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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  MY WRANGLER - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By DOUG - February 27 - 3:53 pm

  The Jeep Wrangler 2006 with the new six speed is great on gas and has great pick up. This sporty suv is perfect for my bad weather commute from the suburbs of Long Island. Its fun to drive and easy on your kidneys with its 4 wheel independent suspension (coil springs instead of leafs) and 30 inch tires. The sound system is awesome and six compact disk changer is easy to operate and skip proof for uninterrupted listing pleasure. Its so much fun to drive when I get to work I want to keep on going. I am a 49 year old farther of two but when I get behind the wheel of my Jeep I feel like the kid.

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  Great Jeep for fun and towing - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Starguy - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I have the limited 4.7L with the towing package and air brake module. This thing pulls a 28 travel trailer like it was nothing. The trailer has the leveler bars which make it possible with this size. The motor strains some while passing up hill or really steep grades. So if you know the limits its great. Gas mileage while pulling was between 13 if you push it and 16 if you keep it around 60 to 65 mph. but straight driving highway mileage Ive gone from 18 to 25 depending on speed and wind conditions. I have everything except the 5.7 hemi and the trim package of the Overland model. The wife and I love it and are going to purchase it when the lease is up. Safety was a big factor also,solid.

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  Love love love my Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Beth 0505 - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely LOVE my Jeep - have wanted one ever since I turned 16, and now at 34 finally got it! The 4 door was the selling point for me as I have 2 kids to transport all over town. My Jeep is really fun to drive, the kids love it, and I can put all their sports equipment and groceries in the back! Then take a drive and take off the top - have the freedom hardtop, the front portion literally takes me 3 min to take off and stow in trunk (Ive timed it)!

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  Love my new Jeep Wrangler - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By kentkpa - February 27 - 9:16 am

  Ive always wanted a Jeep Wrangler but never could quite justify not having the ever so practical and boring sedan. Finally took the plunge in 11/2008 and WOW! To think that I could have been having fun in this vehicle years ago! Not only is it fun to drive and will go anywhere, its a real head turner. I still have a sedan for work but when I really want to drive instead of commute - I take my Jeep. Like the title of this review says, "Love my new Jeep"!!!

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  My Experiience with the Jeep Patriot - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Joe from Brighton - February 26 - 6:10 am

  Great in town scooter and not too bad on trips. Easy to park and a better ride than my infinity I-30. Ive taken mine Hunting,the engine does not have the torque for steep terrain, but wet fields and 4 inches of snow didnt stop me. Its not a Jeep Cherokee, my last Jeep, but it gets better gas mileage.

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  Good buy for the money - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jennifer Nelson - February 23 - 2:00 am

  We have a 1988 Cherokee Classic, and the improvements made to the Grand Cherokee rival other boulevard SUVs. With great performance off-road, and competitive handling/performance on street driving, the Grand Chaerokee is a good buy for the money.

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  Nice Ride - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Compass lovers - February 22 - 1:03 pm

  We have had our Compass for 2 months now, and we love it. The ride, the look, the comfort are really unbeatable, especially for the price.

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  Love my Cherokee! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By rmcpnh - February 22 - 8:34 am

  I purchased my Cherokee (V6, not 4-cyl) after owning an Outback and I love this vehicle! Its comfortable and fun to drive. Admittedly, I havent had the car long (7 weeks), but to date, I have had no issues and would highly recommend the Cherokee to others. My husband and son are 62" and they both fit comfortably in the front seat and although they probably wouldnt enjoy a long trip in the back seat, there arent many cars in which they would. However, weve had two adults in the back (510"+) who were both comfortable for a two hour trip with the front seats pushed all the way back.

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  Great sales person - 2017 Jeep Cherokee
  By Eileen Weir - February 22 - 4:59 am

  Nice car, Great salesperson

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  Trade it? The Wife says NEVER!! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By realmarshall - February 22 - 2:50 am

  Got this SUV with 60K has 125K now ZERO mechanical problems! Ive have replaced brake pads, battery and Tires and changed oil like clock work. Never serviced tranny. The only problems ive had are more like annoyances than problems. I have a light out in my instrument cluster. I can still see everything but the 80 Mph mark is a little dim. At about 115K my AC/Heat fan control started only working on the highest setting and i havent had the time to pull the console apart to find the lose connection. It still works great though it will cook/freeze you. Window control placement bugs cuz its on the door in your other car your hand will go for the controls for the car that your not in everytime.