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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  My prayer was answered - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Mimi - February 16 - 5:56 pm

  I could not leave this site without commenting. My jeep was stolen last week and I only prayed that I would get it back, not totalled. My prayer was answered! I am a 67 year old grandmother who takes her grandkids (and friends)everywhere. Seven years of car seats and kids in and out, no problem. I cannot imagine having to replace this vehicle, at least not anytime soon. I would have had to find another 2001 Cherokee Sport if need be! Have never had any major problems, which I attribute to proper maintenance. Love My Jeep!

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  2005 Grand Cherokee Great Buy - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mtndog46 - February 15 - 9:50 pm

  We looked at and drove Toyota 4Runner, BMW X5, Land Rover LR3 and several other midsize SUVs before buying the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd. We love the ride, power and agility of the Hemi powered GC. The fully featured GC with Nav, auto dimming head lights and redesigned front suspension is a joy to drive. Take one for a test drive, you wont be sorry.

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  Performs flawlessly and gets me anywhere - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeeper05 - February 15 - 6:23 am

  I am a hunter and use this Jeep a lot and use it hard. Even with the 4x4 Quadtrac 1 system, it gets me through the mud, sand, deep water, through brush and up and down hills great. I never get stuck. Not quite a Wrangler in some manners but almost and it rides like a champ. Very comfortable, good gas mileage, 18 mpg in town and 23 on one trip. Great in the snow also. I have 36,000 miles on my jeep now and its running great. My last one went 275k until tranny needed work. Sold it to employee with 330k and is still running great.

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  WILL ALWAYS HAVE @ LEAST ONE IN MY GARAGE! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By traveler55 - February 14 - 6:43 pm

  Was very hesitant to buy American, as I am a devout Toyota guy, but the new FJ Cruiser didnt offer everything I wanted(especially a soft top). Also neede more room inside, so the new unlimited fit the bill. Bought it used in 2010 w/27,000 mi. on it. Have only had to do normal maintenance so far on it. Brakes, oil, belt, fluids, etc. I am big on preventative maint. anyway, so hopefully I wont have too many issues that are unexpected. I also tow a tent camper with it, and it tows very well. Gearing is for off-road, so it shifts a little more than a pick-up, etc., but all-in-all, tows well. By the way this is an automatic, but wasnt a choice. .Wife cant drive stick. Oh well.

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  My 3rd Jeep Wrangler, love this one - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeff - February 13 - 10:10 pm

  This is my third Wrangler and my first 4 door. Excellent handling on the road but have already been stuck off road, something that never happened in my 2 door. But the family loves the extra room and comfort and it tows my boat much better. Love the easy to use top but have had some leaking in heavy rain. With top down the seatbelt vibrates loudly. Really miss my In line 6 engine as the 07 seems underpowered at times and reves high. Over all though this is a great vehicle with high marks in styling and curb appeal. With the top down on a sunny day it just cant be beat. Remember the Jeep Wave when you are out and about.

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  Amazing! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jennifer - February 13 - 6:33 am

  Ive had the Liberty for awhile now and I could not be happier with it. Every time that I drive it Im happy with it and every time I see it I just have to smile! Its so cute!

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  overall excellent vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Renato - February 11 - 8:03 pm

  Excellent vehicle

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  Top Down Doors off - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By topdowndoorsoff - February 11 - 10:10 am

  This is our first jeep ever owned! We love it! It was a toss up between a Jeep and a VW Beetle Convertible. No comparison here. My wife feels very safe driving jeep, especially in the snow. Love the Rescue Green Color. Be prepared for people to ask,what is it? Duh... A 4-door Wrangler! Looks like a Hummer. Cant wait till summer and take to the beach!!!

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  Great choice!! Love it. - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brad - February 7 - 2:53 pm

  I traded in an 01 Chevy Tahoe LT for this and have been extremely pleased with everything thus far. I really thought I would be getting a F-150 crew but once I saw this up close, I couldnt get my mind off of the Rubicon. The only real thing I would change would be a slightly more highway friendly engine for jumping on freeways in Houston. Other than that, it has been a pleasure to drive and a really fun car for the wife and kids. I havent yet had a chance to get it off road but will put it to the test plenty once deer season begins. I went with the Steel Metallic Blue and have been really surprised that I have seen very few in that clr. I see a ton of the rescue grn and blk. Get one!

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  Great all around Jeep - 1991 Jeep Wrangler
  By zsundsten - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Looking for a dependable, strong, go- anywhere fun Jeep? This is it. I opted for the 4 cylinder because it has plenty of power with better fuel economy. Wranglers are for adventurous people who want to have fun - not for people who want a comfortable cadillac. Since the Jeep is not the most comfortable - but does what it is supposed to excellent.