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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  Its a Jeep thing: Most dont understand - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By motordude - September 24 - 7:03 pm

  First of all, this is the best vehicle I have owned and my 7th Jeep. Some vehicles just "fit" and some dont. This really fits well. The engineers did well with seat comfort, equalizing armrest height and control placement to make for a great experience. The best news: It looks like a Jeep, it drives like a Jeep and it feels like a Jeep, not a Lexus and fortunately not Toyota. I love the Skyslider, mine is quiet because they performed the TSB and installed a new bow. The ESP is amazing. I live in snow country in western New York and I rarely use the 4WD since ESP and all-speed traction control are so effective. I hope the Jeep brand and feel arent diluted in the future.

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  Versatile - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Corey - September 24 - 7:40 am

  This has been my first Jeep product, mostly because I couldnt justify the cost and narrow field of use with my young family, until the 4 door Unlimited! I love the room and versatility of this vehicle, the gas mileage is a little scary (about 22 miles to the gallon) but better than youd expect on this type of vehicle. Very good stereo and surprisingly quiet cab. Over all: I love it!

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  Great Jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By shobbs64 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had this Jeep for less than two months. It will make its own road in the snow (off road 12" deep up hill with ease), climbs hills with ease,it is awesome off road. It has all the extras that I wanted to put in my older Wrangler, Locking axles, great sound, Coil springs (awesome ride). Who needs an H2, When you could have this awesome Jeep Rubicon! It will go anywhere! With cash left over to buy a winch, trail rack etc.

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  Fun in a Jeep! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By c.ramsey - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Most fun you can have with your clothes on (well that is oppional).

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  50 - 50 - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Craig Erhard - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Here is the real truth about Jeep Wranglers. Either you love them the second you sit in it and you never want to get out, or you hate it. This vehicle isnt made for everyone, and that is why I love mine so. Dont listen to all the stories about Wranglers flipping. The only reason Wranglers flip is because of irresponsible drivers. This is not a sports car or sedan, so dont drive them that way and you will be fine! Give a wrangler a try, I LOVE MY WRANGLER!

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  RENEGADES ARE AWESOME - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Alison - September 21 - 10:00 am

  THANK YOU JEEP FOR PUTTING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION IN A LOADED VEHICLE!!! Rides great and accelerates like a scalded cat. Now make us something bigger!

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  Jeep - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By blrudolph - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Great, reliable vehicle.

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  Jeep Libert, One Tough Mother of a SUV - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Optimus Prime - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I just recently purchased my Jeep Liberty and I look forward everyday to driving it. It is as much fun on road as it is off. I recommend buying only 4x4 though. Why buy a 4x2 Jeep? Thats like a three legged horse. Anyways, the 4cyl has plenty of power at 150hp. The only trick is to shift at 3000rpm or higher. Overall, I am ecstatic about owning my Jeep Liberty. Much better than my old truck. I almost forgot. The stereo system was suprisingly great. I dont need to add anything except a CD changer.

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  Good choice - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Ramon Davantes - September 19 - 10:21 am

  Better than any of my past SUV

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  Awsom - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By snoopy31t - September 19 - 6:42 am

  I now have 534 miles on my 2015 GC Overland and love it. The only thing I forgot to request when I ordered it was a CD player. I ordered my GC, exactly as what I wanted, from the dealer, and I thought a CD was a standard feature but it isnt and must be ordered separately. However the Satellite Radio more than compensates for it. With the SD slot that it has perhaps songs can be recorded and played through it. I am still checking that out. Otherwise I am very well satisfied with my Overland and it came to the dealer in less than a month and is EXACTLY as I ordered it.