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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  Run fast from this LEMON!!!!! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By LEMON ANYONE!?!?! - March 27 - 8:03 am

  I fell in love with this truck immediately but after 2 weeks it was in the shop 4xs. 1st the 4x4 needed replacement, 2nd-tire was leaking- pressure light consistently on, 3rd & 4th windows wouldnt stay up and the navigation, cd player and tv all died out and needed to be replaced and STILL was not working! I had the truck for 3 1/2 weeks and it is now back on the dealership lot under the LEMON LAW act...THANK GOODNESS for that! I loved driving it though even if it was only back and forth to the dealership to be fixed! I knew the gas would be an issue but it was worse than my husbands full size Silverado Pickup. Run from this truck. If you decide to go for it get the extended warranty!!

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jackson Lawless - March 26 - 4:20 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 40k miles (currently has 91k). It has needed some small repairs (Idle Control Sensor $127 w/labor, Trasmission Gasket $223 w/ labor), but I drive this vehicle in some very rough conditions.

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  The Anti - Escalade - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Razerman - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The Cherokee is the purest SUV on the road, and is a perfect example of form following function. The Cherokees simple, clean lines make it a handsome standout amongst the gawdy road yachts of today. It accelerates and corners like a roadster, it can pull like a Mack Truck, and it can go through snow like a ski-doo. What a beautiful thing. No DVD players, no navigation systems, no dual climate zones. There is nothing about a Cherokee that distracts you from its purpose. This truck is built to be fun as all heck on the road, and rock steady off the road.

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  Die before buying a Wrangler. - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By James Qwilleran - March 25 - 10:00 am

  We cannot stand this unacceptable car. It is extremely uncomfortable, breaks down often, has cheap interior materials, ghastly fuel economy, and we could go on and on.

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  It pays to do your homework - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Richard Waters - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I did countless hours of research on the internet. Having never bought a "new" car before, I wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into. I just about bought a Ford Escape, but then test drove the Jeep Liberty. Best move I ever made. After driving the Liberty, there was no comparison between the two. The Escapes interior and overall build quality was dismal compared to the Liberty. The build quality of the Liberty seems more akin to the likes of a Mercedes or Lexus (Its that good). Fun to drive and handles great for an SUV. Would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone considering a small SUV.

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  miss my liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By stretchlp - March 25 - 9:49 am

  i bought my liberty used with 140k on it. put 34,000 miles on it in one year (90% highway miles). it always gave me a smooth ride. she was so fun to drive, and so reliable. i had to replace the transfer case, as well as the front differential, but considering i drove in one year what most people do in 3, it was well worth it. sadly, a week after getting it back from the repairs, i flipped her. she did a complete barrel roll, and kept me safe. didnt have a scratch on me, though i wish the same could be said for the jeep. in any event, she kept me safe and was a fun, reliable vehicle, who was capable off-road. i will miss mine dearly, and would HIGHLY recommend one!

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  I Love My Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Grank Cherokee - March 25 - 8:43 am

  I am proud to say that my 2004 Special Edition Jeep, is the 4th Jeep that I have owned. They are reliable, dependable and safe to drive. In 2001 a deer ran in front of me as I was driving 60 miles an hour. If I wasnt driving a Jeep, I think it may have killed me. My Jeep had a lot of front end damage, but my passenger and I walked away fine. My only complaint is the gas mileage.

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  Best Value - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jorge Carlos - March 25 - 7:08 am

  I Have owned a 2011 grand Cherokee which is one of the best vehicles I has ever had so I decided to get a new model. This is still the only SUV that does not looks like a momma SUV

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  Great Fun Vehicle out of the Box - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jethro1964 - March 24 - 1:23 am

  I have been waiting for a stretched Wrangler and here it is and Im impressed. Drives very good and just love the 4 speed auto, the way to go in city traffic. The extra cargo area lets me carry the family and all our stuff without sacrificing comfort.

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  Side airbags may not deploy during roll - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Rubino - March 23 - 1:20 pm

  Ive been a Jeep owner since 1985. Ive loved and trusted them until Jan 2007 when I was sideswiped by a van while traveling 35-40pph on the highway. As the Commander spun, rolled, and violently hit the pavement, the driver seat and the top of the pax seat had no protection from the outter elements. Neither side airbag deployed. It was a horrifying incident which totalled the Jeep. The only life saver safety item that did its job properly was the seat belt. Had I not been wearing the federally mandated basic seat belt I would be dead.