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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  LUUUUV my Commander! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By little texas - October 11 - 4:40 pm

  "Just right" size. Not a teeny, dinky suv and not a boat that minimizes the driving experience. It is nimble and fun while also offering great storage and passenger carrying options. Visibility is really good, I can clearly see the front end and all around the vehicle. The seat adjustments along with the pedal adjustments create a more than comfortable arrangement for my 5 foot nothing size. I admit it is a little high for loading my 2 year old into her carseat in the back, but I love the height when Im on the open road and feel the trade-off is worth it. I can get 18 mpg on highway, but I have to work at it a little. Wish the MPG was better.

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  how important are your anniversaries? - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By Richard Stoner - October 9 - 1:51 pm

  We had the 2011 Compass, Jeep 70th Anniversary Special, which came with leather seats, a sunroof and upgraded floor mats and trim. IT performed very well and was economical. The electronics were helpful but no confusing. I would recommend this as a great starter SUV or normal duty car. Comparing it to our 2011 Grand Cherokee Overland, this is the little brother or sister; great performance with similar electronics and much better fuel economy in a lighter, smaller car thats much easier to park and better all around for young drivers.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Lydia - October 8 - 3:46 pm

  I love my Jeep! It has been very reliable and a great traveling SUV. The 3rd row is small, but still comfortable for the average person. All the other interior room is great and spacious.

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  great buy - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By fun fun fun - October 7 - 2:00 am

  My Jeep is great. Most fun vehicle Ive ever driven. 20 mpg. Great in snow, great in the summer too with top off. Awesome vehicle.

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  My First Jeep - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By My First Jeep - October 5 - 1:23 am

  This is my first Jeep, and I have to say that beyond the shadow of a doubt my favorite vehicle so far. I feel tall in it and in power when driving. The Liberty has contrary to belief an extremely refined ride for a truck that is a true offroader. The materials feel great and the center console is easy on the eyes and very easy to use w/o having to stare at them while driving. fuel economy is great in my opinion, i dont own a Honda or Toyota I own a true to the bone truck therefore i pay for it. However, some of the features included in some of these new vehicles are not included in the Liberty, such as a tiptronic transmission with more than 4 speed, color lcd in dash found in audi,vw, cadi

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  Best mid-sized SUV - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By davo7 - October 5 - 12:49 am

  I have had my 11 Grand Cherokee Limited for about 8 months now, and I absolutely love it! This Selec-Terrain system is Amazing! I have never had a vehicle to drive any better in the snow. I live in the mountains of Kentucky and a 4x4 is mandatory! This vehicle is equally luxurious as my families new Lincoln Navigator. The ride is excellent and handling around the curves and twists is better than any SUV I have driven. I traded in a V8 Saab 97-X and the only thing that i miss is the extra power from GMs 327 engine. The Jeeps V6 is alright, but the high geared transmission makes it slow on take off, but give it a little time and it will fly!! Super Vehicle, highly recommended!

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  100% fun - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chuck Leo - October 4 - 7:16 pm

  My TJ is probably the most fun vehicle Ive ever owned with 4 wheels. With the 4.0L and 6 speed its got plenty of power and easy to handle. With all the after market parts available it was easy to make it a one of a kind "me" jeep. Its built tough enough to take me anywhere. The best part is really how the vehicle makes me feel when I drive it.

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  IT is the best in the snow, and beach - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Alex Schroeder - October 3 - 2:00 am

  i like it over all it DOESNT ride as hard as the infiniti fx45 and the bmw. It is the most wonderful car of the years!!!!!! It doesnt cost as much as the bmw and infiniti fx45 and fx35.!!

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Swiggie - September 29 - 9:40 am

  I have 3 cars right now, a 1999 BMW 325is, a 2000 Ford Taurus and a 1999 Jeep. Out of the three cars I have to say the Jeep is more reliable then any of them. I am the 3rd owner on the Jeep and 2nd on the Ford. They both had about the same mileage on them at time of purchase. I will recommend this Jeep to anyone who wants the 4x4 capability with luxury like a Cadillac.

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  I think the review people dont know - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Dee - September 28 - 1:48 pm

  Its not a high priced vehicle, I believe that is a good value for a lower price SUV. I priced several and settled on the Patriot. Its perfect for what I wanted. I have had it 6 months and am very satisfied. If the reviews reflected the value instead of comparing it to high priced (some of which also have very bad reviews) vehicles.