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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  Jeeps Rule - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bigvic - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my Grand Cherokee. Ive wanted a Cherokee ever since I was 12 and my best friends dad bought his. Jeeps are what SUVs are supposed to look like. My 04 Grand Cherokee handles wonderfully and is the perfect fit for my family. I feel safe knowing my son is riding in something that has been around for over sixty years.

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  Jeep owner - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jeep owner - May 25 - 11:13 pm

  Absolutely love the vehicle, so far. Bought it in July. The only thing that I havent really enjoyed is the fact that when I filled it the first time, and calculated the miles per gallon, it was at 15. I traded a Hyundai Elantra to get it, and I am used to about 25 mpg. It definitely does take a lot of gas, but if you dont drive a lot, its the perfect vehicle.

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  None better. - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By tyrus - May 25 - 7:13 pm

  The Jeep TJ is possibly the finest American vehicle ever produced. I will be a Jeep owner for life. I live in the city and have absolutely no problem fitting my Jeep into any parking situation. I also spend a great deal of time in the North Georgia mountains, where I would not want to have any other vehicle.

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  This Jeep taught me everything I know about cars. - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jonnytoco@gmail - May 23 - 7:03 pm

  I bought this car in March of 2013 with 220,000 miles on it. This Jeep had alot of issues when I purchased it. The biggest problem was the stalling. After replacing the PCM computer this Jeep has served me a fantastic 33,000 miles. I am currently at 253,000 miles with this Jeep. I drive this 45 miles a day to Oceanside and it runs like a top. Of course with high milage vehicles comes issues every couple of months but that is what owning a Jeep is about. It is a learning experience. Because of these issues I grew, and thats why I love this Jeep. When its maintained and everything is working its a dream. when something goes out its just another thing to learn yea its stressful but im thankful. cheap, reliable, amazing first car.

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  Better than the others - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jack Derry - May 22 - 2:53 pm

  I looked at the other offerings an could not find anything that could come close in quality and price. Try it and you will buy it.

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  American All Star - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Russ Blondec - May 22 - 11:50 am

  After coming from a 09 Grand Cherokee it is clear that it has improved in almost all categories. Off-Road capability, second row room, cargo space, ride quality, and almost everything else is better by leaps and bounds. Test drove the Nissan Murano, Ford Edge, and Toyota Venza. Almost purchased the Venza but the ability to go-off road was more important the car- like ride. i have yet to go off- roading but did traverse some steep snowy gravel mtn. roads in NC and it gave no drama. Would not think twice about buying another one.

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  Very Satisfied - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Scootie - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Liberty Limited for just over a week now and I absolutely love it. The ride is smooth (especially compared to the Cherokee Sport that my boyfriend has)and I love the added headroom and overall roomier feel than the Cherokee. The leather seats are quite comfortable too. I originally wanted leather seats to make it easier to clean up the dog hair generated by my 3 terriers...but now I love my new Liberty so much that they arent allowed in it! We are only getting flurries today but Im eager for it to snow so I can test out the 4wd!

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  Jeep Liberty 2003 Sport - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By GeneEsposito - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Excellent choice for a smaller SUV. Coming off a Montero Sport the Jeep handles well even if its taller. Great display panel and having the radio,CD,&casette controls on the stering wheel cant be beat. Love the quick flip rear glass window and the side pull door. This won out the selection process over the Madza Tribute, Outlander, and Freelander.

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  2002 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By tds/Indiana - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is a pleasure to drive; with all controls easily accessable to the driver. Handling and response is better than the Cherokee, which it replaced. The four-wheel Select-Trac is superb, and the short body over-hang front and rear allows for steep entry and exit angles when in hilly terrain.

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  Far better than expected - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Bryan - May 21 - 3:34 am

  The 2010 model has less sound deadening than later models, but more than earlier models. I put a lot of miles on a car so it doesnt have much resale value when Im done with it. After wearing out my fourth Audi, I decided to buy an inexpensive commuter car instead. I didnt want the look of an economy car. Had to have 4WD, and Ive always preferred a car with a manual transmission. A cute ute seemed like a good fit, but only Jeep had the combo of a manly disguise, stick shift and reasonable price. Being the most American of all cars you can buy hit me right as well. My Patriot has 200,000 miles on it today. In that time Ive spent less than $500 on repairs, and can burn regular gas at 28 MPG. It cost just under $25,000 with the upgrades I ordered, and retains 30% of the original value. love the way an Audi goes down the road, but numbers like this are sure a relief from what I was accustomed to. It feels like its just getting broken in.