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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  Im in LOVE!!! - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By donnaviolin - September 14 - 4:20 pm

  I have wanted a Jeep Wrangler since I was 5(I am 34 now). When I bought my Honda CRV in 2010, I wanted the Jeep and everyone told me it was impractical, and I listened....but I am glad I waited until 2013, because I love the changes and I had a decent trade in with the CRV. I have a Rock Lobster color Sport with 6 speed manual and soft top. Even though I am in this Jeep for over 2 hours every day, I still find any excuse to go out and drive in it. I know, now, that I will never drive anything but a Wrangler!! And, if anyone is looking in the Northern VA area...go to Lustine Jeep in Woodbridge!!! My salesman, James, was a Jeep owner and entusiast....and he Was amazing!!!

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  98 Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Phil S - September 13 - 11:16 pm

  This car started as a lease, ended up buying it. Price was too high due to the unexpected purchase, but it is still running with 227,700 miles and doesnt use oil yet. Highway mileage is 20 mpg. On a recent trip, driving about 50, I got 25. Much less in the city. Only problem that are chronic are with the cruise control (wont hold the speed) and the air conditioning (doesnt work even after being re-done).

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  What a truck! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cherokee Limited - September 13 - 10:00 pm

  This is the third Jeep I have owned aside from the old 86 Grand Wagoneer and the 93 Jeep Cherokee. Reliability has improved over the years, I bought the 99 Cherokee Limited with 72k. I have enjoyed driving this Jeep and probably will never own any other make of suv. There is not one bad word I can say about the Jeep Cherokee!

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  The original offroader, still the best. - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By p bloom - September 13 - 5:06 pm

  A little under powered with a 4 cyl. But it still pulls a trailer without much effort. Fun to drive. It was never built as a heavy road truck for the family covered with off road clothing.It was built for what it delivers.

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  I love it - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By oregongirl - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had my jeep for 3 years and have driven it across the country twice - it has never let me down. It handles great in the snow and I feel safe on the freeway. At 70,000+ I have had no major problems - will probably have to replace rear brake pads soon, had to have a belt tightened, insignificant leak in the transfer case...etc. In all I have put less than $1000 into repairs. This is a great car if you are looking for something fun, sporty and dependable.

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  Im addicted to Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dalnawy - September 13 - 10:00 am

  i adore the grand cherokee , however there r some improvement that should be considered

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  Great Performance, Great Ride - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dude1250 - September 13 - 10:00 am

  The editors here have sang this vehicles praises for off-road performance, but said its on the road ride was lacking. I found just the opposite true. The ride and comfort sold me over other makes. Responsive handling and more than enough horsepower. Wife drives it and she feels safe, loves the look and enjoys the creature comforts within. Shes happy...Im happy....

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  Best Jeep Grand Cherokee yet hands down!!! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepgirl21 - September 13 - 1:17 am

  Bought my Jeep Grand Cherokee technically last year but less than a year ago. I love this Jeep. Ive had Cherokees before and the inside of this new one definitely takes the cake. So comfortable, and very usable. Im not sure what the last lady was talking about and maybe she just had a bad apple which can happen with any brand but I have never driven anything that was this worry free. I love this Jeep and will drive it anywhere knowing Im fine and wont have issues. I had a BMW before this and had issue after issue and they didnt want to help me out. Not only that the run flats on the BMW were hell to replace. "no cost to owner my butt on the Beemer. Thanks BMW but Ill stick with Jeep!!

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  Pleased with Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Donna Ripley - September 12 - 11:10 am

  I am very pleased with this vehicle so far. I did much searching before deciding on the Jeep Liberty and think the sporty look of this vehicle was a deciding factor in my purchase. Being a Jeep owner previously, I am pleased with the durability and performance of the Jeep brand.

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  Unlimited Rubicon - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Izrac - September 12 - 7:03 am

  I special ordered the Unlimited Rubicon with the hardtop and a 6-speed manual transmission after driving a Wrangler Sport with a soft top and automatic in Hawaii. It has a tremendous amount of power and gets me where I want to go. It handles very well for a Jeep. It had a few minor paint problems. But other than that it is an excellent vehicle.