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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  great fun - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By jrainsa - May 30 - 1:56 pm

  fun to drive, a bit noisy w/ soft top..but who cares!! its fun!! AND I GET LOTS OF LOOKS FROM OTHER DRIVERS..ITS GREAT

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  One Bad Mud Machine - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brandon - May 30 - 5:46 am

  Great stock but better with 4 inch suspension lift, 6 KC lights, and 33X12.50 mud terrains. We bought it used with 2,000 miles on it. Use it everyday and even in mud holes on the weekends. Once we get a "family" SUV were going to keep adding on. Its a Jeep thing, some people will never really understand.

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  Jeep Trifecta - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By MissBailey - May 29 - 8:40 pm

  Bought this new in 99 and we love it. This was to replace my car and after test drives of others kept coming back to the Cherokee, we had bought a used 90 Cherokee in 91 that my husband used for work. When we decided to replace the 90 my husband went looking for another and we now have a 2000 Sport Cherokee. These are all going strong and shouldnt need to replace for years. The 99 gets the most mileage now as I have to travel for my job but at 130K it should last until retirement. The 90 still gets lots of use at the beach, when the kids need there cars fixed, still going strong. Bring them back Jeep, there is nothing quite like this SUV.

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  Everything I expected - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By Clevo19191 - May 28 - 1:36 am

  I think people really need to have realistic expectations. You dont buy a Commander to go off roading in. You buy a wrangler for that. If you want a comfortable, powerful family car, then this is what you buy. I love me Jeep and I enjoy driving in it.

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  Great New Liberty - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By JeepinMatt - May 25 - 9:13 am

  I grew up with a Cherokee and wanted another Jeep for myself. We still have the Cherokee with almost 130,000 miles. This 08 Liberty is my first truck - a great 4WD, go anywhere vehicle. Already have over 3000 on it. Was great in the snow this past winter - looking forward to taking it out west this summer.

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  My jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Tom - May 24 - 5:46 am

  Have never enjoyed a vehicle so much as this. Expected some lack of convenience, but it is such a fun vehicle that it makes up for any shortcomings.

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  More Fun Than You Ever Thought Possible! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By coolbreezesd5555 - May 19 - 11:23 pm

  I love my Jeep SRT8. I own a number of pricey vehicles and more times than not, I choose my SRT8 Jeep. It is so powerful, quick, with a great sound! I love to throw my bike in the back and head to the mountains or beach - fast! Its fun, its affordable and its rare. By the way the seats are the most comfortable I have ever enjoyed in a vehicle under $100K. Buy it now, before the Feds find out how much fun we are having!

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  Our 6th Grand Cherokee - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By festone - May 17 - 1:53 pm

  Everything considered - this is far and away the best GC that we have ever owned. The 2004 Overland that we traded in was great - but this one really shines. The design and build quality seem far superior than previous years. The engine - although thirsty at almost all speeds - is responsive and relatively quiet for its size. We had 34" of snow during December and the Jeep navigated the hills and drifts with ease. Far better in fact than our Wrangler. The MyGig Nav system / audio is great.

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  My 2005 Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Avenger923 - May 17 - 5:56 am

  First of all, I am 24 and this is my first SUV. My Jeep rides very smooth. I chose the V6 model due to rising gas costs (I was used to the gas economy of a 2001 Honda Accord EX). So far, I am still in love with this SUV. Most of my driving is done on the HWY, so Im not too upset at the fuel economy. I get around 21MPG on the HWY and in the city and it can dip to about 17MPG. The AC blows great in the summertime. The engine does sound good when revved. I have noticed a little sputtering from time to time.

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  2016 Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary Edition - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sheryl - May 17 - 12:12 am

  Ive owned my Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary Edition for 2 weeks and I LOVE it! I have never owned a jeep before- in fact I am comparing it to three Toyotas I have owned previously. The ride is smoother, cabin quieter, and gas mileage is equal to our 2011 RAV 4. I drive during the week mostly on the highway but do not find the EES annoying when in town. The Bluetooth sound quality is clear and easy for both parties to hear. I am happy with my purchase and have no buyers remorse. I hope to say I will be one of those dedicated Jeep owners that can brag about 200,000 miles and still be going strong.