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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  Camo Green 2013 sport-loaded Wrangler - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By aba3 - January 19 - 11:14 pm

  We were looking to replace the Mini(3rd car) As the pleasure of driving it in the warm east coast months with the top down, shifting its precise 6 speed, getting looks because charcoal and black racing stripes (totally hot car package)...was not doing it for us anymore. We wanted a reliable in -case of emrgency (snow) car. Also, something we can put the top down. The sun roof is easy and manual. Looking for just 2 weeks. We drove a 2012 and it was OK. It seemed to be missing a lot of things weve become accustomed to. Than we drove the 2013 and what a difference from the plush seats to the electric windows to the NEW great color-Commander Green.

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  Always Wanted One - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob - January 18 - 7:33 pm

  Its awesome, for a single person, i like it alot, ragtop little noisy, shift good runs good, cant say enough about..2,5 a little doggy but oh while..

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  HEMI 4x4 - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By db1988 - January 18 - 12:36 pm

  After driving a Hummer H2 for several years, it was time for something new. I wanted a V8 4x4 SUV, and debated between a Tahoe and a Grand Cherokee. I am certain I made the right choice with the Jeep. I used to think the h2 was nice to drive, but the Jeep is a whole new experience. Much more comfortable, it has all the options (plus more) that the hummer did, and it is a little easier on gas. I have a fully loaded Laredo (Black on Black), and I could not be happier with the vehicle. It drives exceptionally well, has plenty of power, and looks sharp. It has had a few recalls..no big deal. Take it to the Jeep store and they are happy to take care of it. No major issues at 60k miles.

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  Great Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By navyyard - January 18 - 12:30 am

  One of the best cars I have had during the past 20 years compared to others from Ford, Mitsubishi, Mazda and GM.

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  Great! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike - January 16 - 11:43 pm

  I have been very very happy with my purchase so far. I do not drive all that much but it has been an excellent vehicle. I consistently get 20 mpg hwy and about 17 city. No mechanical problems to report as of yet. This is our 4th jeep and have been really happy.

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  Surprisingly capable - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Tom - January 16 - 11:36 pm

  Bought this new and drove it 200 miles down the front range and then across the San Luis Valley of CO. Next day took it mountain climbing in the San Juans. I call that a break-in! The 4-banger has plenty of oomph for the highways and the passes, and seems to be getting decent mileage (although its too new to really judge). The six-speed tranny combined with lo-range will have you creeping over the rough stuff at less than walking speed, or stirring the gears on the road like youre in a top-down sports car. Only in a Jeep! Comfy seats, good looking all-around, and a steal at the employee price. Affordable, practical, capable, and fun transportation.

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  Best SUV on Market - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By J & C - January 15 - 11:06 pm

  This is our 5th Grand Cherokee. They all seem to get better. We tow the Cherokee behind a 40 foot motorhome and we dont know its there. We have had many people admire this one as the interior is something special. As long as Chrysler keeps this style in production we will keep buying them. We live where there is snow and the full time 4 wheel drive does the job.

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  love my Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Stretch - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing but good to say about my XJ. It is easy to maintain, fun to drive and unstoppable offroad. I only get about 15mpg city but I am also a leadfoot.

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  jeeps rule - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By big dave - January 15 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle has a nice fit inside and out the v6 is very quite compared to the old inline 6 they used in the amc days. it has a car like ride which is a first for a jeep. my old cheeroke sounded like a truck and hopped and skipped down the freeway every time, but it was a very dependable machine it passed many broken down fords in its day

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  Erikas Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By E S Popp - January 15 - 2:00 am

  So far this winter, have been out in the ice and snow three3 times. Th Liberty Performed flawlessly, only wish it came with Bridgestone Revo tires. Really like the style and the solid feel. Compared with the other SUVs its size, I must say that the suspension is a lot more beefier than the other brands. The Honda CRV looks like a toy compared to the Liberty. So far, after 1000 miles I am very pleased with all aspects of my new car. (Especally the heated seats!)