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 First Jeep - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bill - August 21 - 7:58 am

  The appearance and the quality construction are excellent. The ride is smooth and quiet. The entertainment center is extremely user friendly and has a myriad of options. I had a Hyundia Santa Fe Limited and it was nice, but nothing like the quality of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. So far I am extremely happy with my Jeep.

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  leahsJeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By DaytonConsumer - August 19 - 10:00 am

  LOVE my Jeep - cant believe I waited so long to get one. You get the same adventure as a motorcycle only safer!! I think Im a Jeep Wrangler lifer!

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  The little Jeep that could - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Bill house - August 17 - 3:26 pm

  A great Jeep I love the looks. Way better than the Honda CR-V that my cousin just bought. A great snow vehicle. A Compass owner for life!

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  Southern Jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Southern Jeep - August 16 - 2:26 am

  I bought my 98 Jeep used in 2000. Its the best money I ever spent!! This bad boy has NEVER seen the inside of a garage. Just minor repairs from wear and tear (and too much 4 wheelin!!). I have 187,000 miles and it purrs like a kitten. The only way to describe thos model Jeep is unbreakable!! I would not even consider selling it. Liberty, Commander, Compass, yeah righ. These models cannot begin to fill the shoes of a 4WD 98 Jeep Cherokee!! Bad move discontinuing this model Jeep.

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  Jeepin!!!! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bodencak - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Not yo mommas station wagon. As an owner of a 2003 X and former owner of a 74 CJ 5, I love the better ride quality. Until you find a bump. Stock off-road ability is good. Good crisp, tight steering. All around fun to drive.

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  2008 Liberty Ltd - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By cr - August 15 - 5:00 pm

  I have 1500 miles on a new Liberty. Good interior space and design. Ride is quieter than expected and smoother than the Wrangler which I traded in but a little bumpy on rough road. Decent power. I like the "mid-size" size as well. The internal storage better than most vehicles. Good sound system and satellite radio. Cargo space excellent--the upright, square design gives a lot of usable cargo space in back. Rides well at hwy speeds and in windy conditions. Have not tried the 4WD yet. Adequate back seat space.

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  First Jeep and Love It - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By tcchadwell - August 14 - 10:13 am

  Bought used, fully loaded Limited with 4.7 L V8. Rides like a four door sedan unlike my old Explorer or Durango. Very quiet on the highway too. Smaller V8 provides plenty of performance. So far I have found no problems with it. Third seat is split with straps on the back to pull up and fold flat. Daughter loves to sit in the third row. Nav system is a must although touch screen would be even better.

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  VERY SATISFIED - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By very satisfied - August 12 - 11:23 pm

  AS a previous owner of a 95 wrangler, the ride is much more comfortable, and a 100 times quieter then before with the soft top. the ride is smooth enough. It is the only convertible that is practical year-round in snow country. price is as good as it gets for any 4WD out there. I am very satisfied with the dealer and the vehicle. plenty of options for aftermarket improvements. upgrade option for engine would be nice, but i am sure that is restricted by current regulations emissions, etc.

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  My First Jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By allencat - August 12 - 8:06 pm

  I just got my first Jeep and I couldnt be any more pleased. In the first few days I took it through flooded roadways and it lives up to the name. Just like a dog with a little training it will go about any where and do almost anything. It is a blast - way better than my Mustang. I will never go back to the sports car.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Laura - August 12 - 5:23 am

  The 2005 Jeep Liberty is a great SUV for a woman on the go. You sit high with great visiablity and comfort. I feel very safe driving it. The cargo area in the rear is great for groceries or whatever you may have to toss back there. Plenty of room and very comfortable. Good sound system. Im feeling good about my purchase and got a great deal. Check one out, you wont be sorry.