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 money pit of a car - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By Lisa - December 22 - 8:20 am

  I bought my 2009 Jeep Liberty used 6 months ago. It was on a company lease program for 6 months before that. Since I have owned it the defrost as stopped, the back window gate latch broke and needed replaced and now the BIGGIE the transmission has gone!! and since Im the second owner no life time warranty on it.... Fresh out of college and this is my first car. I researched this car it was my dream car I thought. I hate it....

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  This is it if you have to have an SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Heil - December 21 - 12:06 pm

  My wife picked this one out. While I was reluctant at first, I must say it is a whole lot of fun to drive around in. While some say the interior may not be up to the BMW, X30, or Rover quality, you have to remember, *this is a JEEP*. It isnt meant to simply ford the pothole at the golf club. Its made to actually leave the pavement, and shes responded nicely to some rough roads. Storage is great unless you have all three rows of seats up (which we never do, but its good to know theyre there in case of emergencies). The 4WD system is incredible. Ive had 4WDs before, but how easily it handles slippery roads is really amazing.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By koenigsegg_fan - December 20 - 6:37 pm

  The JGC Trailhawk is a limited edition Laredo with exclusive features. It does have the 5.7 HEMI. There isnt anything that makes it drive differently than a regular Grand Cherokee. We found this rare Jeep on the dealer lot for $8000 off. What a deal! It has a really smooth ride from the air suspension. With rugged off-road tires, it still has a really quiet, smooth ride. The seats are big, but firm. However, theyre really comfortable. Its cargo space is good for luggage even with the seats up. The interior is well-put together with high quality materials, and many are soft to the touch. We had 0 problems with the electronics, the engine, and the air suspension. We had it for 9 months.

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  never apologize it is a Jeep - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By geb brown - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I live in rural Southwest-it gets me thru the monsoons in summer-snows in winter-across the rocks anytime I want to take a shortcut home and always starts when I need it. It is reliable and fun-I could buy any car I wanted- but this is Jeep and Truck country and thats just the way we want it. P.S. Keep your hi-lift auto zone princess jeeps in Phoenix or Las Vegas where you both belong.

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  Transmission terminator - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeeps rule - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This Grand cherokee is a great truck when it is running, I have had my transmission rebuilt twice under warranty and replaced once, I have had this vehicle back from the dealership for about 10 months and my transmission is going out AGAIN, not to mention that my front end when in 4 wheel drive sounds like It has metal binding when I turn my steering wheel. I bought the extended warranty (thankfully) and will be taking it back in to have it fixed even though the dealership always tries to give it back saying there is nothing wrong with it but in the end they see it my way and start fixing things.

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  Best Cherokee Yet - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DRH-Oregon - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is our 5th Cherokee and I am very pleased The at the improvements that have been incorporated in the latest version.

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  Love the Jeep Wrangler - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeep boy - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. I just "downgraded" from a Ford F150 that I owned for six years. The F150 was huge, safe, and had tons of cargo space. The Jeep is a huge improvement. Better seats that support my back, easy to park, convertible, corners without throwing things around the cabin, stops more easily, and still has tons of torque and power. What it lacks in practicality, it makes up for in its near-motorcycle fun factor without the requisite organ donation.

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  I Love My Wrangler - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By tmgj - December 19 - 8:20 pm

  I have my Wrangler as a toy, not a daily driver but whenever the weather is nice, its my daily driver. The 4 cylinder gets around great in town, slow on the highway but it wasnt made for highway. I have a Rampage bowless soft top thats really nice. A 90s jeep is cheaper than a new 4 wheeler and a lot more fun! Aftermarket parts and modifications are never ending, you can do anything you want to a jeep(if you have the money).

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  Transmission - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ronald1522 - December 19 - 7:53 pm

  I really like my Jeep. It is roomy and a good solid ride. The only problem that I have is when shifting from reverse to drive it takes about 2 seconds for the transmission to engage. If you forget to wait the motor races and it slams into gear.

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  great vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By quinn1682 - December 19 - 6:56 am

  I have had my liberty for 2 years, and I love it. After I got it I read a lot of bad reviews, but I havent had any problems with mine in that time. It has had nothing go out, or be replaced. I drive a lot, close to 30,000 a year or so too. I love the 4 wheel drive it works great, goes right through the snow or mud easily. I think it handles great, I like tight steering. Overall I would recommend it to anyone. Its pretty small, but it is a compact suv. And it rides a little rough. But I like that, it feels tough to me. Gas mileage isnt great, but again, thats to be expected. No complaints here, Id buy one again anyday.