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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  Fun to Drive - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By georgeriel01887 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have owned.

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  So much fun - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Wray2702 - February 10 - 12:36 am

  My husband and I just purchased our Patriot about a week and a half ago and we absolutely love it! We were having a hard time finding one that we liked enough to buy, so you may have to be patient. The price was right and I have to say that this is the most fun I have had driving a car in a long time.

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  dont buy a jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By bonny - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Loud noisy engine. Uncomfortable rough bumpy ride. VERY VERY VERY bad brakes for all jeeps, ROTORS are all made inferior as per factory rep.

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  It is certainly not a Honda!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Speedfiend66 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  You cant beat all the offroad options rolled into a low interest loan. Beefy transfercase, differentials, lockers F/R, and still have LSlip for everyday driving and fuel economy. This is the Jeep of Jeeps, dont let anyone tell you different. Building an older Jeep will not be as this turn-key beast.

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  Loving It! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By LINDA - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle started with being treated with respect by the dealership. I was treated well, and walked away with everything I wanted for the price I needed. Knowing you got a great deal helps you to enjoy your vehicle, which I absolutely love. The only feature I am not thrilled with is the gas mileage due to the fact that I commute quite a distance each day to work and gas prices are at an all time high.

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  3rd Jeep & Cherokee Satisfaction - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By davis - February 8 - 1:33 am

  Ive previously owned a 1990 Cherokee and a 2001 Cherokee Sport, both great vehicles. This new Liberty redesign was the perfect fit for my family now and my wife loves it, despite some reviews of it being too masculine. Its a pretty incredible vehicle and the fact that you can get a fully loaded, roomy real Jeep SUV for ~30k is amazing. I was very sad when Jeep discontinued the classic Cherokee in 01, but the new styling, size and features on the Liberty definitely show that it is the real successor to that line.

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  Buyer beware - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By strangely_diff - February 7 - 1:52 pm

  I have owned my jeep wrangler for over a year and it is falling apart. Id wanted a jeep my whole life and finally able to afford one, it was a joke. Chrysler has ruined them in my opinion. Off road, its awesome. Driving on the highway is terrible. The leftover v6 is severely underpowered. 6th gear is useless unless your state is perfectly flat. The major issues I had; death wobble, even a week after the recall was performed to fix, leaking hardtop(common issue, pass side a pillar, water stands under floor mats), and my wireing harnes came apart at the fuse box melting the connector and rendering my ac useless in the Texas summer. Only good for driving in 4-low.

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  Not happy with its reliability.... :-( - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By lnunez - February 6 - 4:03 am

  We owned a 1995 Jeep, we were so pleased with this Jeep we decided to purchase the Commander, without reading up on the reviews. Big mistake, we have been taking the jeep to the dealer because it accelerates at a stop. i feel it has a mind of its own. We also had a problem with the windshield the weather strip unglued and we had to pay for it. Its hard to see at the back window, has too many blind stops. Will be trading it in for a toyota sienna.

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  Love it! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mwar99 - February 5 - 2:04 pm

  I have only had the Overland V8 for a couple of days, but I love it. Got the mineral gray with the saddle leather interior. Best color combination out there. Jeep has done a wonderful job with the new Grand Cherokee. The interior feels like a luxury vehicle. Had a Range Rover Sport until August when the lease was up. I was shopping the LR4, but with the new Grand Cherokee I couldnt justify the price difference. Couldnt justify the maintenance price difference also.

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  Dont believe everything you read! - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dirtydawg84 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck a couple weeks ago. Color is Driftwood/Pearl. 5.2 v8. Automatic O/D Quadra Trac, Up Country Suspension Group, Infinity Gold Sound, All the bells and whistles etc... Very powerful low end torque, Quick! Smokes all other MPVs they cant keep up. Went to the rock quarry where I work and climbed our bulldozer trail with it! As good as my 72 Scout 2 on the climb with all the gadgets! Kids love it, Girlfriend loves it! 18 mpg city/ 24 hwy! 91000 miles, clean. One thing though is that other "SUV" (i hate that term) drivers seem jealous and tend to try and push a guy around! Go figure! Not my fault they have an Explorer or what not!