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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  Jeeper 4 Life - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Rowdy - October 14 - 11:43 pm

  Ive had 4wd pick-ups and other vehicles, but this is my first Jeep and I absolutely love it. Its boxy, bouncy, and loud - but if I wanted a Cadillac I would have bought one! Ive got a 2" lift, 33" MT mud tires (great for off-road, but Ill be switching to Silent Armors when these are worn out) and lots of chrome accessories. Did I mention I got the electric lime green color? I can always find her even in the most crowded parking lot.

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  Offroader and Country Club in One - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Burbing Ridin - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up my Silver Limited and immediately took it on a a 400 mile trip. The Jeep performed above expectations. It rides like a champ on the interstate, and is easy to manuever in the city. It does have a little of a truck like ride, but hey it is an SUV - right? If you want a car ride, than I say, "Buy a Car!" I considered the Pilot, the Highlander, the 4- Runner, and the Pathfinder. Test drove them all a number of times and finally settled in on the JEEP as my favorite - no regrets!

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  When is it time to let go? - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By DeMatt - October 9 - 4:06 am

  I am the original owner and find myself replacing this car piece by piece. The biggest problem that i have with it is the rust!! Not on the body, but everywhere else. The brake lines are rusted and ruptured. Keep an eye out!!!

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  95 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By M.L.Miller - October 8 - 9:00 pm

  Purchased vehicle from relative who loved it. The Jeep has great pickup when you need to merge with traffic. Its fun to drive and the interior is luxurious. The electronic climate control keeps the cabin perfectly comfortable and the Infinity stereo system is great. I like the look of this Jeep over the newer more rounded styles. The only modification I have made is installing hand controls to drive it because I am in a wheelchair. I recommend this as a used vehicle for anyone.

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  Beyond expectations - 2018 Jeep Cherokee
  By Matthew Thomas - October 6 - 9:03 pm

  I actual have the 3.2L V6 Limited 4X4 trim version with heated front leather seats and steering wheel, dual zone climate control, BSM, Rear cross-traffic alert, Back up sensors, back-up camera, and automatic start stop. It totally has went above and beyond my expectations, I was a bit hesitant at first with the 9 speed transmission cause I had rented a 200 when they first came out with 9 speed, but it’s great in the Cherokee. I love the styling mines white with the the black cladding, I blacked out all the Crome and dipped the rims black. Acceleration, comfort, driving aid and entertainment are all great, but one major thumbs down is there is still no apple car-play in an 18 come onnnn. Would totally buy it again next the overland though.

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  Jeep Wrangler - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dacoda - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Had a 1995 Jeep Wrangler Sahara for 13 years. Bought the New 4 door and just love it. Now I find myself looking at the New 2011 Jeep Wrangler 4 door. They changed the inside and some more equipment. It is now your every day drive with comfort and extras and your off road toy. What a great way to get it all in one package.

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  Forever Reliable Plus Comfort - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Frank Badolato - October 2 - 10:10 pm

  My Jeep has taken me through college and now with 4 children. I dont doubt that if I keep up with regular maintenance that it will easily last another 150000 miles. It is the only one of our cars we trust in all forms of weather.

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  New Toy - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By JC - October 1 - 11:46 pm

  Just purchased Unlimited X, could not be more happy! Dont believe all the cons you hear/read about. No its not like driving a sports car and it shouldnt be. Pick up is more than adequate(unless you need to drive on the autobahn) I have never driven a more "fun" vehicle. Go with the freedom top not the soft. Its a 4 door, 4 wheel drive go anywhere convertible. I cant say enough. I drove a GMC Envoy for the past 6 years, dont have the bells and whistles I had with the Envoy but I dont need them. MPG at this point has been close to 17 both in town and highway. Straight out high way I got almost 21, its only a day old! Dont believe all the negatives you read, test drive one for yourself

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  Jeep Liberty Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By G L - October 1 - 5:43 am

  This is an awesome vehicle on and off the highway. I have nothing but extreme positives for this vehicle except for the gas mileage which could be better; however, all of the other assets make this worth it to me.

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  CARGASM!! - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By 006_si - October 1 - 12:59 am

  This Wrangler is a definite keeper. You dont buy this for your kid, you give him/her your current car and keep this puppy for yourself! Power out the wazoo, peerless offroad credentials, and an interior that could put a Mercedes K-wagen to shame. Plus, you can take the freakin top off, and the doors, AND THEN drop the windshield! Unbelievable!