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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  Love my jeep - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By freeze does it - July 1 - 10:06 pm

  I love my Commander. The hemi is outstanding and just took it on a trip of 1000 miles and actually got great gas mileage when i wasnt gunning it. I got in mixed driving 17.5 mpg which was great for how much truck you drive. I have a fully loaded one and i love the nav and back up camera and the dealer i bought it from is great. I have bought jeeps before and I will continue to support the brand!

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  been a good rig - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jimsjeep1 - July 1 - 5:12 pm

  I Bought this Jeep in 2005 brand new. It has been reliable and fun to drive. I drive about 35000 miles a year and this vehicle has served me well. I only took it to the dealer a few times and the rest of the time the local oil change place. It has 201,000 miles on it and I am going to trade it in for something that gets better mileage. No major problems. Maybe they run better when you run the heck out of em!

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  Really Impressed with this New Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By NewJeepGirl - July 1 - 12:46 pm

  I just purchased a Patriot-traded my 05 Xterra after it started leaking oil at 23K. Really like the Patriot-great combo of family utility, 4WD, and roominess for a reasonable price. Impressed with the sticker gas mileage. Was able to get a moonroof, outside temp guage and tire pressure monitor for under 21K. Im really glad Jeep still offers a 5 speed. So tired of getting auto trannys crammed down my throat! Jeep offers a lot of bang for the buck-for those who want a roomy family friendly 4WD, take one for a test drive-youll be suprised! I couldnt believe all of the features it has for the money. Cant beat the lifetime powertrain warrenttee. Extending the bumper 2 bumper isnt 2 expensive

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  Fun to drive and reliable too - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Girl - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Well keep in mind that a Jeep Wrangler is supposed to be loud, noisy, bumpy, and not aerodynamic!! Its not meant to go 75 mph uphill, its an off road vehicle. Though Ive never had a problem going around 65 uphill on the highway and mine is a 2.5L 4cylinder. I love the fact that I know that Ill drive through any weather condition. Ive dealt with eight inches of snow, ice, and really heavy rain with quarter inch hail stones. I love the interior, sound bar, and soft top roof that comes down so easy. I dont think Ill ever drive anything but a Jeep Wrangler.

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  Good, Solid Car - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ryan111 - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Never have had any problems with this vehicle. Runs great and fun to drive

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  Riley - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kathy - June 29 - 11:46 pm

  Town driving - also road trips of 200 miles one way. All maintenance has been done at the dealership of purchase. Oil changes every 2000 miles. Tires rotated and balanced every 10,000. Garaged. Bathed and waxed regularly.

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  great jeep - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By tene1028@yahoo.com - June 29 - 11:04 pm

  I jus purchased my new baby 3/30/16 brand spankin new fresh off the show room floor this is my first mini truck I use to drive a scion. 2010 long story short I am loving the jeep life smooth ride very comfy just right for some whose 26 no kids

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  Love My Liberty! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Jennifer - June 29 - 9:23 am

  I bought my Liberty Sept. 07 and have been in love with it ever since. Previously I had a Ford Focus which I disliked and wanted something bigger and better in the snow since I live in PA. It drives great in the snow and on anything you throw its way. Quick on the highway. Approx. 20 mpg which isnt awful but it would be nice if it was better. Im not sure why people complain about the window controls. I had a Mercedes and they were in the same place. I like them there since the driver and passenger can control them. Comfortable driver seat. So much fun to drive. Ill never own anything other than a Jeep.

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  Review - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By chez - June 28 - 11:43 pm

  This is the second Jeep I have owned. By far the best ride, but there are too many Plastic parts (i. e. the skid plate, grill, and door interior). I improved my mileage by 3 mpg and horsepower by 23 with after market products. Great off road performance. A joy to drive.

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  so far, so good - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Peter - June 28 - 10:06 pm

  I have only had my car for a month now. I am pretty happy with it so far. Its a fun car to own and to drive. I was very disappointed to find that the 20 mpg was a dream that I would never reach. I really hated my car in the beginning because of the terrible service of my dealer. I am still trying to get over it and not blame the car. This car is definitely not a car to be driven above 75 mph.