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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  Just For Fun - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By 03 Wrangler SE - August 10 - 10:00 am

  After several months with my Jeep, I am very happy with my purchase. I only wish the weather would cooperate so I could leave my top off more often. For 2003, the seats were re- designed and they are much more comfortable than prior years. Total Fun in the Sun!

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  my second SUV - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By salshashark - August 10 - 10:00 am

  this is a fantastic SUV. after driving an explorer XLT for a year my overland feels like a jag. handles well, on the test drive took it off roading and it felt great. gravel or dirt roads you wont even notice. i am excited to drive everywhere now.

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  2004 Overland 2WD - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MyNewJeep - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Great Jeep, Great Price, Great Deal!

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  Biggest Fan of Jeep! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Katherine - August 5 - 10:31 pm

  My first Jeep and Im a huge fan! I love the Jeep Cherokee 2016. Its a sexy, sporty, modern, SUV. Anyone every age can feel comfortable in this car. Im young and didnt want an SUV to look like it wasnt my style. I like the key fob push button for engine start up, the rear camera, automatic back door push button opens and closes by itself, the black matching rims, the black Jeep logo, matching the black grill, black tinted windows on stock. Comfortable seating, quiet engine, quiet brakes, easy to drive just like driving a car. I get so many compliments. Interior stitching similar to the lexus is 250. This car beats all other SUVs in its class!

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  2 Jeep Family - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Marco Mary - August 4 - 5:16 pm

  This is the 2nd Jeep weve purchased used. The Liberty is quite an upgrade from our 97 Wrangler - Its a Jeep. You know it when you see it. It drives like a Jeep, not a Cadillac! From the test drive, I knew I wanted it, as it drove just like our older Jeep except with leather seats. Its fun, dependable and built like a tank. Yes, you do sit up high which gives you a commanding vision of the road. My 6 foot tall husband has no problems getting in, out, or driving it for business. He loves it! 2 years left in another lease car and soon our family will be a "3 Jeep Family" - If youre looking for a luxury suv, go pay 3 times more, if you want good looks and dependability, pick a Jeep Liberty!

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  Classic Jeep looks - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Steve - August 2 - 8:27 am

  2016 Jeep Patriot Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 5Manual) with Power Value Group and air conditioning.The Patriot feels solid and well built. I have no problem reaching freeway speeds or traveling over the mountain passes in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It has very comfortable front seating with excellent head and leg room. I received a great price on this smaller SUV. The Jeep Patriot is the best value for your money in this segment of the SUV market. Test one for yourself and see if it fits your lifestyle.

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  First Jeep GC - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jimsjeep - August 1 - 3:19 pm

  Didnt even consider a Jeep when I was looking at new SUVs. The limited model was very smartly styled, black with chrome accents. I wanted a V8 w 4WD, with Nav, bluetooth, memory and heated seats. The 5.7 hemi is terrific, getting 15 mpg city and 17.5 hwy over first 10K miles. steering is precise, suspension is firm but sophisticated, not like a truck (or our 2000 EB Explorer). Brakes are the right balance of pedal pressure and stopping distance. I havent found anything that the 4WD couldnt handle on snowy mtn. roads. The Navi/radio/bluetooth system with voice interaction is very smart and responsive. This car is definitely smarter than I am . This car has been flawless.

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  My Smartest Buy Ever - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By jppatriot - July 31 - 6:00 am

  Just put 10K on my Patriot and love it. The CVT took about 2 weeks to get used to. Now I enjoy the nice smooth ride the CVT offers. I have a Sport model w/ few options, but its a Jeep... Who needs options. The interior is simple but very functional and easy to keep clean. The back seats are large enough for my kids 2 car seats. The back seat floor boards are also very deep! Great for that tall friend riding in the back. The storage in the back is a little small but adequate for day to day use. The fold flat seats are awesome. Great for the random Home Depot runs Ive made. Can you say MPGs!! Averaging 22-25city and 24-27hwy!

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  I love my Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Drew Hollingsworth - July 30 - 5:30 pm

  This is, and has been, the absolutely best Jeep to roll off of Jeeps assembly line. This includes every new Jeep that is out there on Jeep lots today. Now, instead of building an off road Jeep that is just as good on the freeway as it is in crossing streams and rocks; now all they are building is wimpy, slightly bigger, two wheel drive, land yachts that trade performance for gas mileage and are not even trail rated. Really sad. If you are looking for a real Jeep Grand Cherokee, look for a 2005 limited edition with the 5.7 liter engine. That is if you can find one that the owner will let go of. In that area, I do wish you luck! You wont be getting mine!

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  Great Vehicle! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Tom - July 28 - 6:26 pm

  Turned in a 2003 Grand Cherokee Laredo that had never had a problem. The Commander is roomier inside - is fun to drive - ride is great - and it appears to have the same great quality as our previous Grand Cherokee.