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:

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is extreamly reliable. I turned over 128,000 miles with minimal troubles. Nothing costly has gone wrong with it, still on origional engine and tranny. Leaks less than 1/2 a quart of oil a month in its older age,started around 115,000 miles but nothing too costly.

• 

  Awesome tough trucklet :)! - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By kyle D - August 14 - 6:00 am

  This is an awesome truck!! I love getting in it everyday. Our family has a lot of cars in it - S65, LR3, H2, and the Unlimited! The Jeep would have to win the fun-to-drive factor ... and its a good price too! Our sticker was $29,275 and we got it for $23,980. The automatic transmission shifts perfectly, it absorbs road imperfections awesomely, its very peppy, and it handles corners like, amazingly. I would seriously recommend this for someone who would want a convertible, but needs an SUV. This is our second Wrangler and were proud owners :).

• 

  Awesome Car - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Dawn - August 14 - 4:10 am

  We love this car. It drives great, looks great and all around nice car. It is a little noisy so I will be taking it to the dealer to have it checked out to make sure its nothing mechanical.

• 

  By Jeeper its a Keeper - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike - August 12 - 6:35 am

  I purchased a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee to replace my 13 Chrysler 300. Extremely comfortable in all my travels. I have used it to go off road, pull my boat, and personal need. This vehicle is comfortable on the inside. When I take clients with me they are impressed that its a Jeep. Constantly telling me they cant believe how luxurious it is on the inside. Driving at night is awesome the headlights turn on to brights on their own. Wipers have rain sensing on them. Looked at other 4x4 vehicles and just wasnt happy with the dash setup and options offered. Best options for the money I paid. Make sure to take out the MOPAR warranty instead of the dealer warranty. Mopar covers until 2098 bumper to bumper or 999,999 miles on all major componets with $100 deductible. Take out a transmission at 150k 100 bucks to fix it. Warranty is pricey but well worth it.

• 

  Reliable - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By grovej - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Great fun vehicle. Good second car not a family vehicle

• 

  Extremely Capable - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Troy209 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is solid from inside to out. I have had no problems with my Jeep during the 37,000 Ive driven it. It performs very well on road, a smoother ride than a Jeep Wrangler but not as smooth as the Jeep Cherokee. Off road, it is a Jeep and obviously gets the job done. The Liberty has a tow rating of 5,000 pounds and in the few times Ive towed a packed 8 ft. U- Haul trailer it has performed well. The inside of the Liberty is roomy and the contols are very well layed out. The seats are not as cushioned as I would like, but the overall look and feel of the interior makes up for it.

• 

  Awesome - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Robert LaBrance - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever bought. It has great pickup and off- road capability. I highly recommend it to anyone. I traded in my Xterra for it and it was the best auto purchase I have ever done.

• 

  Love my Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Barb Topaz - August 12 - 2:00 am

  My last Jeep was a 1994 Wrangler... loved that Jeep! However, Im in sales and wanted a nicer looking vehicle to arrive at clients in. Last March we checked out the Liberty for my husband but he had his heart set on an Xterra. This Jan I decided that I had to have a Renegade!

• 

  1998 Jeep Gr Ch Limited Rocks - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By redbeard2k1 - August 11 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is easily the most comfortable I have ever had. For an SUV, it handles like a car, rides like one as well. The power options are plentiful and well placed. The power seats are comfy, and easy to adjust.

• 

  Is The Bloom Off The Rose? - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Texas Commander Guy - August 11 - 12:20 am

  I bought my Jeep Commander in December 2006, and I now have 15,000 miles on it. It has the 4.7 L V8. I just took a trip over 3000 miles, and I have come to know my Jeep Commanders strenths and weaknesses. Strenths include a quiet ride, classy interior, cool retro looks, room for seven if two are children (though my college VP did ride in the 3rd row with no complaints for 5 miles), reliability and cool 6 CD Boston Accoustic stereo system, and decent highway mileage. Weaknesses, so-so city mileage, small third row, blind spot if third row is left up, drinks a quart of oil about every 3000 miles, styling is not loved by all. Highway mileage is 20.6, honest!