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 jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By flytyerz - March 28 - 10:00 am

  this is my third jeep, having had a 2000 Cherokee and my wife drives a 2000 Grand and I like this one better than both of those. That is saying alot since both of my other Jeeps have been excellent. My Cherokee was trouble free for 30k miles before I bought my Liberty. I drive many miles on business and love the feel of this vehicle on and off road. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for an SUV

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  The Family Version of the CJ-7 - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Chesapeake Liberty - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Liberty since Oct. and currently have 18k miles on it. Finally took it off-road about a month ago, and boy are the reviews correct. This vehicle handled suprisingly well and with its footprint, you can basically hit any trail you desire. I use to own a 1986 CJ-7 (wish I still had it), and as of today I am 90% confident that my Liberty can go wherever I use to take my CJ. I still need to upgrade to larger tires and most likely will install the Rustys Off-Road 2.5" lift when new tires are needed. If you are in the market for a cute-ute, look elsewhere, but if you want an Off-road capable vehicle, go with the LIberty - you will not be disappointed.

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  LOVE MY NEW JEEP PATRIOT - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By CINDY COTE - March 26 - 8:42 pm

  This is a great car. LOVE IT. And really had a great buying experience at Tacoma Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep.

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  The best SUVs ever built. - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By don humes - March 26 - 7:06 am

  Ive had since new . now has 225,000 miles nothing replaced but radiator and faded roof rack. 4.0 liter drives and runs like when new.

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  VW bug to a jeep - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By sk_jo11 - March 26 - 4:57 am

  Most amazing car!!! I cannot convey to you how amazing this car is. It is perfect for everything. I use it driving to work and get 28-30 to the gallon on mixed roads with hills. 24-26 In town. And up to 36 on the highway but usually 32 on a trip. Millions of features and you can customize your dash. Tons of room. most comfortable seats since my 1991 chrysler new yorker. I am telling you this is SO worth it. The remote start and heated seats in cold weather is the best. Heated cloth seats was the best invention ever!!! Yes brand new so there will be problems. Not only brand new car but brand new model. My fog light sticks on, but dealer will fix it. I love this car it is the best investment.

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  Better - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Bill - March 26 - 12:56 am

  From the professional reviews I read I didnt expect a lot. But the consumer reviews were all good. I had a liberty before this put 203000 miles on it and still loved it. She still looked good ran well but was starting to have tranny problems. So I took a patriot for a test drive and fell in love. The dealer was great and wanted to really sell it to me. But I wanted to test drive some of the competition. The competition were all beautiful SUVs if you want to call them that they drove like cars. A Jeep is made for a special person once that ride gets in your system there is nothing else that can satisfy. They are great vehicles and probably will be the only vehicles I own.

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  My first Jeep - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Mark - March 25 - 5:56 pm

  I have owned several SUVs and this one is by far better than any of them. Very comfortable to drive and very quiet on the highway. I bought this Jeep for its gas mileage, so far not as good as I hoped for but it only has 600 miles on it. A few things I dont understand is why it didnt come with cruise control? 6 disk CD and Sirius satellite but no cruise. Jeep needs to rethink there power packages. Also why no aux outlet for the more expensive radio? So far I love this Jeep!

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  I like it - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By markesmith - March 24 - 2:00 am

  A giant leap up in satisfaction from the 1998 Mercury Mountaineer I had. Fun to drive and I am very happy with my purchase

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  2006 Jeep Liberty Sport - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By xc guy - March 23 - 2:30 pm

  I have had this vehicle for three months and am very satisfied. Good power and smooth operating engine and transmission. Excellent heater and a much better radio than I had expected. So far, a very good winter vehicle.

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  Wranglers are now practical! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By RLawson - March 22 - 3:00 am

  The new 4 door Wranglers drive as smooth as cars on the highway, features incrdible upgrades as far as interior design and space are concerned, and gets much improved gas mileage from the older Wranglers (about 360miles to a tank). I have nearly 5000 miles on my Jeep and have not had any problems. For my third Jeep vehicle this is by far the best.