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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  Great Jeep - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Fever - October 21 - 5:36 am

  A great vehicle. My father bought this Jeep new in late 1993 and sold it to me in 1997. The 4 litre straight six has been a rock. It has the usual "piston slap", but all that Ive done in 14 years is a new water pump and fuel pump. I stay ahead on things like the fuel filter and other tune up items. The Jeep has rewarded me handsomely for it. I towed an overloaded 2 axle u-haul trailer across the country and threw a wheel bearing that led to a shredded axle, but that was my own fault. The Jeep still got 13 mpg that trip. I have loaded it with 1000 lbs + too many times to count. It towed my boat like a champ too. I have really abused it over the years but it still cleans up nice

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  The Best SUV Ever - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By thomas bridges - October 20 - 1:53 am

  this is just a fun suv to drive

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  Im a convert! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Snow Gal - October 18 - 8:23 pm

  I live in a small town in Alaska where owning the right vehicle is a life or death matter. You dont want to lose it on some desolate highway, stuck in a snowbank, waiting for someone to drive by while your breath forms sheets of ice on the inside of the windows. Been there! I have driven this Liberty in the nastiest weather and it handles like it was made for snow. I recommend the Selec-Trac 4 wheel drive system over the optional Command-Trac, which is more like AWD with a 4 low option. Whether theres 6 inches of fresh snow on the road, slush, ice, or Im just bouncing down the trail to my favorite fishing hole, this Jeep was made for Alaska!

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  Great Investment - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jack Quist - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Jeep brand new in 95. It has NEVER broke down!!! I have had three other cars since, but never sold my Jeep. It will hold its value for years...At the beach or in the snow the Jeep will step up and perform. You will not be let down...

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  Jeeprules - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jampa - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Jeep rules what else can I say

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  Randys Rubicon OlllO - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Randy Rubicon OlllO - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2000 se with the 4cyl this jeep this Jeep is a lot better its sound proofing is 100% better the drive and the Transmission is the most notable Improvement over the older 4 cyl which is to be expected but if you want a car or truck that has no road noise this isnt but the open air design and off road capabilties are the best.

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  Awesome Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jersey Girl - October 17 - 1:50 pm

  Very pleased with my 99 Jeep Cherokee Sport. Agree with other reviewers: brakes grab when cold or wet, but quickly get back to normal. A bit of a gas hog when in 4WD & with defrosters roaring, but all SUVs are. 6 cylinder straight 6 engine powerful and responsive. Average 17-21 mpg. No engine or drive train problems. Replaced brake fluid lines once (housings just wore out). Performed usual maintenance (tires, tune-ups, oil changes). 4WD easy to switch into and out of; good steering in 4WD, not like piloting a boat. Have taken on long trips and use for my daily commute -- I love my Jeep!

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  First Timer! - 2016 Jeep Wrangler
  By Michael Breiling - October 15 - 4:55 pm

  I went out and purchased a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Black Bear edition after driving a 2015 Rubicon for a week. I came from a 2013 Subaru WRX STI which was a great car, but drew all the wrong attention. My Jeep has received more compliments in a week then I ever got from my STI. Firecracker Red is a real looker. To me, the Jeep is just as fun to drive as the Subaru! Its far more comfortable and the technology is much better. Alpine Audio with navigation is a must have and the 6 spd manual is on point. Looking forward to many fun years driving this Jeep. Lift coming soon!

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  What I really needed - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Funinthesun - October 15 - 12:03 am

  This jeep is a ton of fun. I have wanted another jeep since having a 69 jeep cherokee back when I was young (er). This car is basic, rugged and a joy to ride. Here I was thinking my wife would hate the stiff ride - but she wants to travel everywhere in our little jeep. The extended wheel base sure adds to the ride on long trips.

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  So far so good!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By rch - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I love the overall apperance of this automobile. It is so cute. The interior is really spacious and comfy. I had only owned cars, 3 of them, and was getting fed up with all of them riding and pretty much looking the same. I traded in my 2002 Dodge Stratus R/T, horrible car i was so dissapointed with that car. I am so far very happy with my purchase, i like the ride it drives much better than my old car, and i like the fact that it has very little road noise. Love the white gage faces and love the clean, neat dash fixtures. Jeep is all around so far the nicest automobile i have owned!!