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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  The keeper - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By CJwheeling - January 24 - 8:10 pm

  This is my 14th jeep. CJs, TJs, Cheerokees have all been in my stable at one time or another. Jeep has finally made the perfect vehicle for me. Quieter, relatively spacious and with the same potential as short wheelbase TJs. I currently own a built 1985 CJ7, and after test driving the Unlimited on a whim, I bought one two weeks later. Upsides: Storage, potential, comfort (except for the seats) Downsides: Seats still suck, soft top is a pain to put up and down by yourself.

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  Whats missing? - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By brookman1 - January 22 - 5:39 am

  Loving our new vehicle but totally misled by dealer around iPhone connectivity. They even programmed all our four iPhones for us before we left the dealer. But, after several reprogramming and calls to the dealer, they told us the car is not compatible with iPhones. Other major deficiency is a back up camera or sensors.

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  took a chance with new model - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By small town wizard - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought when model just came out, and got lots of stares for a few weeks - now see Libbys everywhere. Been pleased with performance, fun factor, and ability to pull a trailer. Limited off road use, would like to have more wheeling experiences. No problems, other than recalls.

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  Wrangler Rubicon: Built for Offroad Use - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By GIJOEP - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall the vehicle has performed in an outstanding fashion. The Rubicon is really designed for off-road use. It performs extremely well over difficult terrain. It has excellent ground clearance and does not require a lift for most off-road uses. It comes standardard with Goodyear MT tires that afford excellent traction. The 4:1 low range gearing permits this vehicle to attack a 60 degree incline without wheel slippage. The locking front and rear differentials permit travel in the most difficult terrains.

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  So far it is an excellent vehicle - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bananahan - January 21 - 10:25 am

  I have seen reviews with problems on the transmission. The buttery smooth 8 speed (intuitive) transmission in my GC is the finest transmission I have ever driven. (second place would be my Lexus RX) It seems to figure out my driving pattern and go there for me. If I drive sport for a while it holds the gears longer when I go back then quickly returns. I live in VT and the off road is incredible even with the all season tires. You need to know how to drive and where to put the settings. The only thing I have had go wrong is the gas filler door stuck and the dealer fixed it. He said if it did it again they would replace the assembly. The navigation and radio is top shelf. Drives & tracks true.

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  I love my Jeep Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By aliceacta - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep Liberty is a lot of bang for your buck. It has a towing capacity similar to much more expensive and larger vehicles, which was my reason for purchasing this SUV.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By mitch - January 21 - 4:43 am

  I test drove the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Suzuki XL7, and Subaru Forester before I bought my Jeep Liberty. For the money, it was by far the best deal. I went to a Chrysler/Dodge dealership to check out the Dodge Journey, saw the Jeep in the showroom, and it was love at first sight. I didnt even bother to drive the Journey.

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  2011 Jeep Overland - BEST IN CLASS - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By scpharmacist - January 21 - 2:51 am

  Purchased the 2011 Jeep Overland 4X4 in June. Now this is one great car! The stone white exterior with saddle brown interior design make it a standout. Very impressed with the quality of design and features. It came with 20 inch Goodyear Fortera tires and accident avoidance system, parking assistance, collision avoidance cruze control, on board navagation and Sirius FM. The chrome group and full view sunroof are an added value. Jeep really redesigned this car. Looked at competition for months before I decided this car was for me. No regrets at all.

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  Update - still no problems - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By alanbala - January 20 - 10:00 pm

  Purchased 2014 Jeep GC Limited late Oct. 2013. Vehicle built Sept. 2013. 7700 miles, and no problems. Only 1 recall item re: vanity mirror wiring in drivers sun visor. MPG as advertised. Rides, handles & runs very well. We find it very comfortable. Only "real" complaint is paddle shifters are too close to rim of steering wheel. Sometimes when turning wheel quickly, I will accidentally hit paddle shifter and go into manual shift mode. I like the GC Limited, and I see a whole lot of them out there. Can they be as bad as some consumer reviewers say? Not based on my experience.

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  Thanks Son! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Oscar - January 18 - 3:36 pm

  I bought this vehicle after my son suggested it to us. We were trading a 2004 Ford Explorer XLT when my son said check out the Commander. After a test drive and a great dealer price we have a great vehicle that is safe and fun to drive. If it wasnt for my son and his study of the vehicle I was looking at an GMC Envoy. Try this one and you will like it.