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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  Waste Of Money. - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By amandajeannnn - June 22 - 8:40 am

  I was given this vehicle as a gift for my first car. Where Im from the 4 wheel drive would come in handy, so it seemed like a good buy. Well after about a month of having the vehicle everything went down hill. Theres about 128,000 miles on it and Ive already spent over 4 grand fixing things that have gone wrong. Ive never seen a car with so many problems. Maybe its old age, but from what Ive heard from other jeep owners, the grand cherokee model is not worth the money. Its been three months and Im already looking for a new car.

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  Nothing Can Replace It! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Binski - June 22 - 3:53 am

  I have had my Jeep since my junior year of high school. It got me to and from college countless times, three moves, and even an annual 1,000 mile round trip vacation. This car has never broken down and I have never needed roadside assistance in the 8 years I have owned it. However, AC finked out at 90,000 and many minor repairs were also made, adding up quite a bit. But I cant complain, this car is the epitome of reliable- snow storms, white outs, blinding rain? No problem, always has got me through! The design has no bells and whistles, mine doesnt even have cruise control, but thatss what makes this car fun! Its a truck and meant to be simple.

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  Love My Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Blake - June 21 - 7:13 pm

  What an amazing vehicle this is. I purchased it used from the original owner and have not put a great deal of miles on it (so I have yet to see long term reliability). This is a true SUV with luxury appointments for interior comfort. It motivated a cross country power on the freeway and capable for trip and did not disappoint. Great the off road excursion along the way.

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  Horrible Product - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By not happy - June 21 - 5:23 pm

  I had a bought a brand new 96 and had no problems with it, so i decided to upgrade bought this Jeep after bringing it home water pump started going out took it back then after that air bag light kept going off and now I keep having dry starts, The inline 6 motor they had was great,thats why they changed them into regular motors so that they would break down easier, never again will I buy a jeep.

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  Liberty rocks! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By liberty girl - June 21 - 12:40 pm

  Bought the Liberty due to driving 36k miles a year and half of them in inclement weather. This Jeep rocks! It is awesome in the snow and ice and no.... there is not a slide factor! Beefy, rugged and so beautiful. Im a Liberty girl for life!

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  Wow - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Patrick - June 21 - 1:26 am

  This north American Icon is truly the funnest vehicle I have ever driven. Excellent vehicle good fit and finish quiet interior.

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  BlakeE 2006 Jeep Unlimited Review - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By BlakeE - June 21 - 12:53 am

  I spent 4 months last year researching the 2006 Jeep Wrangler after I noticed the Wranglers at the 2005 Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City. First I wanted to know about each model from the Sport, X, SE, Rubicon, Unlimited and the Rubicon Unlimited. I found that the Silver Wrangler Unlimited with the 25H package was the one for me. After I drove it home, it took a week to finally hit me that I own a 2006 Jeep Wrangler and it felt good about the purchase. Then that same week it snowed and ice was all over the place. I drove it to work about 16 miles and it handled great and didnt slip once on the ice. It handles great on and off the road. The Unlimited rides smooth on the highway with no noise.

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  Love My New Patriot! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Monte - June 20 - 9:45 pm

  Wow this small sized suv is comfortable to drive and handles well. Quick accelerating I purchased the 2.4 liter 16 valve and so far its an amazing suv. I really recommend taking a test drive for yourself I was so glad I did. Plenty of room seats are comfortable the warranty is amazing jeep did well on this one.

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  jeep lover forever - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By violet baldrick - June 20 - 8:40 pm

  i love my jeep. this is the 2nd jeep i have had and i will not change for anything else. i driver a jeep liberty and i get my compliments on it every time i drive it. it has a bomb stereo system and the heated seats and leather interior are definitely a plus in the winter months. one of my co-workers liked my liberty so much he now drives one himself. i get 19 miles per gallon and that is the only thing that i would like changed. i can go anywhere with my 4 wheel drive and believe me we do! i had a jeep cherokee laredo before and sold it to my daughter and she still drives it everywhere.

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  I love my Jeep!!!! - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jennifer - June 19 - 8:36 am

  I bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Edition at the Beaver County Auto Mall in Monaca PA. I absolutely love the leather and walnut finish interior. The outside is sleek and eye catching. It performs well and is good on gas mileage. I was in the market for a Wrangler but preferred the smooth driving of a Grand Cherokee. Would highly recommend!!