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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  Best car Ive ever had - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By witchspawn - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had everything from a mustang to firebird and back to a chevy pick up. This has been more fun than all of them together. I drive to the mountains a lot and often pass 4 runners that are stuck in the snow. The performance of this thing is more than I ever expected and has been a very good experience.

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  Jeep Unlimited - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ty - February 4 - 2:03 pm

  The brand new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is wayy better driving than the shorter Wrangler. The Unlimiteds longer wheel-base provides a more stable drive and more comfort. A slightly larger interior gives people more space to do whatever, and everything locks when the top is down. This vehicle is only made as a secondary car, not a primary mode of transportation. It is a whole lotta fun to drive, but a hardtop is a must for the winter!

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  Terrific Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom - February 3 - 7:36 pm

  Bought this 2.4L, 6 speed manual brand new and have driven 103k miles in 4 yrs. I love driving this Jeep! It is a tough little 4WD - not to be confused with AWD. The 4 cyl is not fast but is very strong. 6 speed transmission gives good control of power. Great tight turning radius; I can bang U-eys anywhere! Seats do stain easily, but interior finish and quality is very good. I like having power window controls on the center console. Excellent visibility. Also like having a rear window that flips open. Would like to buy a new Liberty but they are bigger, pricier, automatic only, and 6 cyl only, so Im sticking with my funmobile.

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  2002 Jeep GC Limited best vehicle ever! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gary Mitchell - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Love this new Jeep, 8 months and 8000 miles and so far perfect in every way shape and form. Perfect finish and fit, well-thought out interior. Powerful engine. This is a very fun vehicle to drive, high speed or low. Over 100mph smooth as silk, no vibrations or rattles.

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  Great Car! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By MAG - February 3 - 7:06 am

  I bought my Patriot because I wanted an SUV for the space and 4WD, but didnt want to get anything too big. I went with the Limited - completely maxed out (nav., DVD, 30Gb mp3 storage, uconnect). Its been wonderful to have such a practical car with all the bonuses as well. I do find the CVT a little tough to get used to, and wish it came in turbo or 6cyl. as it seems like the pick-up is very slow. But, I still cant believe all that I got in this car for the price!

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  Awesome! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chris - February 1 - 6:16 am

  I have always wanted to own a Jeep Wrangler, but being married with a child we needed more room. Then came the four door Wrangler. It was love at first sight! Then the test drive sealed the deal. We purchased the Wrangler with the soft top with a plan to purchase a hard top later. After a drive home from the coast with high winds, very little road noise made us change our plans on the hard top. The soft top will do fine. We are getting around 19 miles to the gallon with a lot of in town driving. We have taken it in the snow and love the traction that a jeep provides in snow and ice conditions. The only problem I have had is getting the keys away from my wife.

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  Jeep Fan - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By unlimited - January 31 - 2:23 am

  This is my third Jeep, and Im planning on trading in my current Jeep and buying the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited this Fall. A Jeep is not a metal box on wheels, its a reflection on life and its pleasures.

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  2011 Compass - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By cpollick - January 30 - 4:57 pm

  This was my first new vehicle purchase. I traded in my 06 Mazda hatch for the jeep. I had loved the Mazda and its sporty-ness, but we were looking to get a family vehicle. The jeep is very sporty yet still the SUV feel. My gas mileage is decent( itd be better if I drove it more like an SUV and not my Mazda). Great Jeep! (especially for the money)

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  99 classic - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Robert Bigs - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a classic and good looking vehicle. The gas milage is reasonable and the features are more than I need. I like the capability of using it on or off road. It is a great bang for your buck.

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  Great car - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JON - January 28 - 9:20 pm

  This car has been great since i bought it. I am the second owner of this used car and i love it. it has held up well considering the mileage i have put on it. although the gas mileage isnt great, (i get about 20 mpg) it is decent. this car is definitely worth your money.