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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  not the best lookin - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By michael - December 5 - 1:20 pm

  Have 6000 miles in cool weather. Starts fine running better with more miles, use Mobile one gets much better mileage the expected average city and highway 20 by the on board computer. Use cruse when ever possible. It is quiet on the road and rides Nice not like a BMW but ok even on long trips. Storage space is limited in drivers area, and the rear view is really bad bad. The rear seat head rest are always in the line of site. Then add the spare tire and the rrear wiper seeing out the back is a accident waiting to happen. I guess the rear head rests are a function of design in Washington DC. Other then these issues I love the Jeep and would purchase another one.

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  Great all around vehicle - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By mdirvin - December 5 - 7:23 am

  We purchased the jeep to tag along with our RV. It has been the perfect choice. My wife loves the way it drives around town, its comfortable on the highway. We have been able to go places that we never could have in a less capable vehicle. We are now able to go on unimproved/unmaintained service roads in MT, and CO to do hiking and photography. The gas mileage is much better than expected. We have never gotten less than 20mpg, over the road I get 24+, and of course my wife gets 26+. She just has a gentler right foot. Its getting to the point now that if I want some "Jeep" time I might have to get one for myself. We are thinking of getting small trailer, and heading up to Alaska in 2010.

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  Incredible - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By htverheyen - December 4 - 9:56 pm

  This car is amazing. To get this much performance and features from this type of car, youd have to spend almost twice as much. Mileage: better than the V8 in the previous model. We average about 13.5 mpg in city, about 18.5 on highway (with K&N filter). Towing capacity: We needed above 6,500 lbs - not a lot of choices - this one tops all. Interior space: like the old version. Good for kids, short trips with 4 adults. Look for a Durango, Commander, or the Suburban types if you need the seating capacity. Short wheelbase: this car handles car-like, not truck-like. Theres a reason why Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen have almost identical dimensions, mpg (with V8s).

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  Proven workhorse - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Long Tall Texan - December 4 - 4:20 pm

  Had this car for 11 years, 160,000 miles. Rebuilt the transmission at 90,000 and made a few non-critical repairs (electric windows, back hatch) over the years, but, to my surprise, its still running strong. I certainly do NOT regret buying it. It has withstood California commuter traffic, Wyoming fishing trails and Texas heat with a minimum of trouble. Mileage is bad (14-16 mpg), cornering is ridiculous, steering requires constant adjustment, but it has been reliable beyond my reasonable expectations. For an American car this old, it done good.

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  Good Luck: - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By trade99 - December 4 - 3:38 pm

  Bought this vehicle and it has been nothing but problems. Safety issues and quality issues. Good luck with your purchase.

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  After 9 months and lots of mile - thoroughly enjoying my Jeep - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By Michael Buszuwski - December 4 - 9:53 am

  I use my Wrangler as a Daily Driver and also do monthly road trips (400mi+) with the family. I have the soft top, the Willys Wheeler Edition, and zero regrets. So many people obsess over getting a Hardtop but I recommend saving your money and just using the soft top - in 5 seconds you can retract to "sunrider mode" for sun and win, and in less than 5 minutes you can retract the top fully. The soft top is plenty warm enough for the coldest winters (I just went through one without issue) and its plenty quiet enough on the highway (I put on MANY highway miles thus far without a problem. My family and friends all want to buy a Wrangler of their own after riding mine. Great, fun vehicle.

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  My first Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Asartain29 - December 4 - 6:56 am

  I have wanted a Wrangler for a long time, and I finally purchased one in Feb. 2008. It is a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2DR, steel blue metallic in color, BF Goodrich Mud Tires, Infinity sound system, satellite radio, wanted manual transmission but went with automatic. I have owned my jeep for almost a year and I love it. Have had no problems, and it is off-road all the time. It is a beast off-road, and is impossible to get stuck. I have went up inclines that would make most people urinate on themselves, and she has never once slipped. I have only had to use 4low twice. I am going to drive my jeep until the wheels fall off. I love having the top down, and the doors off. Buy One

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  Stil the best - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By chris h. - December 4 - 2:40 am

  bought this in 05 with 40K on it in showroom new shape , added air raid cold air induction & t/b spacer to up horsepower and save gas (when i could keep from gunning it..WOW) always wanted one and when i finally got it just couldnt get enough. Most people dont get the chance to put a daily driver 4wd to the test but I made sure i did and this vehicle took everything from 3 ft snow drifts to 2ft deep flooded areas like a champ. Make sure you keep up the maintenance and youll be perfect. Oh and you gotta love that Jeep finally changed the liberty for 08 to look like a modern Cherokee, guess they do listen ;o)

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  My overland. - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By wbastidas - December 4 - 12:00 am

  I drive a 2011 Overland loaded! I used to be so proud of my Jeep and would brag about it to everyone. Not anymore! So far the truck has been back to the dealer five timesÂ… thank god not for mechanical failures (so far) but for cosmetic reason. After owning several Jeeps, I wanted some luxury, style and of course towing capacity. So after looking into the X5, Lexus 350 and the ExpeditionÂ…I chose my Overland, boy do I regret my decision!!! The overland is fun to drive, slick looking and just all around FUN. The problem is how the inside of the Jeep was done and how bad the materials used inside are wearing down in such a small period of time. The dash board had to be replaced because th

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  Rotors, Rotors, Rotors - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rich F. - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchase my Jeep Cherokee Sport 4WD new back in July of 2001. I did enjoy driving it and it was my first Cherokee after owning 4 Grand Cherokees. I switched to the Cherokee after having numerous problems with the Grand Cherokees. In the end, the one problem that still persisted with the Cherokee was that the rotors warped approximately every 12,000-15,000 when they were just out of warranty. I have heard that the newer Jeep have a better brake design but I was not willing to try another one at this time. I just purchased a new 2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 and I am much more impressed with the build quality when compared to the Jeeps.