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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  it is a jeep thing, TRY and understand - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By trouble4you96 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my second jeep and i am now planning on buying my 3rd. most convincing story ... last winter in MD 38 inches of snow in one shot. no problem for me and my jeep , actually pulled out 28 other suvs for fun that weekend.

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  I love my 2004 Jeep Liberty!!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Nichola - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I just want to say before I got my Jeep Liberty, I was afraid of SUVs. But now, when I drive it, I feel so safe. Its really fun to drive, and was affordable compared to other SUVs I had in mind, but maybe that was because they were in the mid-size to large range of SUVs and my beautiful little Liberty is in the compact category. It comes with a lot of features, and is also rated five-stars in safety rating.

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  Long Term Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GMC-2-JEEP - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I was a "dyed in the wool" GMC owner (1999 GMC Yukon SLT-4WD)until I went shopping.... The Jeep was almost as comfortable (albeit smaller), had more bells and whistles for the $$$, and the price was hard to beat. I have yet to take it on a long trip and the climate hasnt changed in order to test the A/C so "the jury is still out" but if first impressions are important, this JGC-Limited has definitely made a positive one. My wife has a 2000 JGC-Laredo and loves the body style as well as the way it "zips" around so well see if I feel the same after four years of ownership.

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  2009 Jeep Wrangler X 2-DR - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Laura Stuart - July 28 - 1:33 am

  I have NEVER owned a Jeep before and I am so happy with my purchase. I also have a 2008 Dodge Hemi Quad Cab through this dealership. Although the two vehicles are night and day...Id rather be in the Jeep! It is the best riding vehicle I have ever owned. I will never own anything ever else! Thanks for building a wonderful and AMERICAN made product!!!

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  2016 Jeep Compass High Altitude 4X4 6 Speed Auto - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Greg Kronbach - July 26 - 7:57 pm

  I made a great deal on this mini SUV (I also own a large Liberty Jeep 4X4). It is almost as if the editors didnt even drive this SUV. Granted I would never have bought a Jeep with a CVT transmission, but when they offered this 4X4 with a 6 speed auto it was time to look closer. I bought the high altitude addition after a test drive that was unexpectedly brilliant. Make no mistake this not a back woods SUV but an Urban 4X4 traveler. The power leather seats, one button 4X4 engage, back up camera, cruse control, leather steering wheel with full controls and 430 digital touch screen with HHD make this SUV a joy to drive! The sky roof and the mentioned options give this mini SUV a very refined ride with the 17" all season radials...I guess Im miffed at the editors opinions of this SUV. I would recommend this Urban SUV to anyone...just skip the CVT.

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  I LOVE MY JEEP - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By ROBIN - July 23 - 10:00 am

  BOUGHT MY JEEP A COUPLE OF MOTHS AGO, AFTER YEARS OF WANTING ONE. ALL OF MY FRIENDS LOVE IT, MAKES ME WONDER WHY THEY DONT ALL JUST GET ONE. LOOKS SHARP, ESPECIALLY W/ THE WINDOWS OUT AND/OR THE TOP DOWN.

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  My 4th Jeep-My dream Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Fotisv - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My 4th Grand Cherokee-I just love the way it drives,the Overland is an exceptional vehicle-interior quality at its best-love the fancy features like the rain sensitive wipers and GPS. And last the off road capability is something more than an experience!! Thank you Jeep team for making such a wonderful vehicle-love it

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  Niche Product Delivers Fun Times - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By pennfootball71 - July 22 - 9:33 pm

  This is not a car to drive to the grocery store and bring your Grandmother/Mother/Sister/Wife/Girlfriend/Mistress! This is s purpose built "offroad" vehicle with some garnish of comfort. The Navigation system is excellent and leaves "crumbs" to find your way back on an unmarked trail. The 4WD system is best in low range when you lock the front and rear differentials. Do not skimp and get a cheaper Wrangler, you truly get what you pay for with the Rubicon model with beefier axles, better gearing, offroad tires, differentials, and an electronic disconnecting anti roll bar for better wheel articulation.

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  Best car ever - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lee amaral - July 22 - 4:33 am

  This car has all the features you could possibly want. It is good looking, comfortable, and handles and rides very well. Instruments are all right there in front of you. Power terrific. Transmission with + and - is very handy in the mountains whether going up or downhill.

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  Great Jeep - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Jaclyn - July 21 - 1:09 pm

  Love this jeep Id had a liberty in the past and hated it swore Id never get a jeep again but I got the 2016 Jeep Patriot 4x4 latitude and love it overall gas mileage kind of sucks and rear breaks squeal when breaking in reverse something I need to have looked at sooner than later by have heard its normal on these idk but this has restore my faith in jeep again Ive gone on many adventures in it and its always fun and does really well no matter what I seem to drive through gravel snow puddles mud anything where I live I climb a lot of miles untains as well and its never let me down