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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  Jeep Wrangler - 2017 Jeep Wrangler
  By Adam Brunson - May 6 - 7:00 am

  This is a solid vehicle that holds its value. However, because of its popularity, there is less room to negotiate the price. The best I could do was $3,600 of MSRP. In the end, I feel that I got a great vehicle at a fair price.

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  Latitude V6 - Very Nice - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By jrh0623 - May 6 - 3:06 am

  Purchased a 2014 Latitude V6 with the 8.4A screen, added the Nav upgrade and the 9 speaker/sub/amp option. Also splurged for the V6. This was purchased for my teenage daughter, so when shopping for a small/mid SUV, coolness was definitely at the top of the list. This was the only SUV that she liked and we looked at the Escape, CRV, Rogue, Rav4, CX-5. In her eyes, none of them matched the design or styling that appealed to my teenager. I was a little disappointed that the only way to get a rearview camera, garage door buttons and a n auto-dimming rearview mirror was to upgrade to a $2000 package. I remember when these were standard features on a mid-level trim vehicle.

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  Red Lady Bug - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Ashley - May 6 - 12:47 am

  I purchased my Jeep Renegade after totaling my Honda Civic, and while we test drove several suvs this one we fell in love with. Its sporty, functional, and for having a kid it works great for us. The dealership we purchased it from was very helpful and gave us a great price on it as well. So far I have only had one issue with the rear back door lock, but the dealership got it taken care of in a timely manner. Overall I love this vehicle and the look of it.

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  Horrible ! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By shanam - May 4 - 11:58 am

  My Liberty has 70k miles on it. I had to replace my entire shifter, A/C compressor, torque converter, 3 window regulators, and now my jeep was stuck in park and is in the early stages of transmission failure. VERY upsetting ! This was my first and last American car

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  Loving my Jeep - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By 2014blackjku - May 4 - 4:35 am

  I have a bare bones 6spd hardtop Wrangler Unlimited and I love it. After owning a S2000 for 10 years, I decided I needed a new vehicle for my expanding family. I wanted a convertible, I needed to seat more than 2 people and I wanted something that can get me up the hill to my house in the snow. The Jeep is the only car on the market that fits my needs. It is a rough ride, slow (especially up hills) and handles poorly but I could care less. I love how this car drives. It reminds me of driving around College in my buddys defender.

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  Jeeps are the most reliable vehicles - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Janna - May 4 - 4:16 am

  I have had my 2003 Laredo for 7 months and would not trade it for anything. When I got it, I had to replace the main cylinder valve which cost $200. A couple of months ago the window motor and regulator went out and had to be replaced. It was very easy to replace and took less than 15 minutes. To replace it cost $100. I dont understand why so many people do not like their Jeep. Yes some things arent perfect on them but that is expected out of every vehicle. They are very safe and reliable. Ive saw jeeps that have been flipped 6 times and driven home or some that have been hit going 75 mph into an embankment and still driven home. I will not drive anything other than a Jeep.

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  Jeep Should be embarrassed - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By KL Cecil - May 4 - 2:53 am

  Sad to say but my Jeep is the worst quality new car I have ever owned. Over a three and one half year of ownership the money just seems to bleed from my bank account. Most of the problems occurred after the warranty period elapsed. However, there were a host of annoying problems even during the warranty period. With only 54k miles on it, I have replaced the blender blower unit, the main electrical unit, A/C cooling problems, and have had 4 sets of brakes. I cannot begin to count the number of times this vehicle has spent time in the shop. Why cant the US make quality cars on par with Asia? Never again will I purchase a Jeep.

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  Liberty Sport 3.7L 5spd - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Gerry - May 3 - 11:36 pm

  In 3 years this has been an excellent truck with no probelms whatsoever. Highly recommended!

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  What a Mistake - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepster - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely terrible car - worst ride- rock and sways, quadradrive- moans and groans on U turns, v-8 roars, brakes the aboslute worst- 12k on a set of pads and rotors continually warp. Are you a masochist who likes to hang out at the garage? If so, buy one. Your two happiest days will be when you buy one and even happier, when you sell it. Picking up my X5 BMW very soon!

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  2004 jeep grand cherokee overland - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dsrteagle - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the 3rd.jeep we have purchased,over the last 12 years.It is by far the best one yet. Subtle improvements inside and out.Ride greatly improved.A joy to drive.....