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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  Jeep Liberty Loving It - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By keets - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Good looking well built vehicle. The ride is better than expected, and the reliability so far has been outstanding

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  WOW! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By johnpog - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is a blast! Sold my 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee after 165K, which only had minor issues. 2004 model has a more comfortable ride than my older one. V8 offers a lot of power off the line or merging into highway trafic. Youll be in the fast lane before you know it. I was shocked the first time I looked down at the speedometer and saw 80, thought I was doing 65. The Special Addition comes with all the bells and wistles of the Limited at a lower price point.

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  2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude V6 FWD - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By rmk2106 - April 4 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased this vehicle a couple weeks back and I already have near 2000 miles on the vehicle. This past week I drove it to West Virginia from Georgia. Three adults and a fully packed cab, I still managed to get around 30 to 31 mpg on the highway. Handled exceptionally well in snow and dry land. Jeep did a great job with the interior design not to mention the comfort. The stitching seems high quality as well as everything about the vehicle. I have the factory base sound system and it seems to sound just as good as the upgraded speakers. The center console display is very easy to manage and is well placed. I am very pleased with the overall performance of the vehicle. Highly recommend it.

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  A Fantastic Blend of Capabilities - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By jansah1 - April 1 - 5:17 pm

  I just got my first Jeep Wrangler Moab Edition, manual, premium soft top with saddle brown leather interior. I live in CT. There are no official off road trails here but Wranglers are still very popular. I love the ride more than I thought I would and its pluses outweigh any minuses. Before buying it, I read reviews where people complained about various things. To those people Id say...drive an updated one. Theyve changed a lot in the last 3 years. Road noise is no more than my previous car especially with the radio on. I dont have the hard top but the premium soft top keeps out the cold as the heaters crank even at 10 degrees outside. I love having the only Moab edition in my area.

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  First Jeep Purchase - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By claudia ridge - April 1 - 10:00 am

  A very pleasant experience. All sales reps had jeeps and were very knowledgable of the product. Very satified with the ride-even up to 60 miles per hour. Price ended up at $21,800. I love my jeep!

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  Great SUV - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By oscar - April 1 - 7:53 am

  I wanted a FWD SUV with good price and capabilities, this Patriot was the answer. Driving is fun despite the CVT, thanks to the shiftronic. Good size and looks. 2.4L engine is capable but my wife complains it is a little bit noisy (for me it is perfect as it reminds me that I am NOT driving a car).

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  What Jeeps Always Shoulda Been! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Mountain Man Carl - March 31 - 3:33 pm

  I loved my 98 Wrangler, for a month. Ive had my Liberty for 6 mo. and this is love thatll last. Fast, smooth, powerful, EVERYTHING WORKS, great offroad, and priced less than Wrangler! I added skid plates underneath,have taken it to highest points of Montana, on Granite boulder fields. Mileage is exactly what the window sticker said. Thats OK. A solid, responsive, sporty vehicle with lots to offer the couple or family. THANKS for getting everything right!

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  Impressive quality/reliability - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By skaboss - March 29 - 5:10 pm

  No major problems. Cant believe that it has lasted like this. We take good care of it, and it looks almost new. Almost no rust - surprising for WI. Strong engine/tranny. Interior shows almost no wear. All repairs have been maintenance issues - nothing major. Easy to work on. Would highly recommend.

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  Its a Jeep Thing!! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By sandlizzard - March 27 - 2:03 am

  In 1979 I purchased a 78 CJ5. I also purchased a 1944 willy that same year. I wish I still had both. My latest is a n 03 sport 4wd. I am still a jeepie at heart. I wish more of the jeepies knew about the "jeep wave". Happy Jeeping!!

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  liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By catfood - March 26 - 10:00 am

  very nice, very nice