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:

• 

  Jeep J-J-Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By ScottR - May 14 - 12:36 am

  As soon as Jeep came out with the Unlimited (4-door) Wranglers, I knew I wanted one. I only have 2000 miles on it so far and cant really comment on reliability (been great so far!). Otherwise I love it! Design gets all 10s from me -- from the outside in, its a Jeep! And the drivetrain seems to be as solid as they claim. Love the freedom tops. Sound system is much better than older Wranglers. Road noise with the hard top is not bad, which surprised me. Handles well on highway at 80+ MPH, which is also surprising (though it wanders a bit). Im a big guy, and interior is very comfortable for me. Fuel economy? I gave it a 10 because it meets my expectations. Its a Jeep, not a Toyota.

• 

  Let me just tell you... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By SJZ123 - May 12 - 10:06 am

  Traded in a 2000 Cherokee Sport for an 08 Patriot, was unsure if I wanted to but after test driving it a few times I had to have one. The MPG is great usually runs me about $28-$33 to fill up (lot better then my gas chugging Cherokee which averaged about $50+ a fill up. The Patriot is comfortable, fun to drive, very roomy, feels like a cross between the Cherokee and the Commander. The CVT You have to wait about 1,500 miles for the electronic transmission to dial in to get the correct gear ratios but once it does the performance picks up. Ive had mine for about 2 months now and have racked up about 3,500 miles already.

• 

  My new Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jim - May 8 - 1:36 pm

  Awesome Jeep, we are really enjoying it. The only downfall I see right now is the soft top with half steel doors leak a bit in heavy rain as so does the rear compartment. We have 33" tires which were on it from the dealer and its a little slugish on the highway maintaining 65 mph. In town is fine.

• 

  Finally The Car I Allways Wanted - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By paulkk - May 8 - 4:53 am

  This is my first jeep...long time coming but I have had a burning desire to own one since my junior year in high school (98). Its everything I hoped for and more, every time I drive it I love something new about it. If you dont have one, get one...you will be grinning like the village idiot after running over the most treacherous potholes and banked driveways that would bottom out a regular cars undercarriage.

• 

  couldnt of picked a better vehicle - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By DSINKA - May 5 - 11:30 am

  This vehicle could drive through a cow pasture and come out smelling like a rose in my book. Te most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. I have over 150,000 miles on it and changed a power steering pump on it; thats all. These Cherokees were made to last. I will continue to purchase this Jeep line forever.

• 

  Voted 4x4 of the year for a reason - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Chris - May 3 - 7:40 am

  My 1997 Cherokee has been the most fun to drive vehicle I have owned, it has 160,000 miles, runs perfectly and gets 20 MPG. I would recommend to anyone who isnt scared of a solid axle ride, and someone who doesnt care about useless interior gadgets to get a Cherokee, you wont be disappointed if you take care of it.

• 

  Everything I wanted. - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LoriL - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is excellent! I could always count on it whenever I fire it up. Its design makes it easy to get in or out, and shopping is a breeze! Lots of room for storage, and handling is great! I recommend it to anyone looking for a all around 4 wheel SUV.

• 

  Saved my life - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By LovemyJeep - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about my satisfaction with my Jeep Liberty Sport. Five days ago I was hit head- on by another driver who veered into my lane. The Jeep held up really well. I came out of the experience with bumps, bruises and sore muscles. The CHP told me the Jeep saved my life. I loved my Jeep and Im buying a new one just as soon as I can.

• 

  jeep laredo blows away competion - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By king111 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  this is my 5th jeep laredo ive owned- mileage is excellent at 19mpg with 4.7 liter v8, handling superb like a sports car, excellent accelration and engin response-would like to c more room in back seats and also add a 3rd seat and about 8" to vehichle-compared to Ford Explorers ive rented while elk hunting in colorado-THERE IS NO COMPARISON-jeep wins hands down-explorers still like to fishtail down the freeways and 4x4s are not made for off road use!! love my jeep laredo and especially the power seats.

• 

  You Know Youve Always Wanted One! - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dano - April 29 - 7:30 pm

  They are everything youve wanted and a few things youve never expected. The ride is very good, considering the EXTREMELY short wheelbase. All in all, you will be pleasantly surprised by your experience.