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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  Proper Utility Vehicle - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AufMitterSpiel - May 12 - 7:16 am

  It seems that there are allot of people out there that love to hate this Jeep, but I must say that it has thoroughly impressed me. I have taken it across the entire north western half of the country and back in the dead of winter and couldnt have felt more confident traveling in this vehicle. With the Quadra-Drive AWD system, 4.7 V8, and heated seats its almost too easy! 20 MPG overall doesnt hurt, either. Handling/roadholding has also impressed me versus the Land Cruiser and older Range Rover SUVs that I have driven in the past. Reliability has been great thus far, with an easy to work on underhood layout.

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  CVT is not for lead foot drivers - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By james - May 12 - 1:30 am

  The engine & CVT is set for max engine performance not gas guzzling. Applying gradual pressure to electronic speed control pedal will give you the best acceleration. From take-offs and passing you will notice a difference. And for added speed try running RPMs up and then back off a little on ESCP. This is an analog input devise with no direct connection to throtle valves. Work with on board computer not against it.

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  cant be beat - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepster - May 11 - 8:40 am

  This is by far the best SUV out there. Especially the 23 mpg average. Plenty of power...good handling, and looks good.

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  AWSOME TRAILHAWK V6 - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Malik - May 10 - 9:59 pm

  I bought the 2016 jeep cherokee trailhawk with the V6 engine fully loaded with every package available. Great performance overall. The v6 to me is just right for the SUV. When you need the power its able to put it down well. The interior feels high class. Like I said I bought the vehicle fully loaded including the panoramic sunroof. It has been a great year so far. Maybe the fuel economy can slightly improve but other than that Im not complaining. Really nice and refined suv for its class overall.

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  best yet - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Colorado Jeeper - May 9 - 12:33 am

  2nd owner of this jewel, and it has been better than expected. My second Jeep, and would hate to do without one now. Rock solid on every kind of road (or lack thereof), fantastic in snow, great on rocky roads. 15-20 mpg and plenty of power from the V8 when you need to kick it. Very low maintenance. Hope that gas prices dont make them disappear completely, because Colorado winters and mountain roads need that kind of solid, dependable 4WD vehicle for the sake of safety (fun is nice, too!).

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  Downsize equals fuel savings and fun. - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave Prouty - May 7 - 7:33 am

  My wife and I had both become very used to our 2004 Dodge 3500 4x4 SLT 4 door one ton diesel Dodge Ram PU. It was a tad hard to park, rather cumbersome in its size, but definitely the best truck we ever owned. Its fuel economy was actually very good at around 18 MPG. Trouble is, when diesel became the MOST expensive fuel out there, and we seldom needed its terrific pulling power, it just did not make sense to pay all that money for fuel. The Jeep (we have also had them before) has proved a pure joy. It has plenty of power for our hilly country side, handles with just a touch to the wheel, and is a breeze to park and maneuver. Fuel savings are great, and it is easier to enter and egress.

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  A Neat Little Rig - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By smitty82 - May 6 - 7:01 pm

  Your review mentions sluggish acceleration and cramped back seat. I found the opposite. I bought the Sport 4X2 with 2.4 engine and 6-speed automatic (your review had the CVT and had not tested the 6-speed). I tried the CVT and waited for the 6-speed; Im glad I did. I drove the 2.0 engine and it was too weak, but the 2.4 is fine. And the 6-speed is a big improvement over the CVT. It has plenty of room- front and back- for a small vehicle. I compared the Escape, RAV4, Subaru, Mitsubishi, and others, including the Dart, Focus, and Avenger.

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  Jeep - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By TK3 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Though missing several parts at delivery. It is still fun to drive.

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  What a life ... a Jeep life! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Justin LeVrier - May 3 - 3:33 pm

  This is my first Jeep. Ive always wanted one and finally got one! Two weeks ago I purchased the Rubicon and have already logged close to 750 miles (75 off-road). I keep finding myself looking at a mountain thinking ... "I can get to the top of that" and so far I have. While 4 wheeling this past weekend I was with a friend who said "well, looks like we cant go any further, better turn around." She must have said that 5 or more times, and each time she did we climbed higher on more ridiculous terrain and the Rubicon never even hesitated. I LOVE THIS BEAST! Fun, Fun, Fun and its great how all the other Jeep owners smile and wave whenever you pass. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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  awesome - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ryan - May 3 - 10:36 am

  I love my Jeep. They didnt allow you to brag on the Hemi as a selection, but I have the 5.7L Hemi and it is so quiet for such a power pack. I havent had any problems at all EXCEPT if you drive crazy, some of the interior pieces are already rattling, which I kind of expected from a 4X4. Love it! A+