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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  buy stick shift only!!! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By wrangler09 - June 26 - 2:56 pm

  This is my first Jeep and I absolutely love it, great vehicle to drive, there is noting on a paved road that can stop and nothing off-road that cannot challenge it. You pretty much pay $20+ for a toy, a head Turner.. Every time I drive it (with softop down) I feel like I am on a safari or on a beach.. And with the unlimited after market options available there is always something new to spice up ur ride.. Its not been 2 months yet and I have already spent $1000+ on it....

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  Nothing but endless problems... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sevans434 - June 25 - 8:16 pm

  My husband had a 1999 Jeep and gave it to his mother - still running at 250K miles. Thought we could go for the 5.7 HEMI new in 06 (it was leftover 05 inventory) but I am willing to take any loss to get rid of it now. My battery has died constantly since Feb 2007, 10 months into ownership with less than 12,000 miles. Had the battery replaced twice (at $220 ea - not covered under warranty and no option to get anywhere but the dealer!!), replaced the alternator, replaced defective sunroof motor that was drawing power, repaired an AC leak, replaced the starter and now having the powertrain control module replaced while I am 300 miles away from home and stuck having to get it towed! NO MORE!

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  Love my Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Javier Andrade - June 24 - 8:13 am

  I love driving my vehicle. Like the way it handles the road and the way it also handles off road. I think it is very comfortable and powerful. I like how it looks too. Its been two years and I dont regret buying my unit.

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  Best Truck Ever! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cleveland - June 24 - 3:43 am

  I waited years for a Jeep. Wanted A Wrangler, but I am a professional guitarist, and needed the interior room for my gear. I have had this Jeep almost two years now, and have very few complaints. It kills off- road, kills in the snow, and will track through deep mud almost like its on dry pavement. Handles great on the highway too, although high winds can be an adventure. At over 100,000 miles, it still runs incredibly strong. I regularly take it on long road trips without a second thought. It tends to chew up tires, its loud, not real cushy, and the fuel economy could be better, but hey, its a 4WD truck, not a luxury vehicle. I plan to drive it until it croaks or I do.

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  Nitro Killer - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By SaintTaz - June 23 - 5:13 pm

  I walked into a local dealership intent on purchasing an 08 Dodge Nitro. However, after the test drive, I found it very cheap feeling, loud, and didnt feel the price matched the product. So on the way home, we swung into the Jeep dealership and I got a look at the new Liberty. I hadnt even considered it based on previous models looking like something only a teenage girl or soccer mom could love. But looking at the 09 I couldnt believe how similar it and the Nitro seemed. And after driving it, I fell in love. It feels solid on the road, the interior is much more refined, and you get a sense of quality and reliability not found in the Nitro. And uConnect is GREAT. Test drive one.

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  07 Wrangler that knows rocks and trails - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By mattjk84 - June 23 - 2:26 am

  Bought my 2007 JK while still in college so I logged many miles during its first year, now it is used more for rock climbing and hunting. Extremely tough and reliable, I installed a 2.5" lift and 33" BF Goodrich M/Ts and it will take anything I can throw at it. Great fuel mileage given the use, and no mechanical problems.

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  Edmunds is CraZy - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Woods n Water boys - June 22 - 2:26 am

  Ive owned my 2015 patriot since new. It currently has 45,000 miles on it and is a daily driver for me. I have had zero warranty issues and my only repair costs have been routine maintenance. My favorite thing about the vehicle is its simplicity of interior layout and controls. It certainly is not a touring vehicle youd want to jump in and drive across the county, but with the 6 speed automatic it feels zippy on city streets and is a great little bomber to boogie across town in. As an avid outdoorsman this little buggy gets me where I need to go and can haul all of my gear even for multiple day excursions. Youre not going to tackle the slick rock of Moab but I have been impressed by the capability to access my favorite camping spots as well as its ability to blast through the soft sands of the East and West coasts of Florida. Check it out for yourself.

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  Finally got it - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By ebenn - June 21 - 5:03 pm

  I just picked up my 2014 Wrangler Unlimited Sport S, 5 speed manual on Saturday. I love it. I went with the UConnect/Sirius option and it works perfect. It doesnt have navigation like I am used to but...its a Jeep and I am ok with that. Its simply a really fun car to drive. I havent taken the full roof or doors off yet but that is this weekend.

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  My first Jeep - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By scottka - June 21 - 4:00 am

  This is my first Jeep. Ive owned several SUVs and the JCG ranks very favorably with all of them and exceeds most. Although I went with the V6, I am happy with it. Im getting 20.6 mpg with 80 percent highway driving. My range varies between 340-360 miles per tank. So far I have 2000 miles and expect the mileage to improve a bit. The JGC handles good and seems well put together. The transmission shifts smoothly and havent heard the "clunk" so far. I think Chrysler has finally got the message about their poor quality reputation.

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  stay away from jeeps - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kekai - June 21 - 2:00 am

  stay away from grand cherokees. They are unreliable and porly built