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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  Long Term Report on 94 YJ - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Fred - May 4 - 7:33 pm

  I bought this in Mar 1999 after realizing the price of a comparatively aged full size pickup was too high. Found out on the test drive about Jeep waves. Fun to drive, more ways to modify than can you can possibly afford; a great Jeep is built, not bought, and never finished. Auto transmission mount bolts fell out once, holes stripped. Once I identified the issue, I popped in 2 bolts and wrapped 2 giant zip ties around the transmission; problem solved. These Jeeps have amazing offroad capabilities. It only gets better by adding a modest suspension lift, rear-locker, and better tires. I highly suggest having an aftermarket amplified stereo. Deep water dunking cost me one transmission rebuild.

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  Jeep - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By TK3 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Though missing several parts at delivery. It is still fun to drive.

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  Jeepers-Creepers Wherd ya get that car? - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Aceswild - May 4 - 2:00 am

  For Liberty,Justice & for All (well,at least most!)I get compliments almost everyday!Still room for improvement,on MPG,but this SUV has good Pick-Up&Go! It puts me higher than most SUVs incl. Cherokee,(which I also own)&has some nice standard features.Getting use to the window controls in the middle console,is the hardest feature to overcome,but makes it great for driver/front psngr. As a former Rav4 owner, Liberty gives you much more interior & leg room,it also has more Grip to the Road.I always think there is room for improvement in Any new vehicle,but am extemly happy with the performance this vehicle has shown mus thus far. I give it a "10" for the fun it brings driving!

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  What a life ... a Jeep life! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Justin LeVrier - May 3 - 3:33 pm

  This is my first Jeep. Ive always wanted one and finally got one! Two weeks ago I purchased the Rubicon and have already logged close to 750 miles (75 off-road). I keep finding myself looking at a mountain thinking ... "I can get to the top of that" and so far I have. While 4 wheeling this past weekend I was with a friend who said "well, looks like we cant go any further, better turn around." She must have said that 5 or more times, and each time she did we climbed higher on more ridiculous terrain and the Rubicon never even hesitated. I LOVE THIS BEAST! Fun, Fun, Fun and its great how all the other Jeep owners smile and wave whenever you pass. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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  my crap jeep - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Andrew - May 3 - 1:56 pm

  For off-roading and driving in the snow, This car is a lot of fun to have. However, if you have to drive it everyday, this is not a great car. Also, if you are looking for a car that is very reliable and does not require a lot of maintenance, this is NOT your car. it takes a lot of "upkeep". But its damn fun off-road!

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  awesome - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ryan - May 3 - 10:36 am

  I love my Jeep. They didnt allow you to brag on the Hemi as a selection, but I have the 5.7L Hemi and it is so quiet for such a power pack. I havent had any problems at all EXCEPT if you drive crazy, some of the interior pieces are already rattling, which I kind of expected from a 4X4. Love it! A+

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  Very nice vehicle - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By John M. - May 3 - 3:48 am

  We have had this 2016 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2-4L fwd for about a month now and have already put 1800 very pleasant miles on it, through a combination of mountain, freeway and city driving. In all conditions it handled very nicely. Going uphill was never an issue. Its power was more than enough to help us up the hills at a nice pace, and its handling made it unnecessary to use the brakes except on the sharpest turns. On the freeway, there was no trouble merging at the right speed. Acceleration was always just right. Very smooth ride, even at highway speeds, and also very quite. Interior is great.High quality materials made it feel almost luxurious. Very comfortable seating for 5. Plenty of leg and headroom. We really like the front grille and the daylight running lights too. I was really pleasantly surprised and would recommend it to everyone. If you dont need 4wd, the 2.4L is really great, and along with the 9 speed transmission it provides a smooth very quick way to arrive at your destination, relaxed and refreshed, no matter how long the journey.

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  Do not buy - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By scjc6003 - May 2 - 3:46 pm

  I purchased a 2014 diesel Grand Cherokee for multiple reasons. It got great gas mileage, could tow more than some trucks (we have horses), it can do off-road (at farms) and still fit in a parking garage in DC. This vehicle WOULD have been the perfect vehicle however it has been in the shop at least once in 8 of the last 12 months I have owned it. It qualifies for VA lemon law on two accounts and Jeep still will not assist me. Its really too bad because the vehicle could have been a real home run - if it worked. Lost vacation time, spent hours at the garage, etc. and it still doesnt work. Going in next week to get the cruise control fixed.

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  So far, so good - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By CCJ - May 2 - 8:13 am

  My third Wrangler. This one is best by leaps and bounds. Power is adequate for highway use, but another 40 hp would be welcome. Handling is much better than earlier iterations. I bought an X with the 24S option package. Adding the Limited Slip rear axle, rock rails, extra skid plates and the Freedom Top. To date, Ive had no issues of consequence. A minor, but annoying rattle in the drivers side. A pillar was traced to an over-tightened screw in the plastic trim that stripped out the plastic. Going up one size fixed that. A minor rain leak between the halves of the top was corrected by cleaning the sealing area and silicon treating the seals. 18/25 mileage so far. I love this beast.

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Dave - May 2 - 7:20 am

  Was looking for a small SUV. My wife and daughter both drive Honda CR-Vs. I was looking for something a little different. I found it in the Jeep Patriot. Drives very nice and is loaded with features. Love the Satellite Radio. Drives very smoothly and feels well built. I have a little over 3000 miles on it and no rattles or noises. Getting about 25 - 26 miles per gallon. Not bad for a 4X4 automatic. I am pleased with my Jeep!