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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  Dependable & Fun - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepn - January 17 - 5:20 am

  We purchased our Jeep used from dealership 2002. Replaced heater blower switch, regular maint.always completed, repainted wheel flares. Vehicle mileage 91051. Runs great, no problems, very dependable. Handles great on highway and snow. Easy to put into 4WD. Love driving it. Just purchased another Wrangler, 4 door model this time, kept 2 door model for fun.

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  35 years as a Jeep customer - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Steven McCrate - January 15 - 1:10 pm

  I have owned Jeep Wranglers since 1974 and I have yet to be disappointed in any way. I have owned 8 all together and at the present time Im in a 2008 Wrangler Sahara. I dont work for Chrysler, so I dont get employee discounts, and I still buy Jeeps. I feel safe and free to travel at any time in any weather that the Michigan climate can dish out. My job depends on me showing up for work every day bad weather or not. And my Jeep Wrangler gives me this feeling. I know what to expect and what not to expect from a Wrangler, same as you would from a Corvette or a pickup truck. I am very pleased with all my jeeps and I at the age of 60 years old I dont plan on any changes. Thank you.

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  Great price and great mileage - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By spudboy - January 15 - 12:20 pm

  I bought my Jeep Patriot at the end of June and I love it! Since it is brand new I have not seen anything wrong with it. The Patriot is very comfortable, seems durable, and is fantastic for its price. This jeep has only a few minor problems, nothing that will cost money either. I recommend this to anyone that wants a jeep or anyone who wants an SUV that doesnt guzzle gas.

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  2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee is Superb! - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dgsatl - January 15 - 7:02 am

  I had my concerns about purchasing a new 2015 model after reading reviews about the 2014, but Im so glad I have the faith to move forward! Ive been driving my 2015 JGCherokee and its the most enjoyable vehicle Ive had in a long, long time. Please note that the on-board computer system does not work well with wi-fi, and youll have to leave any I phones wi-fi setting in the off position, otherwise, you will encounter some computer, Siri, volume not turning off-stuck etc. This freaked me out at first and thought the 2014 issues had not been resolved, but this was the culprit for me. Anyway, the car is a dream and I love it, love it, love it! Just wanted to write these details.

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  Little Jeep with an Attitude - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By mark breese - January 11 - 10:29 pm

  Bought this for daughter who will be on job sites in construction (the VW bug wasnt going to cut it). Best of all worlds for a young kid. Can and will climb the mountains. Can cross the river if needed (patriot and others fail). Trailhawk is only way to go. while she wont (hopefully) be doing the big off-road courses... hmmm i cant wait to do the off-road adventures. You must get with removeable top. Very in jeep mode. and the easter eggs are everywhere and deserved. This... is written by an Audi/Mercedes owner who is now seriously hunting real Jeeps.

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  my new 2011 g c laredo - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By donald46 - January 11 - 4:51 am

  bought it last week. i am so amazed. this baby is SWEET! and the horses. juat a tap and a lil push and you are there! and its a 6 cyl. iam old school and i know what hp is. the features are just unbelievable. ive spent on n off 4 days now still reading and learning them. almost as iam going to the moon! the comfort and everything else gets an a+ i love it. Don from Colorado Springs CO

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  Another Great Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By scbynog - January 10 - 10:00 am

  It is an all in one package for any man with luxury and outdoors in mind. Lots of horsepower and torque. Quadra-Trac II is exceptional and extremely responsive. I am dying to take it offroad, though.

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  Great! And the Top Comes Off LOL! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dallas - January 9 - 1:40 pm

  The ride is nothing what I expected from a Jeep!I have looked at every convertible that they make and just went by to LOOK at the Jeeps and after I drove it, I signed the papers the minute I stepped out of it! I absolutely LOVE my new Jeep! It is a beautiful piece of equipment and very easy to handle as well! My son is already calling dibs when he starts driving! So I am the coolest mom in town LOL! I have not yet taken it off road, but I definitely plan on driving it up and down the beach!

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  Do not recommend - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Disappointed - January 8 - 10:00 am

  We bought this Jeep Sept. 15 last year and it is now Oct. 4 of the following year. One month after we bought it the engine light came on, when we took it in they had to replace both catalytic converters. Last month the engine light came on again and they said one of the converters was bad so they replaced it, the day after we got it back the light came back on and they had to replace the other one again. The next day after we got it back the light came on again and they had to replace the oxygen sensor, then we got it back and sure enough the light came on again the next day so I took it to another shop who told me that I need either an oxygen sensor or my catalytic converters are bad again.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel Review - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By FrankW - January 6 - 10:06 pm

  Todays diesels are nothing like yesteryear. They are fast, clean, quiet and efficient. I average 27 mpg with my mostly highway driving. Acceleration can give you *whiplash* About half of the local service stations sell diesel fuel and there is never a line to get at the pump. Im extremely happy about switching to diesel. Hybrids are good if you live in the city with stop and go traffic. For suburbanites, diesel is the smart thing to do. Hey -- if worse ever came to worse, I could burn old french fry oil. :-)