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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  Its a Jeep Thing- You Wouldnt Understand - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By BamaTazz - June 17 - 2:43 pm

  What a GREAT vehicle..Its not a car, its not a truck its a JEEP. Top, no top..doors, no doors..no other vehicle like FUN to drive..very reliable GO GET ONE!

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  badass jeep cherokee - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By AL - June 17 - 1:20 pm

  I got my Jeep Cherokee when I turned 16, and it was a former border patrol unit so it had a few modifications to its factory build. It came with skid plates and yaddi yadda... Idk when it was but I just started falling in love with cars and went all out... It now has a 4.7 stroker straight 6 engine which I just recently beefed up a 3 inch suspension lift and a 1 1/2 inch body lift with 33x12.5 inch tires locked front and rear differential new full magnaflow exhaust kit slip yoke eliminator cv driveshaft the list just goes on and on.... Anyway im approaching 17 now and ive realized that if it wasnt for this car.. I still wouldnt know what I wanna do later in life... Which is work on cars someway

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  I looooove My Jeep! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Bizzette - June 16 - 4:56 am

  I bought my Jeep two and a half years ago. I still love it as much today as the first day I owned it. It is very reliable and the gas mileage is really good (considering that its an SUV). The mileage I get is about what was listed on the sticker. When I need another car, Ill probably buy another Liberty.

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  Its a Jeep. Realize that and youll love it. - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepguy2011 - June 16 - 12:55 am

  My first Jeep & its everything I expected. Only have had it three weeks - about 800 miles. Gas mileage is 15-16 mix -stop and go and highway- Dont consider that bad for a 6 cylinder Jeep that weighs 4000 lbs. The interior is comfortable, not luxurious; its a Jeep. Love the exterior & the Blackberry is a great color. Yes its a tad slow from a deadstop, but passing ability is great and it feels like a solid vehicle. Great in snow. Slight body lean, but its a Jeep. Technology is good. Like the new "ECO" mode, keeps you aware of how youre driving. So far no performance or other issues. Its fun to drive, has plenty of room & looks cool. Im happy I bought it!

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  Outstanding! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Glenn - June 16 - 12:10 am

  Ive had a Cherokee and a Wrangler, but this Liberty Limited has blown me away. The ride is quiet, the power is just right, the luxury on my Limited is more than Ive ever had but I certainly appreciate it. I find the size just about right. My preference is for compact SUVs but Ive grown into this one. Highway noise is minimal and ride is confident. This thing is better in the snow (New England) than the Cherokee or Wrangler were. I have zero complaints. Even the horn button in the steering wheel is perfectly placed.

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  4 Month Review: Still Outstanding! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John Germani - June 13 - 11:16 am

  We have owned this vehicle for 4 months now and we are very impressed. We have put 5K miles on it with no troubles. Just within the last week, the Jeep was given 5 star front driver, front passenger, front side, and rear side impact ratings! It (4x4 version) also got 4 star rollover rating which is highest of any SUV tested. Gas mileage is around 14-16 in Washington DC metro driving and 21- 24 in highway driving. I cannot complain about that. The width of the back seat is fantastic for our sons car seat and still room enough for two more adults. It rides and handles great. Very enjoyable to drive as you have a large cabin feel. Great vehicle.

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  2008 jeep patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Dean - June 12 - 10:13 am

  Bought new. almost 32,000 miles. no problems at all. great in all weather. gas mileage is now 30 mpg on highway and 26-29 city. The 5 spd really uses all the engines power. Heated seats are awesome, as well as the optional sound system. A very safe solid reliable vehicle. Jeep did a great job!

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  Im a fan - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By writethereview - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Great fun, perfect size, outstanding handling both off and on the road. First time SUV owner, and I couldnt be happier. Best SUV for the money.

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  Flawless Vehicle Since Day One - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Loren - June 10 - 7:20 pm

  23k miles in the first year. Pulled a 5000 lb trailer half way across the U.S. twice. Multiple trips between Denver and Rockies thru a lot of snow and ice. Off road in Moab, UT. This vehicle has been flawless. All this and have averaged 23 mpg over the long term. Only complaint I have is when the airlift system is all the way up the shocks top out with a loud bang over any significant bump.

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  Rocky Mountain Trail Edition 4WD - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By bsulakerfan - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This was my wifes car. First things first; We loved it, its very safe and reliable, lots of room, never had any major problems with it. Only minor things or expected things like changing the tires and light bulbs. It had 78k miles on it but we lost it due to a t-bone accident. My wife was hit on the drivers side by a pickup truck and the jeep was totaled and my wife walked away with only a couple scratches and bruises. So i found that the Jeep is SAFE!