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:

• 

  Awesome Power, Overall Great Vehicle! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Danny - February 5 - 1:30 am

  I have had my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD for about a year now and I absolutely love it. The interior is styled great and has all the features that I want in a vehicle, and as for the 4.7L V8 engine, absolutely great. This vehicle has tremendous power and excellent throttle response. The only thing I do not like is the 4WD. It doesnt go into 4WD the way I would like it to. For this to be a SUV, it really doesnt drive like one. It is a very stable vehicle in the curves and also seems to stop really well for its size. Overall I cant tell you all the good luck that I have had with my Jeep. This is the vehicle I have been wanting for a while now and I have finally got it. A+.

• 

  I love this thing! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepDude - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my jeep a few weeks ago and already it has lived up to the "Jeep" name. I wouldnt want another vehicle. Very pleasent dealing with the great staff over at Hall Jeep, Va Beach. Thumbs up guys. Would buy another in a heartbeat. Just cant afford it now:)

• 

  I love my Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Becky - February 3 - 6:30 pm

  This is a working vehicle--hauls stuff from the lumber yard for home improvement projects just fine, and its a snap to fold down the back seats. Also has been a kick on the backroads, no bogging down on hills. The sound system is great, the AC/heat adjustments work instantly, totally comfortable to drive on a long haul, plenty of pep, and you can see over or around just about anything. I love my Jeep!

• 

  Its Everything it Should Be - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Parker - February 3 - 2:50 pm

  The ride may have a few more bumps, the styling may be a bit more rugged, & your hair may get a little messed up. The Wrangler is everything you would expect it to be while giving the comfort and conveniences you may not. The controls, seats, and functionality have the same ease of use & comfort as the Commander or Cherokee. (Weve owned all three and love each of them) I was afraid I wouldnt take the hard top off enough but its so easy, Ive been known to take it off & put it back on multiple times in the same day. I do wish that it came standard with rubber floor mats instead of the wimpy carpet ones and the cup holders could use a redesign.

• 

  Compass is the Best - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Tommy - February 1 - 5:33 pm

  We have owned the Compass for almost 2 months and have found it to be everything we wanted in this size vehicle. Love the heated seats and the ride is excellent. All the comfort details are well placed and look great. The styling is right up there with the competition and the pricing is well below others in its group. Have owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Dodge Durango and this is smaller and more versatile than either if you do not need to haul a lot. Totally satisfied.

• 

  My 4th and favorite Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Superman68 - January 29 - 6:26 am

  Wow! After owning my 4-dr. Sahara now for several months, I still look forward to every time I want to drive somewhere. First of all, the hard tops do not leak if you put them on properly. The most important thing is putting the panels on in the right order and tightening from side to side until both anchors are tight...nuff said. This vehicle can maneuver, brake, corner, and is very smooth. What other vehicle on the market looks cool, has one of the highest resale values, is a great 4WD, its convertible, virtually waterproof, and is practical and fun to drive? I wouldve liked a lil more power, but there are upgrades to handle that...good job Jeep!

• 

  Jeep Liberty vs Ford Escape - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By The Gunny - January 29 - 2:00 am

  As a dyed in the wool Ford guy, I was surprised when I recently traded in the 2001 Ford Escape for a 2004 Jeep Liberty. The comparison provided by Edmunds was right on, the Jeep has rugged but refined styling and out performs the Escape in all but a few areas. It has more HP, more torque, larger fuel tank and more creature comforts. My wife loves the steering column audio controls and I like the power passenger seat,none of which are available on the Escape. The EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center), is a blast, this thing even monitors my tire pressure! Jeep has come a long way since the old days of the Comanche and the Wagoneer.

• 

  OVERLAND- the only way to travel. - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Paul Bok - January 29 - 2:00 am

  We had a 2002 4x4 6 cylinders Grand Cherokee. It was nice and my wife and I liked it. My wife was driving and the Jeep was hit from behind. There was virtually no damage to our Jeep and my wife said; I will never drive anything else. Purhased Overland one month ago and we absolutely love it. Fun,fun,fun.

• 

  ricks review - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ricky - January 28 - 12:10 pm

  I purchased a used jeep grand cherokee limited 5.2 V8. the V8 puts out a clasic all american rumble while idling. it may be slow from the start but over 40 mph it has serious accelleration. the ride at high speeds might be a little over bearing but thats why thy come with a radio?! right. it may be a luxury car but who says u cant push it. and this car is made for pushing. desipite it being an SUV i have never had any troubles with it tipping or tire problems.

• 

  Awesome Vehicle! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By claw96 - January 28 - 8:40 am

  This is one of those vehicles that you have to see in person. The pictures dont do it justice. It is a beautiful car and drives like a much more expensive vehicle. Fuel economy was one of the main reasons for considering it(as well as the looks). We are averaging 27.5-28.5mpg combined and on the interstate/highway we average 29.5mpg. We have never averaged less than 26mpg. It has handled great in the snow and ice even though its only FWD. It has one of the most comfortable rides that Ive experienced while test driving other crossovers. The 2014 Cherokee is an amazing vehicle and has an overall great personality. If youre looking for a new crossover, you should definitely check it out!