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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  2005 Grand Cherokee Limited - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By joe - June 13 - 4:33 am

  I have been driving Grand Cherokee Limiteds since 1994 and they have come a long way. They are built better and quieter and handle extremely well. The Limited is luxurious and extremely comfortable yet amazingly responsive. The vehicle is smooth, responsive and extremely comfortable but still gives the driver the feedback and general feel of a sport utility to make the drive fun and non limo like. The off road experience is second to none for those who like to drive off of the asphalt sometimes. Great vehicle for Drivers and their families too! Generally

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  Owner - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By correacr - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Love it. Gas is an issue at moment...only complaint

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  LOVE MY JEEP - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Qhristion - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall is a great Jeep! I enjoy having the top and doors off during the summer. Its good on gas and has good power. The ride is very good for a jeep as many friends told me. It has great power and very good on gas. Great car for the outdoor type!

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  Once You Drive It, Youll Love It! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By senseidave - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep Liberty today (20 July 2004) and I already put over 100 miles on it. The ride is solid and the feel is very good. Visibility is exceptional with clear views from all sides. I found the seats to be a little uncomfortable especially on the thighs. It feels as though more support is needed in the sides of the lower seat cushion. The lumbar support is just fine. The glove box is VERY small; I couldnt even fit the owners manual package in it! Aside from these minor deficiencies, I love the Jeep! I feel like Im in command of a truly well-built machine. The engine efficiency could be better but thats the price you pay for wanting this kind

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  I Love my Jeep Patriot! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By jmichaels531 - June 9 - 2:33 am

  The Jeep Patriot is by far the best automobile purchase I have ever made. For the price, I am getting much more than I paid for the vehicle. The seats are very comfortable; I love the chrome details on the dash and other interior components; the stereo system is top notch, and, contrary to the model review, the engine is quiet and hums along at a steady pace, giving me an unheard of 30 mpg. I was not looking for a large SUV - I wanted better mileage than it would offer - so I am pleased with the cargo space and especially appreciate the rear 60/40 seat split for carting around furniture, snowboards, bikes, and even my Dalmatian.

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  Jeeps are it! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By rjv565 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This is an incredable SUV. You certainly get your moneys worth. I looked at comparable SUVs (XTerra, Escape) and to get the same options in those cars, it would have cost me between 3 and 5 thousand extra. The car is solid, rides great and has alot of power.

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  Syracuse to OC 12/19-22/09 - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By geeo - June 8 - 1:20 pm

  I bought this as a car for my daughter in SU in New York State, I live in California. We got a great deal with a lifetime power train warranty all for 14 new. My daughter wanted good snow and rain and a great radio with a aux socket for her I pod. On December 19 the we set out on a cross country trip. I could have shipped the car and her stuff but that was estimate 1400.00 the gas all 3345 miles was 184.81 adv 18.9 mpg. We drove through the largest snow storm in virginia has seen in 59 years. The Compass plowed through great. It knew how to adjust the traction for optimum mpg. We had the stock 17" Tires on it,no chains. This car is for the young at heart It is a great deal simple controls!

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  Awesome diesel technology and advanced safety tech - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mark Vikse - June 7 - 9:27 pm

  I researched all luxury SUVs and have owned Lexus, BMW, Chevy, Acura, and Nissan in the past. This diesel GK Overland High Altitude model is amazing! Has more high tech and safety and infotainment features than all the competitors at a better price point. Love the torque, acceleration and great gas mileage and towing abilities and FCA makes by far the best and most intuitive U Connect infotainment system out there. I read all the negative reviews on here regarding the issues w the diesel and 8 speed tranny on the 2014, but these have been fixed on the 15, 16 models. Go buy one, you wont be disappointed and I love the adaptive cruise control and collision warning, etc.... Great SUV!

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  Great Buy - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Kris B - June 7 - 10:00 am

  An all around great vehicle and absolutely exceptional for the price! The cargo area is huge and it rolls over curbs and potholes like they arent even there. There is no question I will buy another one when this one wears out. (as long is gas is not $10/gal)

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  Luv it - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By ugafan - June 7 - 7:40 am

  I just got my Jeep Liberty and I love it. There are a few drawbacks but nothing enough to have swayed me to another vehicle. The gas mileage is about the only bad thing I can say about my Liberty. It looks great, is fun to drive and it is a Jeep.