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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  Owned many Jeeps...this is the best! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeepcrz - September 24 - 8:14 am

  I love my new Jeep Cherokee 4x4 Limited. It is the 6 cylinder engine and has plenty of power. It seemed a little on the expensive side at the time of purchase but now I couldnt be happier. The fit and finish is great. The leather interior looks rich. I have the blue and brown leather. The transmission is very smooth, and although it took some getting used to, I really like the design of the exterior.

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  I love my Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Vampireofthenite - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt wait to go driving on the beach, in the sand, along the water. I have my dream car!

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  Great little buggy - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Codybravo - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I love mine! Its a bit bouncy and conversing with a passenger at higher speeds can be tough, but its ability to move from paved roads ot off road without missing a beat more than make up for it. I dont find the soft top the "nail breaker" Edmund claims. I can take the top down or put it up in less than 5 minutes. The Jeep is without a doubt just plain fun to drive, especially topless. Ive read some info concerning poor handling on highways. I havent had this problem, but the jeep wasnt intented as a family car. Best vehicle purchase I have ever made.

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  Loving the Rubicon!!!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By TheBigE5 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Awesome ride, most fun car youll ever own. Also has more accessories than youll know what to do with!!

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  My Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By kr uribe - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I owned a mini van prior to leasing the Liberty. I got the mini van due to younger kids etc but after that phase was over the Liberty was perfect for me. What a fun suv to drive! I have not had one problem with it and in fact when everyone else is stalled, stuck either by snow or rain as in flooding my liberty got me through it. I feel it is the perfect balance between comfort while driving and reliability in all conditions. The only wish I would have would to have it be just a tad larger (Longer) but I give it a 9.9 on a scale of 1-10.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Alfred Newman - September 23 - 10:00 am

  1995 Grand Cherokee - 152,000 miles and still going strong. New Grand Cherokee same model V8 - loaded, better ride, acceleration, interior etc. More room in rear with spare under floor. If it continues to perform like the 95, Ill buy another one.

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  My Dream Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Phlebe - September 23 - 10:00 am

  As A Woman I want a vehicle that I feel I can rely on, makes me feel safe no matter what type of weather or terrian I have to drive in and wont have any machanical failures. I fit in it and can see. I hope this truck lasts a life time!!

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  Not a bad SUV - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By AJC - September 22 - 9:16 am

  I have had no issues with my 2003 Liberty Sport. The vehicle handles well and drives well in the snow. A bit bouncy on the highway. The limited cargo capacity is the biggest issue for me.

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  There is no Beef - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By ninjask8ter - September 22 - 4:10 am

  I Just bought the new 08 x Wrangler as well. Ive owned previous wranglers, but since they stopped making the Sport, my only option that was similar was the X Model. I must concur with the other person who rated this vehicle. I definitely notice the difference between the 4.0 and 3.8. The Jeep is perfect except for the power! Fuel economy will never be good for a Jeep, but theres a give and take. It is very slow starting out, and the six speed manual forces you to change gears more often, at slower speeds. I do hope they go back to the 4.0 liter, and Im sure I will upgrade to the newer model if they did this. I wouldnt be able to switch out the motor on my own, because of the warranty

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  Very disappointing - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By cameronghanson - September 21 - 8:49 pm

  I had sold my 2007 Range Rover to get something "American Made". Unfortunately, all my fears about doing this were realized. Within weeks of getting the Jeep, I found my car in the dealer almost on a weekly basis. One part, the parking brake, failed 4 times. This car is fine for what it is built for...off roading in extreme conditions. Its amazing to me that this car is STILL 2 wheel drive, which the majority of the time, is extremely inconvenient. If in 4wheel drive, it has considerable power hop when turning, cant exceed more 55mph. Very disappointing car.