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:

• 

  FUN!! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 1fastsuv - August 22 - 1:13 am

  I ordered my 2006 SRT8 brand new in 06. It took 3 months to get but it was well worth the wait. I now have over 100,000 miles on it and have never had to do anything but change the oil. (and tires) Last month I put a carbon fiber hood on it, and right now its at a performance shop having a turbo installed. Its not great on gas but I didnt buy it expecting it to be economical.

• 

  Give it up Fiat - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lemon - August 21 - 7:48 am

  Jeeps are no longer the American staple vehicle. Poorly and cheaply made, over priced and do not hold their value. I would NOT recommend blowing your hard earned money on any of them.

• 

  Best suv ever with hemi - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By gary - August 21 - 7:03 am

  One of the best cars I ever owned! Hemi power is great. Can average 23 mpg if I drive like I am 90 years old. Tried it! Otherwise I average about 18 mpg, racing everyone who will Dare! Great SUV. Does everything above average.

• 

  love that Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By karen - August 21 - 3:43 am

  I am enjoying driving my Liberty for errands and long trips. All passengers are very comfortable. Its a real pleasure to go shopping. There is plenty of room for packages.

• 

  Kaci’s review - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Mike - August 20 - 1:26 pm

  The back up camera is slow to turn on when you start the car but every thing else is great

• 

  Jeep Commander limited - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By MIchael - August 20 - 3:03 am

  Going from a Toyota to a Jeep makes me realize how far Chrysler still has to go. The Jeep has been reliable and steady through the first 2000 miles but uninpressive.In reality, this vehicle should have seating for five not seven. Its just not big enough and because of this the ergonomics of the interior suffer.Instead of competing directly with the Grand Cherokee, I dont understand why jeep wouldnt ditch the Durango/Aspen and make this their full size vehicle and make it world class.

• 

  The new 2005 Jeep with Hemi engine - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gary Gelman - August 19 - 8:00 am

  I had a Jeep for years and waited till the 2005 came out with the new body and all new features. I have never driven such a quality vehicle in this price range. With the new suspension and new Hemi 5.7 engine it is a truly wonderful drive. It has the pick up you need and the smoothness for complete comfort.

• 

  So Far So Good - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike - August 18 - 2:16 pm

  Purchased Jeep a few days ago. Test drove Jeep (2 times), Pathfinder, 4Runner, and Mountaineer all overnight. By FAR the Jeep fit our needs. Very smooth ride and new outside styling is very eye catching. Different ride than truck based models. Traded 2000 Jeep and got $1000 over invoice.

• 

  Check Engine again? - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By skiutah1080 - August 17 - 9:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle as a "certified used vehicle." I also got the extended warranty just in case. What I got was a certified piece of [expletive deleted]. In the little over month and a half that I have had the vehicle, the service engine light has come on for the 4th time (today) and the transmission still hunts for gears while accelerating (basically it cant decide if it wants to shift down or not, or just shifts down too early.) This weekend Im trading it in. I got in over my head with this piece of junk and Im worse for the wear, but Ill take the hit to get rid of it. As much fun as SUVs are I believe Im going back to a car.

• 

  big power and huge fun - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By bigpower - August 17 - 9:23 pm

  I have a 2008 jeep commander 4x4 limited 5.7 big hemi v8 its power is simply amazing and is very fun to drive. the drive quality is the best even better than my grandmothers 2006 caddy dts and there is no road noise, I had a 2007 Nissan Xterra and the commander is by far the better suv on and off road plus better fuel economy. When I drive my commander I feel safe and in control its a great big safe suv with an ample amount of power thanks to the HEMI!