangler to consider than a 2003 (Unless you want a fat/wide 2007+, which cant get though some desert canyons I wheel in!)

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  Love this car - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Genevieve - June 26 - 2:00 pm

  I bought my jeep as a college sophomore back in 2005. Purchased in New York where Im from, and attending school in Savannah, GA, I knew I was in for some serious mileage. I did my research and found a great Cherokee. That car has been up and down the east coast at least 10 times, been in rough road in the swamps of the deep south, and it never died. There were a few minor electrical problems, along with no CD player, however it was perfect. I just sold it (and miss it so much!) due to another long trip across the country, but will probably buy a jeep again.

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  SEATS stain from WATER - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By KimmyAnn - June 25 - 5:43 pm

  My 2007 Liberty seats look filthy from stains brought on by water! Embarrassing to have passengers to see the seats! JEEP needs to recall these seats and do something about the ridiculous(ness) of the easily stained cloth that repels nothing!!!

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  There is nothing better for the money! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By David S - June 24 - 7:50 pm

  What is not to like about this car? Its beautiful, fun to drive, RELIABLE, and has a spunky engine.

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  Loving this baby! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pinkrn - June 23 - 9:12 pm

  I traded in a 2013 Honda Pilot that I only owned for 6 months. When I bought the Pilot I actually wanted a Jeep, but due to peer pressure, I caved and bought the Pilot. Well after 6 months of driving what felt like a cardboard box on wheels, I traded for the Jeep Limited. I LOVE this car. It is very responsive and smooth. The interior is exquisite and I love the detailing on the leather seats. The exterior is actually what sold me on this SUV. It looks so refined and streamlined. I actually didnt even realize that it was different than the 2013 models, but oh boy is it. Keyless ignition is awesome. Love the fact that I dont have to dig for my keys in the bottom of my purse.

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  Lifes a beach, so get a jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By texas coast - June 22 - 10:20 pm

  I bought it to use it, been off roading too many times to count! Have not had any major problems yet! about a week ago i got it stuck up to headlights in mud and the thing kept running, true offload vehicle! Always have the top down and doors off.

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  some of everything - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By giantsin06 - June 19 - 2:43 pm

  Jeeps have it all.To get it all we have to compromise a bit .What other car lets you remove the top in summer , drive over and around sand dunes and then in winter is virtually unstoppable when the white crap piles up ? Back seat accessibility is awful...unless the top is off...then you climb over .

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  a real 4x4 - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gcowner93 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Great off road capabilities. Pretty comfortable on the road too, forget what all those old editors say. They are just used to their cadillacs, and cant understand why a real truck would be a little harsher over the bumps than a car. Really beats all the wanna- bees from the foreigns and ford. If you dont mind kinda bad gas mileage, its the way to go.