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:

• 

  rubicon is worth it - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By rubicon8213 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  the rubicon is for hard-core jeep fans only.the extra $5000 is worth it for people who use there jeep off-road but for those who just like the style a sahara will do.

• 

  great - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kmas228 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  the jeep grand cherokee has one of the smoothest suspension of ant suv that i have driven.the 4.7ho has plenty of power for towing. the interior and exterior has a very distinctive and sleek look.also the sound system is one of the best that i have heard for a stock system.

• 

  Awesome Jeep ride and off road - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BigSky_Blue - April 6 - 10:00 am

  The new 4.7 litre engine is awesome and has lots of pep. This vehicle will leave every other SUV in its class in the dust off road. It rides the same off road as it does on the asphalt. The little bumps seem a little bumpier on pavement, but it drives awesome on BIG bumps off road. I live in Montana and this ride takes me everywhere I want to go.

• 

  Great SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By thefamilyman - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV. Looked at several others and this one fit all of our needs the best, including our pocketbook. The new freedom package comes with just enough to set it apart from the soccer moms SUVs in the mall parking lot. Get used to alot of stares and smiles as you drive by, especially if you choose the inferno red pearl color.

• 

  This is a Jeep not a wannabee all wheel drive! - 2017 Jeep Renegade
  By over this hills - April 6 - 7:49 am

  This is my third New Jeep and I really like this little one. PROS, I like the skid plates for starters and on my recent road trip from the Colorado Rockies to Ocean Shores Washington I ran over a truckers short wood 4x4 for there truck beds on the freeway at 70 mph. And I could not do anything except hit it and the plates stopped any damage to my jeep, but a few miles down the road I seen at least 3 cars disabled from this large debris. Now I wanted the plates for off road but they had a bonus for everyday driving. The controls and well placed and it is easy to use. On my trip I drove over 12 hours each day and I was very comfortable. CONS, my large copilot dog that did knock my automatic transmission into manual mode many times before she understood that was not good, so it is a bit tight in the front seats if you have a large dog that hogs the front seat keep a eye on the tachometer! Oh and fishing poles that are 6 foot or larger must be centered and ran over the armrest. OTHER THOUGHTS, I bought this for its gas mileage and it is good for a very capable four wheel drive and for its size I feel there is no comparison, because it is a Jeep not a wannabee all wheel drive! There is a difference when you pull off that comfortable road.

• 

  Bad to the bone - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BOB WATKINS - April 4 - 9:00 am

  I have had my SRT8 for two weeks now and I have never driven a more fun car in my life. My only complaint is rear seat legroom. But since Ill probably never sit there it is of little concern for me. The gas mileage is not great but I didnt buy it for fuel economy.The styling is a real head turner. I can barely get in the thing without someone wanting to know what it has under the hood once they hear the key hit the ignition. I am throughly pleased and I have no regrets about trading my Yukon Denali elephant for this street beast.

• 

  Im hooked - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jack - April 4 - 2:53 am

  Im on my third Wrangler now and wont buy anything else. I love the rugged exterior look along with its long history. Theres nothing like taking the top down and doors off. I highly recommend this vehicle. Ive already got my sister-in-law and a co-worker to buy one. There are endless ways to accessorize and personalize your Wrangler to your style. Wranglers are very reliable with vast improvements over the years. Youll never go a day without seeing one on the streets.

• 

  I love this SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By mark - April 3 - 6:56 pm

  This is a great SUV that provides the rugged feel that is associated with safety and a comfortable fun ride. We bought this SUV right before Christmas and drove it over 400 miles for holidays with the family. It drove great and I felt safe and comfortable driving it. I would recommend this SUV for any one thinking of buying one.

• 

  One Fun Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By BeachBuggy - April 1 - 10:00 am

  My Liberty Limited has been a great vehicle. It handles great and looks even better - Im always getting comments on it. It ride does get a little stiff on longer trips, but the interior is nice and the 6 way power, leather seats let you adjust to you hearts content. The gas mileage has gotten a bit better now that Ive gotten my vehicle broken in, but dont expect more than about 21 mpg on the highway or about 17 mpg in town. Ive taken my Liberty in for service every 3,000 miles as suggested, and I havent had a single problem mechanical wise. I havent had any problems - it is just so much fun to drive!

• 

  Never worry - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jilly - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This SUV will probably be given to my daughter when she begins to drive. Shes four right now. This SUV is reliable. My neighbor has a 1976 model still on the road. He wont give it up. This led me to buy one. I am really satisfied.