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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  Bring it back!!! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Chris - July 29 - 6:26 pm

  Bought it with 55K, put a clutch in it shortly after due to previous owner. Now has over 130K. Mechanically more reliable than anything on the road, but the body is rusting pretty bad. Only weak points are the saggy rear leaf springs, all you owners know what Im talking about! Relatively cheap aftermarket fix though :) Getting hard to get factory parts for due to Chrysler going haywire.

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  Love my Jeep - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Carolinamama - July 28 - 5:56 am

  I love my Grand Cherokee. I owned a 2002 before this and I am a loyal Jeep customer. I love the way it drives and rides. It is very comfortable for long trips on the highway and short ones in town. I love the way it looks on the outside and inside. The only issues I have with it is that there is a little tire rubbing when I crank the wheel all the way right (doesnt happen when I turn left) and that the transmission seems to struggle for a couple of minutes on a cold morning. Also the gas mileage could be better but what do you expect for a large SUV. I get about 15 miles to the gallon in town and about 22 on the highway. Not too bad I guess

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  Glad we bought it, love the Liberty! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe - July 27 - 6:36 pm

  Three recalls but normal for a new model. Now have over 40,000 miles and no problems at all with it. Fuel consumption is good for the amount of power (16-22) and handles really well in snow. Comfortable for driver and front seat, rear a little tight for large passengers. Watch out for dealers servicing, 3 of them have tried to rip us off on regular maintenance service.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chetster72 - July 27 - 4:46 pm

  This was the first Jeep I had ever purchased. I have been so impressed with the quality and reliability since then, that I have purchased 2 more and kept my original one. They are rugged, comfortable and very reliable. I chose the I6 4.0L motor, it has plenty of power and is one of the most durable ever built.

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  I Love It! - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By TheBitman - July 26 - 10:23 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle! I ordered it from the factory with almost every option, and I havent regretted it at all. It is the most fun to drive, dependable and versatile vehicle I have ever owned. I use it to commute every day, and then use it for working around the property on the weekends. I have driven it in all kinds of weather and it has never let me down. This little truck will go anywhere and do anything!

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  The best vehicle I have ever purchased - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By dealer7 - July 26 - 2:24 pm

  Being 55 years old I have purchased many, many vehicles the Jeep Liberty is by far the best most logical I have ever purchased. The MPG is alot better than advertised, the ride is alot smoother than I expected ,the exterior and interior styling is great. This Jeep is built to last it will most likely last me the rest of my life. I test drove every mid size SUV on the market and found that no other manufacturer comes close to the Jeep Liberty. I let some friends take it for a trip they loved it and are now in the market for one. The Liberty was a great surprise and I am very happy I bought one.

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  Phenomenal Job Chrysler - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By mario52 - July 26 - 12:10 pm

  There is no doubt that this Jeep is the most well Engineered Vehicle, well thought, built with perfection, designed with excellence, has great comfort and great performance. This Jeep will take you about anywhere you want to go. I truly believe that there is not and automobile on the market today from any automaker that has produced such an outstanding vehicle as the Jeep trailHawk. My TrailHawk gets excellent gas mileage, a very smooth ride, and the performance is great. It is my perception that this is the best vehicle of its kind on the road today.

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  Good Stuff - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dublea - July 26 - 10:00 am

  Well, Ive only had it a week, and its our first Jeep but we love it! the only complaint is we have to take it in and get a new windshield put in it because the one that came in it has air bubbles in it... a little disappointed but nothing major and theyll give me something to drive while they do it. Other than that so far its great, drives wonderfully and I personally think the Grand Cherokee is still a sharp design and is one of the best looking SUVs on the road.

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  Best Secret on the Road - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Rob - July 26 - 6:26 am

  If you need an SUV that can handle rough roads and give you a smooth ride there is no questions this is the best. I test drove every other SUV in this size range and above and kept coming back to the Liberty. I own one and have just ordered a second. It is great on the highway, tight cornering in the city and just tackles the rough roads like nobodys business. Ive had my first one through 7, count em, 7 hurricanes in Florida. Deep flooded areas. Into the Everglades, down to the beach. Great to drive, no let me correct that FUN to drive. Ive got over 120,000 miles and just getting another before they change the body style.

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  280000 miles just wont die - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sailingdude - July 26 - 4:30 am

  I bought this jeep with allot of miles cheap. It is the fourth jeep I have owned. Cheap to fix and lots of used parts out there. Cant go wrong if you havnt allot of cash to blow on some over priced ero-trash leather llivingroom. You can still drive it with many things wrong with it then fix it at your own pace. 280k starts and runs great. and the interior is just as good, leather, heated seats, premium sound, comfortable, I can go on.