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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  Love my jeep..... - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeep guy - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This jeep is perfect for all occassions. I highly recommend the 6 cylinder.... I have no problems driving to the mountains to go skiing. During a recent snow storm (2 1/2 feet in two days) I took the jeep out to play and could NOT get stuck! Off roading is a blast as is highway driving. Ive done three roadtrips of 1400 miles... no problems. The only things I dont like.... everyone likes to break in (soft top) even when theres nothing to take. That and the road noise takes some time getting used to (doesnt bother me anymore).

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  BEST OF THE BEST - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Angel - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the must fun-to-ride vehicle I ever had, either on the sand or mud and of course on-road its behavior is incredible. I use to go off-road every weekend, and its a shame (for the other owners) but I had been paid for towing expensive Cadillacs, fords and others "4X4" SUVs.

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  BEST OF THE BEST - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By angel - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the must fun-to-ride vehicle I ever had, either on the sand or mud and of course on-road its behavior is incredible. I use to go off-road every weekend, and its a shame (for the other owners) but I had been paid for towing expensive Cadillacs, fords and others "4X4" SUVs.

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  Beep,beep in my new JeepJeep! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Angielou - May 2 - 11:46 pm

  Love my new Jeep. It handles great and gets great gas mileage. Better than my Dodge rams 10 mpg. Averaging around 25 mpg. I had heard it was slow on the passing mode but I dont have any problems with it. Head room is great and I have plenty of leg room for a 6,5" teenager in the back seat. Love that the back seats recline. Great looks everyone loves the new liberty style. Tint on the back Windows is nice and dark and the flip storage tray is nice also have the cargo cover in the back to hide stuff in the back. Great at Christmas to hide gifts from prying eyes when shopping. Engine has plenty of get-up and go for a v-6 even though Im used to a v-8. Radio system and cd player have a good sound

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  From a Range Rover to a Jepp - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By David - May 1 - 6:46 pm

  I have driven everything from Suburbans to Corvettes. My last vehicle was a Land Rover, Range Rover. Once I drove this Jeep, there was no going back. I went to the dealership to purchase a new Challenger, but made the "mistake" of driving the Jeep. The ride is more pleasant than the Rover, comfort level of interior is higher, ease of use rates better and overall satisfaction with the Jeep is much better than the Rover not to mention how much better the gas mileage is!

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  Get one! Youll thank yourself ~ - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By Slo Ryd - May 1 - 5:26 pm

  Had a CJ-7 3-speed in D.C., Colorado, and on the Autobahn. Loved it all (simplistic freedom in its rawest form), except couldnt hear the radio on the Autobahn in the ragtop... Jump forward to very comfortable heated seats inside a hushed interior with really great sounding tunes plus a new engine that finally has some spunk and you have a world class Land Rover Rescue Vehicle. A tad costly like a Harley, but resale value is up there too. Bought this like new condition used & saved some $. Live your independence, have fun, and dont give your life any "wish I had" cause you only get to do this once - BUY A JEEP! update: Forgot to say if you live in hill country, tow, or get into mean outbacks DO NOT get the 3.21 gears. Get the 3.73 gears. Youll thank yourself without even knowing.

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  Great small SUV - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By glenn0802 - April 29 - 7:06 pm

  This vehicle is good on gas, has lots of room in side for the size of it and good on long trips. I am very satisfied with this car.

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  bangin - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cleduse - April 29 - 10:00 am

  i love this car it is bangin

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  Its madd hott - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Giuseppe A - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The cars awesome its fun to drive the gas mileage isnt badd and its more or less common sense to take apart, everything is just straight out there no questions. with out a doubt that is a madd fun car to chill in and i recieve compliments left and right. im pickin up girls here and there. its a standard pimp mobile.

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  Got me home thru a blizzard - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bobt6 - April 29 - 2:54 am

  I recently flew to Boston from Philly on a business trip and was snowed in under 24+ inches of snow. My plane was cancelled and then my backup Amtrak train was cancelled as well. It was my birthday and I was hell bent on getting home. I rented a new JGC from a car rental agency and drove home in just over 6 hours. The Jeep performed flawlessly - I was driving 50-60 mph on highways covered in 6+ inches of snow and occasional 2 foot snow drifts on exit ramps and side roads. This thing drives like a tank in the snow. I like it so much I bought one two days later. I love the ride, the interior fit and finish, and the new body style.