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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  Best SUV Ever!!! Very Happy with Purchase! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By mojorisin36 - May 30 - 5:56 am

  I did a ton of research on SUVs - Ford, Toyota, Mazda, Acura, Honda etc...and I initially leased the Grand Cherokee as I couldnt decide between the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The first night I drove the Grand Cherokee home I hated it. The dealership was awesome and let me switch to the Cherokee Limited V6 w/ Panoramic roof, loaded. It is the best driving, most comfortable car with the best technology I ever had. I am so happy with the purchase and love driving this fun car. Perfect if you have kids yet want to drive in poor conditions yet want to go out at night or drive on the highway. I completely recommend it.

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  Dont listen to auto writer snobs - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Chris - May 29 - 11:00 am

  Im so sick of the professional auto writers who are not able to review an economy car with realistic expectations. We almost wrote off the Patriot thinking the engine had no power. Bought the 5 speed manual with 2.4L and love it. Very comfortable highway ride and 25MPG on the very first tank of gas! Traded my 15MPG Wrangler for this and am so very happy with the trade. Vinyl seats look like leather and clean up easy - what a novel concept huh? Im 61" 250lbs and was completely comfortable for a 240 mile trip yesteday. Super features at a great price. Plenty of zip for getting into traffic too.

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  Once you go Jeep, you never go steep. - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeph23 - May 28 - 9:20 pm

  Ive had my Jeep now for about a year and Ive put on about 20k miles on it. Bought it at 71k miles, its got 91k on it now. I had to replace the radiator and the TPS sensor. Radiator was cracked before I bought it evidently due to all of the stop leak in it when I took it out. Other than that, this thing has been a dream. The family loves it, its very roomy, reliable, and so comfortable to drive. For not being a full-size vehicle, you feel like you are in command of the road and plus you arent taken over by the thing either like a full-size. It laughs at any bad weather condition too. I will be keeping this Jeep for a very long time.

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  A Jeep is Not Just a Jeep! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By whyi - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Today,Jeeps are the most motivating and relaxing driving experience on the road. One of my sources of relaxation is taking a short or long drive in the city or on the open highway. Driving my Jeep exceeds the level of comfort and performance of my previous vehicles and helps me achieve relaxation. I LOVE MY JEEP!

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  Jeep Cherokee Larado - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sclogan - May 25 - 2:00 am

  We are very happy with our Jeep. It is the best vehicle we have ever owned outside of our Nissan Maxima. We love the Jeep equally for its quality and beauty.

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  2nd one, its been great so far.... - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim W - May 25 - 2:00 am

  2nd Grand Cherokee that I have purchased. This has been an overall great vehicle. I had 1 TBS item taken care of under warranty and I had to replace the front pads at 33,000 miles.

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  I Like it - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Katherine C - May 25 - 2:00 am

  It is cool looking and comfortable.

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  Give Me Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kimobean - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Spunky SUV that grips the road and trails. Switched to the Liberty from a Chevy Suburban. Love the size when it comes to parking, but plenty of room for me and both kids. b

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  2004 Renegade an excellent choice - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By JAURS - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased my 2004 fully- loaded Jeep Liberty Renegade 4X4 on 10/31/03. It is an awesome vehicle with an excellent ride, nice interior, rugged good-looks and excellent off- road ability. The ride is very smooth and the steering is precise. I cant say enough about how impressed I am with the vehicle. I dont know why Edmunds states that it doesnt have a "car-like" ride. To me the ride is very smooth. The Liberty is in a class of its own. The Escape, XTerra, Rav 4, and CR-V, among others cant match the distinctive look and capability of a Jeep. Go test drive one, youll be impressed.

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  grand cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mayra - May 25 - 2:00 am

  its a great car, its great for long trips and smooth rides it can tow anythings and its great for families or just you...