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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  Best of Them ALL - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By t fields - December 26 - 1:00 am

  Trade autos every year. Chrysler/Jeep, this is the best. Fun to drive, quiet, handles great. Mileage 17.5 road, 13.5 city. Everyone thats in the market for a SUV needs to test drive and look at the Commander.

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  GREAT JEEP - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By GIJEEP - December 25 - 5:10 pm

  Ive had my Jeep a little over a year now and it has been an excellent vehicle. Its got great styling and great reliability. Ive only had to change the tires, oil and wiper blades since IÂ’ve had it. If youÂ’re looking for a reliable great looking SUV buy a Jeep Cherokee

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  Buy a different car - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By kevin_in_sales - December 24 - 11:02 pm

  I drive this as a company car. It has got to be one of the worst decisions my employer has made. The ride is harsh. The interior is out of the 80s with hard plastic. The transmission seems to be locked into the motor creating a car that wont really coast. It almost seems to be like a 5 speed manual transmission that you can never get out of fourth. The footwell design is horrible and not suited for long excursions. You have to have your foot turned outward to press the gas. There is not space beside the gas pedal on the right side. Really weird and not thought out at all. The worst part right now is that the car will not cool itself within 15 minutes of driving if parked outside.

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  Would not buy this vehicle - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jtrump - December 24 - 9:15 pm

  I bought the vehicle new in 2002. Did not take long to start experiencing problems. From what I was told this was the year they decided to make changes. One in particular they used non adjustable ball joints. This led to my vehicle pulling to the right which in turn cupped my tires. Dealer replaced ball joints but would not replace tires. Poor design in duct work. There is ample airflow from left side but barely non on right (passenger side). Was told this was by design. Had issue with AC not working, had to take to dealership several times before it was corrected. Drivers seat frame broke in two places. This happened just as vehicle was out of warranty. Replaced at my cost.

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  Dies while driving no warning - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Catherine zeunges - December 24 - 8:00 pm

  Today, may 26 2016,I just pulled out onto the road during rush hour and suddenly with no warning the brake felt funny beneath my foot. The steering wheel seemed like it wasnt on or working. The car then completely dies. The car had no indication lights of a possible issue. The car was not over heated. I ended up blocking two lanes because I was in mid turn of getting into the far left lane. I was shaken by this and had to call the police for help. The key would not allow me to turn it in the off position. I was literally stuck. After waiting five minutes I tried to turn the car on and it came on luckily! I am a new driver, this is my first car and I have never been so scared in my life hat someone was going to hit me from the side or behind. I took the car into the dealership to get looked at. I am without a car while they look at it. I since saw many reviews saying their heels in various models and years have done this too. I hope the issue is fixed by the end of the weekend but it was scary. Overall I love my car but wow that was horrible.

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  Love the 59r - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By D-Roq - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Nothing slams you back in your seat like the torque of this jeep!! Performance and comfort make this a dream to drive. Fulltime four wheel drive provides great on/off road traction. This jeep will blow by anything but the gas station! Overall its a goodtime but good ole american build quality will come back to haunt you. New rear end, steering box and sway bar bushings have been replaced in the past 6 months due to "standard 80,000 mile wear and tear." My verdict, amazing vehicle so long as you buy a good extended warranty and dont mind filling up once a week.

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  Love my Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe Agnello - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Great handling, comfortable seats. Good gas mileage for the gutsy-performing V-6 Turning diameter is great and in 4- wheel drive will go almost anywhere.

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  Great Purchase - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By whitey, mike - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Great ride... very glad I decided to buy it. Handles great in snow and rain!!! Fun to drive long distances. Plenty of room and has great pick up.

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  JEEP ! Theres Only One !... - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Theres only one ! - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Jeep Products are just what they say Trail Rated. Great!

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  I ROLLED!!! Be careful. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By SAM6748 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Am very sad - loved my Liberty, but at 3800 miles was hit by an Explorer in the rear quarter panel and I flipped on my side!! We were both going only maybe 25 mph - I was swerving to avoid, but dont think it should have flipped. Only had it 3 months - Jeep was totalled, now am debating buying another for safety reasons. Gas mileage sucked, which I did expect (but didnt have to like!). I know I can drive it w/out rolling it - the other drivers are the problem for me.