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 EVER - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Cady - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Very feminine car, but very sporty. The best new car for woman since the volkswagon beetle. Its so nice to drive, and very comfotable. All friends want one.

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  Real Quality, Real Value - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Donw - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Since I purchased my Overland, I have found this vechile to be everything I had wanted from a 4wd, V8, vechile. As a previous Cherokee owner that had already been sold on the value of the Jeep brand, the new Overland has impresssed me with its appearance, power, comfort and all around quality. Hats off to the Chrysler / Jeep team.

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  Limited Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Janell - January 3 - 6:40 pm

  This is my 3rd Jeep and this new one is the best ever. It is more stable on the road and around corners. The Hemi is great and gives that surge of power when needed. I have taken it on a long trip and it was very comfortable. No back aches or leg aches. The navigation is great and the smart high beams are amazing. I would recommend this quality vehicle to everyone.

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  So far so good - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By meghansays - January 3 - 12:44 pm

  Ive owned my 2011 Jeep Compass for just a week now and have been quite satisfied with my purchase. The only issues Ive had with the vehicle thus far have been user induced. However its only been a week, and Ill definitely be willing to post again if/when I do run into any problems.

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  My Great Grand - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Weoflun - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Extremely sporty feel to it. The uniframe is very rigid and seems to be very durable. Off-road it seems smooth and yet extremely responsive; just like the other Jeep vehicles. The ride is very different from the older Grand Cherokees, it doesnt rock nearly as much as before, and yet is still a great off-roader - in fact, I feel its better. The Jeep feels very safe to drive. I like the steering much better than my previous, older Grand Cherokee. And although bigger, I feel more in-tune with my vehicle and the surroundings than I did with my previous Jeep.

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  LOVIN IT! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By adam - December 28 - 12:30 pm

  There is nothing like driving a Jeep! The Sport is amazing! There are countless clubs and everyone in a Jeep is part of the family. I will never be without a Wrangler in my driveway for the rest of my life, for those of you who dont have one yet, its a Jeep thing, you wouldnt understand! ;)

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  First SUV after sport lux cars - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bakoff - December 28 - 5:52 am

  I have a 2014 JGC Altitude 4x4 with a May 2014 build date, and it is really great so far. I am confident that many of the issues reported in the early builds were software related and have been cleared up. My observed mpg is 17, so that is a little disappointing. I will admit that I have kind of a heavy foot. Coming from a string of luxury sport sedans, the lower mpg is offset in part by getting to use regular gas rather than premium (which costs about 12% less at current prices in my area), and dyno oil rather than synthetic.

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  I got a deal - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Augusta Harvey - December 27 - 6:48 pm

  The price was well worth it ! Im very happy with my decision! Alot of room for a car seat and 2 booster seat . In the rear seat!

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  I Love My Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By twilson - December 26 - 2:33 am

  This is my second Jeep Liberty and I love it. Its sporty, rugged, loads of fun and has POWER! Forget those wimpy car like SUVs, this Jeep is great. I would buy again. Oh, and you cant beat the price loaded.

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  Best of Them ALL - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By t fields - December 26 - 1:00 am

  Trade autos every year. Chrysler/Jeep, this is the best. Fun to drive, quiet, handles great. Mileage 17.5 road, 13.5 city. Everyone thats in the market for a SUV needs to test drive and look at the Commander.