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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  Jeep Renegade Worst Auto ever - 2017 Jeep Renegade
  By St. Clair mellard - October 24 - 8:13 am

  The rare post from me: I’ve owned 20 plus cars and had at least that many rentals. The Jeep Renegade is by far, no question, hands down, the absolute worst vehicle. From mpg to comfort to transmission to clicky oil sounds when all gauges and dip stick say it’s full. It’s under powered which explains part of the mpg fiasco (I got better mileage in an F250). But the worst, pull your hair out it’s so frustrating, is the Radio/Nav. The console does this weird press the up arrow to go down in the menu - thought that was quirky during the test drive - but the Radio/Nav....If its not getting you lost, it’s playing music from some random station you didn’t pick. And it has this Love/hate relationship with my smart phone: it loves to place random calls when you plug in and hates when you would rather listen to radio while plugged in. Just stay away from this poorly designed, from top to bottom, inside and out, 2017 Trail Rated Jeep Renegade. This is the worst (add expletives) automobile in the universe

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  Go Anywhere - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By go offroad - October 24 - 4:26 am

  To have a car that can take our family (husband, wife and 2 kids) around town comfortably, but then be able to go off-road and conquer the hills of Kentucky and Tennessee in Jeep Jamborees makes me one of the happiest consumers on the road. There is no better SUV for the price that will give you that type of adrenalized off-roading capabilities and still be civilized enough for day to day. If I had a dollar for every Wrangler owner that was amazed at the rock climbing, water crossing, mud playing, and hill climbing pass I made, I could have my Liberty payed for! I just wish it got better mileage. Maybe the Diesel is in my future.

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  great vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By brise31503 - October 24 - 1:03 am

  This is my first Jeep. I was a little hesitant to but one but I have always been a Dodge fan so I figured Jeep has been around for a while and got my compass I am very very satisfied more so than any other vehicle I have owned and I have owned about 15 so the compass has by far exceeded my expectations on long trips and just for fun even with the family and my mother who only likes Cadillac she loves my compass and is thinking of buying one I will be a repeat Jeep customer. No problems with my Jeep have over 65,000 miles on it on and off road very versatile...... Jeep has done it and I am proud to say I am happy with my vehicle

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  Rugged - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By EMTSquad51 - October 23 - 9:40 pm

  I always wanted a Jeep Cherokee growing up, finally got one and Ive been loving it ever since! With two kids and a wife, this is a very comfortable ride on the 450 mile round trip to the in laws house we take about 4-5 times a year. Goes excellent in the snow and mud. At 100,250 miles, still going strong and havent had any problems.

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  Original Owners Issues - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By wllmmddltn - October 22 - 4:03 pm

  OK, the Jeep looks fantastic, drives solid, stable and lots of power, theres plenty of options, just a sound design, could get better mileage. But now that Ive had it 7 years and 95,000 miles things are breaking. Weve had the window fall off the mechanism, and the heavy shudder in the breaks but electrically, no issues and had a tow hitch added. But the AC system melted and was $1500 to repair. Now the steering box is out and another $1200. So yeah, Id call this a higher than average vehicle to maintain cost wise.

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  My first Jeep - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By 09JPX - October 21 - 7:26 pm

  I have always wanted to buy myself a Jeep. I finally got a job where I could afford to get what I wanted. Although it is a much different driving experience than my Honda Accord, it is so much more fun to drive. I have taken it off roading just once so far. Waiting for summer to take the top off and keep it off. And I also would like to do some upgrades to it. It is taking me a while to get used to all the gas that it guzzles, but it is a JEEP. Looking forward to driving up into the mountains for fishing and camping this summer. All in all, I am very happy with my purchase.

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  great car! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cheryl graham - October 21 - 10:00 am

  i have enjoyed the car immensely! great for hauling kids & stuff. no major problems. my only issue has been service related. some sort of dealership rearrangement took place and all jeeps were moved from performance to dwanye lane. i have not been particularly impressed with either dwayne lane or town & country service centers. since performance still has jeep proficient service people - i take all non warranty issues to them. all of their service people have been incredibly gracious. their hours are much better, they provide pickup & dropoff driver service & facilitate rentals cars if needed. the only thing that they no longer do is car washing!

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  2001 Jeep - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ryan Wells - October 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a good vehicle. I wish it was a little more quiet. Also, it is rough, running and idleing. Power and handeling is wonderful.

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  jeep 2001 - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By ludovico - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I like my Jeep because it is reliable and fun to drive. It performs exceptionally well off road. The downside is the four cylinder is sluggish at times going up a steep grade on a roadway. A solid vehicle otherwise.

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  My JEEP Liberty Sport - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Micah - October 20 - 11:23 pm

  My Jeep Liberty has been a great vehicle. The overall exterior design is very sleek I think. The interior is very comfortable. It handles great with six cylinders and 4X4. Its a very fun vehicle to drive on the highway or offroad!