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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  satisfied - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By mjarch - August 10 - 10:00 pm

  Reliable tow vehicle (+/- 2000lbs construction trailer) and a lot of fun in the mud.

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  The LOVE of my life - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By bosjb1 - August 10 - 5:38 pm

  I first bought my Jeep in the spring of 2006 and have fallen in love many times over. There is nothing like owning a Wrangler - its just a unique, incredible experience that only Wrangler owners can understand. I get giddy every time I see my topless Jeep basking in a warm, summer day - and so do my friends because they always love going for a cruise. In the winter, in 4WD, this thing is a beast and you can rip it around where ever you please. The soft top keeps you surprisingly warm and is an ease to flip up and down in the summer. I dont even bother putting my side or back windows on from May-Oct. 150k miles and the engine is as strong as when I first purchased it.

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  2013 Grand Cherokee, love it - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By verlanst - August 9 - 2:06 am

  After test driving a number of competing vehicles we bought our 2013 Grand Cherokee. We now have 25,000 miles with zero problems. We bought this car so that might wife would have the safety of all wheel drive in the Colorado winter. We were never disappointed in the performance of the car in the snow despite the OEM tires which arent particularly snow friendly. I find the V6 performance to be quite good even in mountainous terrain and high altitude. Around town it is a pleasure to drive, and Ill opt to drive it over my Audi A4 if its in the driveway.

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  Love it, cant find anything better - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By CCoccia - August 7 - 7:16 pm

  I have owned this Jeep for 11 yrs. No other vehicle I have had will cruise at 80 on the interstate, then take the extreme trails in the OHV park like they were nothing. I bought a Mini Cooper and its a good thing I kept the Jeep-way more dependable and a lot cheaper to fix than the Mini. Ive hauled building materials, pulled out chain-link fencing and stumps, still on the original clutch at 126,000 miles. It has never left me on the side of the road or refused to start. All I have had to do is routine maintenance, lube oil and filter, brakes (once), and a water pump. Ive decided to put some money into paint and new carpet etc. and just keep driving it.

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  Best of the best - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Quantek - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car (SUV) The best SUV in its class

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Best Jeep Yet! - August 2 - 8:00 pm

  I purchased my Jeep with 100,000 miles on it; within 3 months I have put 11,000 more miles on it, and this Jeep is going strong. No major problems with it at all ever, besides maintenance like all other vehicles. I do not know why everybody complains about this style of Jeep. If you treat it good, it will do the same for you! I have 20" chrome rims on mine, with no brake problems what so ever, and they are heavy rims. The only thing that has been replaced are the pads. Jeep couldnt of made this vehicle any better. I plan on driving mine until the wheels fall off!

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  Jeep keeps on top of the SUV heep! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Falcon - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Just traveling around town to and from work to 20 hour jaunts across the country the vehicle is comfortable and fun to drive. Very versatile in interior hauling and excellent towing capability.

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  WOW - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By JUMPMAN - August 2 - 9:56 am

  Proud owner of a white (exterior), saddle brown (interior), Limited 4x4 Hemi Commander. Bought it yesterday and have no complaints whatsoever. Love the power of the Hemi, ride, options, everything about it. I got it $6800 below invoice, including $2000 rebate.Out the door price: $41,000 and change. Uconnect, saddle brown seats, upgraded tires, rims, gps navigation, VES and forgot which tow group. No haggle and hassle.

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  My Jeep - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Troy Mangels - July 31 - 5:28 am

  Very good vehicle, have had 5 Jeep grand Cherokee all have been excellent rides

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  fun to drive - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By luke - July 28 - 9:50 pm

  dont know why the experts don t like this car - its fund to drive and gets great mileage. I got the 5-speed with front drive (not 4x4) and get over 30 mpg with town & highway driving. Its a steal of a deal, too! Very sporty driver.