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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  2016 first time owner of a JEEP - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Brandi - December 16 - 6:54 pm

  I love My Jeep. I purchased a 2016 Fully loaded Jeep Patriot for a great affordable price. I am a single mom with 2 daughters. Lugging around all of there dance, cheer, Snowboards, Friends etc has been hassle free. Plenty of room for everything & still not cramped. Love the Lumbar support & Heated seats. Moon Roof, Sirius XM radio, Remote Start & 4 wheel drive are all pluses. The only thing I wish it had was a back up camera. Easy to drive.

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  Sparkling performer - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pep - December 9 - 1:13 pm

  Third Limited owned. Best by far. Hemi is king. Quick and smooth acceleration. Monster on the highway. Gas guzzles for sure but what do you expect from a 340 hp performer in an SUV that loves to be hammered? Off road ops is sweet and steady. Jeep knows how to track in the trenches. Let it snow.

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  Love It - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Nate - December 9 - 9:36 am

  So far, it has been great. Its fun to drive. It has enough power for merging onto the interstate or mucking around on dirt roads. Ive taken it on roads trips, had in deep in the country, and Ive used it to go to formal parties downtown.

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  Lots of fun! - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pete - December 7 - 10:43 pm

  This Jeep is a lot of fun. The longer wheelbase gives more room and better handling. The 4x4 performance has been great, better than I expected.

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  Very Happy with my 2014 JeepGrandCherokee Limited - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JOHN REICH - December 7 - 2:21 pm

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  This is my 8th Jeep - 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MJM - December 7 - 10:45 am

  I lease a new Jeep Grand Cherokee every three years and I have never had a disappointing year. Jeep has always been, for me, an excellent vehicle to drive and, with that said, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude is no exception. I am pleased in every way, except one. The one item that is very annoying is the engine start-stop function when the brakes are applied. I understand the logic behind this function but, if anyone at Jeep Corporate is listening, PLEASE reprogram the override button so that it does not reset itself every time the engine is cycled on and off. Potential customers should definitely test drive the Jeep before purchase or lease and determine for themselves if they can tolerate the start-stop function. The salesman generally do not mention this function unless asked directly.

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  Finally Have My Liberty! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Liberty Sport - December 7 - 4:46 am

  I love my new 2005 Liberty Sport, and the black clearcoat looks awesome!! After my saturn was totaled in an accident, I am now so grateful and fortunate to own my Jeep Liberty. I have been waiting months and doing my research, which had me stuck between the Toyota RAV4 and the Liberty, both my dad and sister have a Liberty. They are an incedibly well built SUV, that can get through any terrain. I live in a mountain area next to Lake Tahoe, where an SUV really needs to do what it claims, and hands down, the Liberty has the best 4X4 system in its class, and looks the best too! I did not feel as safe in the RAV4, the choice was easy!!!

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  Love it! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Stacy - December 7 - 3:10 am

  Weve had our Jeep for about 4 years. It has over 230,000 miles and weve only had to replace the transmission and water pump. It is safe in the Wisconsin winters with our child, or pulling our two horse trailer anytime.

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  Is this vehicle real? - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By SAMS JEEP - December 6 - 5:16 pm

  Back in High School my dad bought this jeep and brought it home as a work vehicle. Traveling to and from Chicago and back to the burbs. It was given to me last year, 10 years later and with 276 thousand miles!!! on her..she still runs and sounds the SAME as ten years ago! Though the fuel economy sucks, I have never had a vehicle be so wonderful in ways never thought possible. Its more reliable than any vehicle made on earth and handles better in harsh weather than cars that cost 3 times what she did.

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  family fun - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By sonto13 - December 5 - 7:53 pm

  This is my first Jeep, overall I am very impressed. I have wanted a Jeep for awhile. I wanted something that was capable and practical for everyday life as well. This is a timeless vehicle that stands out in the parking lot or trailhead. With two young kids and all there stuff and mine, the unlimited was the way too go. A little tough for them to get in on their own right now, but this thing goes almost anywhere. Which is what I love the most about my Jeep. Especially living in the northeast lake effect snow belt. The unlimited has good storage in the rear. The alpine stereo and uconnect is a great feature.