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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  Perfect 4x4 for me - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By mark2169 - February 17 - 8:58 pm

  This is my first Wrangler, and it is everything I wanted and expected it to be. I put off buying a Wrangler for decades because others told me it would be impractical and I regret having done so as I now have the vehicle I feel that fits who I am. One who buys a Wrangler isn’t someone who cares about luxury features, speed or slalom figures on the racetrack, or smoothness. They get a Wrangler because they want a JEEP. This is one of the most capable off road vehicles out there, and it works well on the road also as a daily driver.

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  First Time Owner: Used 08 JGC - Loredo - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tim F. - February 16 - 6:13 am

  Bought as subsitute for a FJ Cruiser. FJ is too expensive used. JGC-Loredo was in my P range - meets my wants & requirements. Bought used with ~25K mi. Would not recommend brand new purchase - too expensive. Wife likes it, good crash ratings (5/5 & 4/5). Not so good in traffic. Not driven in bad weather or long trips yet. Price can be great if used. I see lots of older JGCs on the road - leads me to believe it is a quality vehicle. OVERALL RATING: WOULD RECOMMEND. Cheap if used, good quality, fun to drive. Meets SUV and comfort expectations. See other fields for additional info.

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  Great car! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By E Goggin - February 13 - 6:21 pm

  I have had two Ford Explorers, an Escape, a Lexus 450h, a Lincoln MKX and others, but this Jeep bests them all. EWG

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  My 200 TJ - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By AlaskanPolishman - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I picked this up at the local jeep dealer, it was used with only 28K on it when i got it , a Canadian model with the daytime running lights. Great fun to drive so far , I am getting the 30" tires on it soon and putting in a roll in bed liner for the pan, Runs like a champ, decent gas mileage once i put a Tornado in it and a K&N filter. I love the feeling i have when i drive it , i always wondered why jeep drivers always had a smile on their faces, now i know

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  Great for the money!!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CPR - February 10 - 10:00 am

  My wife needed a replacement for her tired 94 GC Laredo and we expected to be restricted to a "mini" sport ute. We looked at the Mazda Tribute, the Saturn Vue, etc., but felt like we would have been robbed for the $24K+ price. She really wanted a GC. I knew they listed ~$29K, so I wasnt too enthusiatic about getting one on our budget. Was I wrong! Lets just say that City Motors will be getting more of my business! I cant believe we almost paid more for a mini-ute that you cant really take off road (WAY off road)!!!

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  Amazing! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nico - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 1999 Grand Cherokee Laredo (4.7L V8, Quadratrac II, the works in the Laredo basically). That vehicle was quite impressive itself. When I recently purchased my new monster, I just about cried. Even better styling than before, more power than the old stock 4.7L. My new machine comes with the Quadradrive tranny, making it a true beast. Independent left to right torque split lets me do anything!! It is true that the GC is not the best on- road SUV out there, but who cares!! To me, this Jeep is not for the weak in foot. Drive!!!

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  most reliable & fun car - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mario - February 8 - 8:50 am

  Bought my Jeep used about 7 years ago with 25.000 miles on it. Currently have about 110.000 miles on it and only spent about 300 usd in repairs which were minor ones. This is by far the most reliable and fun vehicle. Use it as a daily driver (about 37 miles round trip to work). Lifted it and put bigger tires on it. Obviously the noise level and comfort are not the best but hey it is a Jeep. Put Herculiner in (carpet out) and can clean the inside with a water hose. Enough space in the back for my big dog. Will keep this car forever and if necessary as a second car. Absolutely highly recommended.

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  Very Happy with 06 Liberty Sport - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By K-Roc - February 6 - 2:03 pm

  The Liberty handles very well on all types of road conditions. It corners well, and the suspension is less "bouncy" than many other SUVs that Ive ridden in. With this vehicle I actually enjoyed driving in deep snow in upstate NY for the first time in 20 years! The Liberty has plenty of interior space for hauling items and is designed nicely. Overall, it is a rugged and fun vehicle to drive. Mileage is actually better in highway conditions (26-27 mpg) than expected.

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  Low cost SUV - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By izaclown1 - February 5 - 9:59 pm

  Never owned a Jeep before, but I bought the 5 speed with the 2.4L engine. I have put 2k+ on it so far. It is a fun car to drive with plenty of room for me at 61".

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  Most Comfortable Ride in its Class!! - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Big Dude - February 5 - 7:55 am

  I am 6 3" and this SUV had the most leg and sholder room and comfortable seat in its class. I test drove all the competition before I bought and the Jeep Compass had the best ride and most room of them all hands down. I am also very impressed with quality and the styling of the interior. The Jeep was also less money with the same features as most of the competition I tested, bonus!!