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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  Cant Go Wrong. - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Robert - December 30 - 3:53 pm

  Looking for a small/mid-size SUV that really is a Sport Utility Vehicle? Theyre are very few choices left, and the Liberty has always been a front-runner. The right combination of Old-School tried and true Jeep four wheeler know-how, and a good helping of modern safety, capability, and convenience additions. Its not my first Jeep, but it is my favorite so far. I have the 2007 Latitude Edition, and love the combinations of features and pricing. Only thing I miss? Mine doesnt have the overhead trip-computer, oh well. Overall a great vehicle. Styling has held up extremely well since the introduction, and if you dont like the "BOX" trend that Jeeps following, get one now while you can.

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  Awesome - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dan - December 30 - 4:50 am

  This is my 5th Wrangler. 1997, 2000, 2004 and a 2006 were all new. I also had a 1995 used. You can no way beat a Wrangler in the snow or off road. The gas mileage has a bit to be desired but its worth it for the fun you have. The 95, 97, 00, all had a 2.5 liter 4 cylinders. great 4 cylinders. The 04 had a 2.4 liter, and I had to downshift on every little slope. The 2.4 lacks a lot compared to the 2.5. My 06, which I bought a week ago. is a 4.0 liter and just screams. It wants to go. The 6 speed tranny is great also. No downshifting anymore. Id recommend a Wrangler to everyone.

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  A Really Fast SUV... - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ARH1956 - December 29 - 10:20 pm

  The 6.1 Hemis 400+ ft lbs of torque, from just off idle, partnered with the superb MB 5-speed automatic assure that theres a constant flow of maximum thrust available. What a hoot to drive. I picked up my GC SRT-8 with 9 miles on it & the first tank averaged 10.5 mpg. Hey, thats better than with my H2, LOL. Yesterday, with 500 miles on my SRT-8 I took a 300 mile trip, 40% @ 70mph ...50% @ 55mph ... with a little in town driving mixed in & averaged 16.4 mpg. Hey, I can deal with that.

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  jeep review - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By hotrodd - December 29 - 10:00 am

  These jeeps rule if your looking for a fun drive anywhere truck. It lacks some room but makes up for it in the fun factor department. I went with a h/t because of mid-west winters. Ive always wanted one and would consider getting another one anyday. Jeep - Theres no substitute!

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  Consumer Reports Hasnt Driven This One! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepman1 - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Before buying my 03 Grand Cherokee Overland, I did my research on SUVs at different websites. I have a special interest with Consumer Reports. They really do not like the Grand Cherokee. I was hesitant about buying one, but test drove the Overland and fell in love. The power in this SUV is awesome! I love the leather, features, and pretty much everything (except the gas mileage). Gas mileage sucks but pretty much all SUVs get sorry gas mileage. I am happy with my purchase, especially with CarMax in Stockbridge, GA. I would not buy from any other dealer!

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  Capable 4x4 Vehicle - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By esantia - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Usefull vehicle good ofroading can take lots of pounding, yet is quite on road. Good acceleration for its weight. Fuel economy is not so great but the difference is not huge since compared with other vehicles with better fuel economy going on incline road or fully loaded the smaller engine (RAV 4) has to over rev to keep up with speed and losses its fuel economy advantage. Very reliable, quite and confortable.

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  Super SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mikeyp53 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic car! Towing is unreal with this. Towed boat from NJ to FL without any problems. Car handled so well I would do it again! Comfortable with tons of room and storage. Gas mileage is pretty good for a V8, much better than my Liberty V6. Id buy it again in a second.

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  Awesome - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ringwold1@gmail.com - December 25 - 4:39 am

  Did a lot of looking around before I bought my trail hawk... On a scale of 1-10 its a 9.9.. The auto start stop feature can get annoying at times but just click the button and it will stop, and the fuel tank has me desiring a few more gallons. Ive put 3000 miles on my baby so far with not an issue.. Very tight on the road and all around has made me a true jeep fan.. Thanks for fixing that transmission issues on last years model, that was the only thing that I was worried about.

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  Ive got my dream - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Cortland Marix - December 24 - 11:03 pm

  All my life Ive dreamed of owning a Jeep Wrangler. Now that I have one Ill never let it go. Its go-anywhere capability is an understatement. I installed a MileMarker winch on it and was actually able to pull out a 12,000 lb. dump truck with a full load! The gas mileage is a small sacrifice for the fun and freedom of this vehicle.

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  This car is amazing - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Jeeperscreepers - December 24 - 5:56 pm

  This car is beautiful. Nice to handle and has a lot of standard options. The stock stereo is nice with 6 speakers. It has a standard: Brake assist, 6 speakers, side air bags, aux. port, and so much more. Its a lot of bang for the buck. It gets great gas mileage. Its like a mini SUV... it looks small on the outside but it is just as big as as any other SUV on the inside.