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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  great - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jack black - July 4 - 2:00 am

  amazing vehicle

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  Always Wanted an Overland - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By blankster - July 3 - 1:50 pm

  This is my 3rd Jeep; the prior ones were a 2001 Limited and a 2004 Limited. Each time I bought one there was general improvement in features, comfort and reliability. This 2007 Overland is a huge jump over the 2004. Ride and handling are much improved. The interior seems more spacious and quieter. The new features (backup camera & remote start) are now must haves on my list. The power of the 5.7 Hemi over the previous 4.7 is very noticeable. Fuel economy is in the same range as the 4.7 (still improving as I put more miles on it). Overall a much improved and refined vehicle - less truck like than the previous generation. Looking forward to going on a long trip with this one.

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  Jeep - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Derek3237 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Nice car to own!

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  Running Strong - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By goodadv - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this new and have put 108,000 miles on it with no trouble at all. I average 21-22 mpg on the highway and 19-20 around town. You cant find many SUVs that will give this kind of performance. The only thing I have done is change the oil and put gas in the tank. I am extremely pleased with this purchase. I also tow a 2,000lb boat about 15 weekends per year, the in-line 6 has no problems. This is my second Grand Cherokee (also owned 1995) and no problems. My boss and stock broker have same both with in- line 6 and they love them, no problems.

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  GO LIBERTY! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By CKolaris - June 30 - 2:00 am

  When the Liberty first came out I was optimistic about its look and overtime it grew on me and I eventually took one for a test drive and feel in love with it. It has the fun and ruggedness of the wrangler and the luxury comfort of the grand cherokee. I have taken my liberty off road and I am much more impressed with its handeling than the wrangler , not to mention that it is much better on gas.

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  I love this SUV! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Lisa Schooner - June 29 - 9:50 am

  I have owned many SUVs in the past and have not been as happy as I have been with this one. It is not as large as some of the other SUVs, so it is easier to manuver than other SUVs. The Cherokee also has a great turn radius which also helps. I purchased the trailhawk with the 3.2L engine and with all the upgraded packages. I test drove the 2.4L and that model was sluggish. This is the reason I went with the larger engine. The larger engine combined with the 9 speed transmission you will not be let down. It is also a quiet ride and with the trailhawk it comes with the locking rear diff, stiffer suspension, and larger off road tires. I have yet to find anything I do not like about this jeep!

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  My Wrangler is so much Fun! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By coons10 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for a few weeks now and I am having a blast! It took about 3 or 4 days to get used to taking the soft top on and off, but Im getting much better at it and it takes considerably less time now. It rides better than you would expect. its no luxury sedan or anything, but its not a kidney buster either.

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  I love my Jeep Grand Cherokee - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ginger60 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This 96 Jeep has never broken down or left me stranded, has only had general maintenance as demanded by age and is the best car I have ever owned. I will never sell it (I have had offers), it will simply wear out. Except for a couple of dings & scratches caused by other drivers, it is in excellent condition, inside and out. I love it!!I service regularly and always take it to a Jeep de

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  Just get one - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By dogsoldier - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a very fun "I always wanted" kinda ride. What a blast. And tons of jeep clubs all over the country.

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  New Car - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Patricia Nuhfer - June 26 - 9:16 am

  Traded in my 02 Nissan Xterra. I find the ride in the Jeep Liberty more comfortable not as truck like as the Xterra. One big factor in buying this was the 0% financing, which enabled me to purchase the Limited with all of the extras.