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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  JEEP JEEP - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mdias311 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Grand Cherokee. We had it for about a month before we took a 24 hour drive over the course of two days and it was the most comfortable I have ever been in any car/truck for that period of time. Gas mileage was better than on the sticker for the longer ride, even with the cargo area and back seat full. This truck feels solid around just about any corner at just about any speed, much better than my former Chevy Blazer. Sound system is even good enough where I dont feel the need to replace it. Overall the best standard mid-size SUV I have ever ridden in or driven, hands down.

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  best Ive ever had - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Eric - May 31 - 10:30 am

  This has been the best vehicle I have ever had, hands down. I had always wanted a Jeep, and finally I just went ahead and got one. After two years plus, Ive never regretted it, even for a second. Its incredibly fun to drive, very reliable, versatile, and stylish. I have the solar yellow Sport model with the 5 speed transmission (definitely recommended). Ive replaced the factory soft top with an aftermarket Sailcloth top from Bestop (also recommended), and during the summer I use a safari bikini top and duster. Theres nothing better in the world than having a convertible in the summer thats also a go-anywhere winter vehicle. I dont think Ill ever have another vehicle again.

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  best jeep ever!!! - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ziggs - May 29 - 10:00 am

  the jeep yj is the best SUV ever made

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  Truely a - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Nick Valentine - May 29 - 10:00 am

  My jeep wrangler is the most versitile vehicle that I have ever owned. It preforms well on road, and exceptionally well off-road. Whether the road is flooded, snow-covered, or just thick mud, I have been able to travel down it. Were ever I go, I am honestly able to say that I have complete confidence that I will get to my destination in a Jeep Wrangler.

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  GREAT - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DOP - May 29 - 10:00 am

  GREAT OVERALL. HAVE NOT HAD A PROBLEM IN TWO YEARS. ONLY COMPLAINT IS HORSEPOWER, COULD USE MORE.

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  I love it! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jenn - May 28 - 8:16 pm

  I have driven the Explorer, Blazer, last summer I cruised around in my Jag. Nothing comes close to the way I feel about my new Jeep. I fell for it the first time I saw it! It is a great truck for me because I have an 8 and 9 year old and let me tell you that 3rd row seating comes in handy when nobody is getting along.

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  Loves it - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe - May 26 - 7:13 pm

  This is my first Jeep purchased, actually its even my first SUV. Ive always had 4 and 2 door cars. I brought the car because Ive always loved Jeeps styling and invoice minus $3,500 rebate helped me love it even more. Gas mileage is OK, I guess I didnt expect hybrid like mileage. Has the truck for about 2 weeks, loving it so far. Had the dealership reverse the tires so its completely blackwall, they forgot to put the stem caps on and now my TPSM is going nuts and the steering wheel shakes at above 50mph. Dont know if that is the cause or not but I scheduled a service appointment. If youre looking for a good SUV, that is comfortable, affordable, and fun to drive, definitely test drive this truck.

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  1994 Grand Cheerokee - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cervij - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Has been a wonderful vehicle for 10 years. I have done all of the maintenance myself and the car has performed like a champ. In ten years I have replaced the brake pads twice (with rotors once), water pump, fuel pump(that was painful), muffler, and starter. The straight six cylinder has made working on this tune-ups and such a dream.

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  Unlimited II - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Figgy1094 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Unlimited and my 4th Jeep. I love it. The 1st Unlimited met w/an untimely death by a drunk driver 5 days after i bought it. It was hit on the drivers side door and took quite a hit. It saved my life. I "only" suffered a lacerated spleen & 3 broken ribs. If I still had my old 1/2 doors on my Jeep I might not have been here to enjoy my 2nd Unlimited, which I have had for a month now. I have put 2000 miles on it, took a trip to Disney World (it had a great time), and found the tallest "hill" in Miami and took it. Once again, love it, saved my life once, love the extra room, its what I always wanted in my Wrangler.

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  this jeep rocks!!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By partick rogers - May 26 - 10:00 am

  the truck is fast,i just raced a camaro and smoked it.the jeep is great off- road.