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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  Second Jeep Liberty - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By firehawkmph - December 11 - 5:46 pm

  After having one of the first Jeep Libertys when they came out in 01, we decided to trade it in on a new 09 Liberty. My wife racked up just shy of 100k trouble-free miles on the first one. After considering other vehicles like the Honda CRV and Subaru Forester, I liked the Liberty the best. The new one has quite a few refinements and improvements over the old one. The vehicle has more interior room, rides better, and is quieter also. Still has the rugged 4WD drive that Jeep is noted for. It may not get the gas mileage of the CRV or Subaru, or doesnt quite have the car-like ride, but I didnt buy it to be a car. Its a REAL 4WD, not a cutesy wanna be. It will go through about anything.

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  my jeep feelings - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dave hartung - December 9 - 2:00 am

  what can I say, I love my Jeep

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  Liberty is Awesome!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Smack7t - December 9 - 2:00 am

  The jeep had the best feel to it by far. It drives like a Jeep yet has a refined element to it. The size is perfect, not to big, not to small like the Rav4. Everything about the interior is absolutely AWESOME!!! And the styling is the best of the small SUVs by far. Its easily the funnest SUV to drive. Drive one and youll see what I mean. I purchased the G-package and my total cost for the package was around $2700 and then it had a $1600 manufactures rebate. Not to mention the $1500 rebate on all Libertys. If youre in the market for a small SUV but dont want an SUV that is too small, buy this one! I cant say enough good things about it!

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  Get Your Own!!!!! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Lenchud - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I wont let my wife drive this vehicle. Im afraid she wont want to drive her car anymore, its that good. This is the best small/mid-size SUV out there. The CRV, Rav-4, Escape are merely glorified station wagons compared to this vehicle. If you prefer the former to the latter, stay away from this Jeep. If you want the real deal in an SUV, GET YOUR OWN!!!!!! Fully equipped with leather, ABS, sunroof, and the slickest interior around, it cost only $25738, which is more affordable than my wife. I may get rid of her, but I think Ill keep the Lib!

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  2018 Cherokee Overland - Im in Love - 2018 Jeep Cherokee
  By Deb Mielke - December 7 - 7:52 pm

  Had a 2015 Cherokee Limited, and liked it, but the 18 Overland is a real winner. Quieter, smoother, better seats. And I love the safety tech and the way the 4x4 sits up on the road. Happy, happy owner.

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  Nice vehicle - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Tad - December 7 - 2:56 pm

  Just bought the Freedom Drive II off- road version a week ago and took it on a camping trip near Moab, Utah. Didnt do any offroading, just rough dirt roads, and the Patriot did great. It got 25-26 mpg on the highways and had no problems cruising at 75 and handling the hills on I-70. We had been using a minivan for these camping trips and were pleasantly surprised that we could pack all that stuff into the Patriot as its a smaller vehicle. We have no complaints about the Patriot and that is saying something for us as we tend to be rather picky about vehicles. So this is now our camping mobile and were very happy with the purchase.

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  much improved wrangler - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brian - December 7 - 12:53 am

  I have owned two other wranglers in the past, the latest being an 01. This one blows the other away. The exterior, as always, is beautifully designed. The interior has more leg and hip room than the previous generation, and the soft top is remarkably quiet. I just took this on a 150 mile mostly highway trip, (in some nasty wind)and wind noise wasnt that bad at all. It did sway a bit in high winds, but that is to be expected.

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  Attach Stuck vehicles here! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chewy12 - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1996 jeep grand cherokee it is a 5.2l beast that puts trucks to shame. Goes any where anytime and always kills the competition. I have over 216k miles on her but all she needed so far is a water pump and some some new axle bearings. transfer case was never shifted into low until i got her at 200k miles some lil old lady had never taken her to play around in the dirt. transfer case is an achilles heel but works great if you take care of it. Tows great, sounds like a beast, does better of road than tradition cjs and tjs im always pulling those out of mud. Some beefy tires and a cold air intake give it some traction and better power and fuel economy.Who needs roads when you have a jeep

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  Latitude with Attitude - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Patriot Lover - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 2009 Sentra SR on this great Jeep. So far, I have been very pleased. It feels big and safe, It is quiet and smooth, the engine is a tad noisy when cold, but when up to operating temperature, its fine. This is my first Jeep and the quality of the interior, paint, and fit/finish is FAR better than the Sentra. The CVT is much better too, the Sentra moaned. I love the ride, ride height, adjustable seat, interior color and wheels. It is a very good-looking vehicle. I think of it more as a wagon than an SUV, MPG was 26 on last trip. I would hope it gets better as the motor breaks in. I enjoy the heated seats, Satellite radio, and Remote start! I hope to have this one a long time!

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  2000 Grand Cherokee LTD Makes the Grade - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kidrocxx - December 3 - 2:00 am

  With its good sound system, and sun roof it is an excellant driving vehicle in both winter driving and summer use, in Nebraska