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:

• 

  I loooove my Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kat - January 11 - 7:56 pm

  What can I say? I love Jeeps. I discovered them about 4 years ago, and I will NEVER own another type of vehicle. The performance is amazing. Ive owned Jeeps in both Hawaii and on the east coast, and theres nothing better for beach driving OR for snow driving.

• 

  Awesome - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Robert Brown - January 11 - 2:17 pm

  Do not hesitate to buy one Ive owned the car for 5 months I had at 100 no problem handling going around a corner rated at 45mph I had this one hit at 60mph no problem and no problem passing the negativity is in called for

• 

  awsome rio grande - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepdude - January 11 - 2:00 am

  weve had my 95 rio grande in the family for about 5 years now. it has been an excelant vehicle. no major mechanica problems, replaced entire exhaust system and the starter. the thing still runs great, and i plan to keep this jeep forever. whenever it comes the time that i need a new vehicle, i will never trade this in... i will just buy a second one. ive put a new stereo in my jeep, and a light bar on the windshield frame, rims, ect. for being 8 years old, it looks, runs and preforms great. the transmission and clutch are still smooth, and the paint is still glossy. i would recomend a jeep to anyone who is thinkng about one.

• 

  Its really a great JEEP! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Tim K - January 11 - 2:00 am

  With the exception of recalls, that Jeep/Chrysler is taking care of, I love my Jeep Liberty. It is great in the mud and Snow in Northern NY and comfortable to drive to FL also!

• 

  love it - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By reagan - January 11 - 2:00 am

  It is a great town and country drive.

• 

  Second Jeep, Twice the vehicle - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By trent - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, replaced my Cherokee which I was very fond of. I was apprehensive at first, but this is an amazing SUV for the price. Fun to drive.

• 

  LOVE IT - 2015 Jeep Renegade
  By pibirish - January 8 - 6:36 pm

  I have had my Renegade for about 5 weeks and have absolutely nothing bad to say about it. It is fun to drive and looks awesome. I waited 4 months for them to come out and bought mine the day it arrived at the dealer. NO REGRETS!

• 

  A Jeep Owner and Lover - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By wfj - January 7 - 4:10 pm

  The first thing I did with this vehicle is install a fresh air intake, a cat back dual exhaust system and a jet chip. This vehicle needs to come stock with at least a 260hp engine in it. I have boosted this engine up to around 235hp but it still drags in sixth gear on an up hill run. Also only offering two rear end ratios is a crime. Mine has the 3.21 in it and that is to high and it still only gets about 19mpg. A mid range of around 3.51 would help. I have already decided to get my next one with the automatic transmission and the trailer towing package. A small diesel would also be nice, something with a good torque rating. All in all this is the best jeep I have ever driven or owned.

• 

  i love it - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dpiero - January 5 - 2:00 am

  this jeep was fun to drive I was hit head on in this jeep and walked away with littel injurys the jeep was unfixable and i purchased another one you cant beat that its fun to drive

• 

  finally i got it - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nmelendez - January 5 - 2:00 am

  before i Got this car i WAS AFRAID, too many insatisfy customer out there ,but I loved it. closed my eyes and got it. I am happy with my jeep and let me tell you if you take care of the car,keep on a good maintenance you will have no complaints (I LOVE MY JEEP).