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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  LOVIN IT! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By RMICHELLEB - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Jeep and so does my 3 year old son, her name is Libby. We have driven a lot of highway miles and even though the gas mileage is only about 17 mpg, its a fun trip and we dont want to get out.

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  New Jeep is nice - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bcat - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I really like the towing power on the weekends and the sporty feel driving to and from work every day. The size of this SUV makes parking and backing up easier than the bigger trucks. Like my last Jeep, I can tell that when the newness wears off Ill still have a tough and rugged vehical.

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  2012 Wrangler Sahara Unlimited Auto - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By tj65 - April 22 - 4:11 pm

  I took delivery of my new 2012 4 door Sahara Automatic about 3 weeks ago. I have about 1000 miles on it and the vehicle is fantastic. Jeep has really done a great job with this car. It is quiet, smooth riding and responsive. The new 6 cyl is the best thing Jeep could have done for this vehicle. I have had 2 jeeps previously (98 and 07) and this one is by far the best put together Wrangler. My mileage is about what the sticker says----16 city and 20 mpg on the highway. My advice to anyone who reads this review is test drive the vehicle youself. Most of the reviews by the so called experts give the Wrangler a BAD rap. Try it yourself and ignore the so called experts!!!

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  jeep is good! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By chipper - April 22 - 2:03 pm

  Once upon a time, I was anti-SUV. I drove cars (sport, muscle, compact) & borrowed trucks. No more! I LOVE this Jeep - I decided I wouldnt buy it unless I did. I researched many cars, trucks & SUVs - this one won me over before I even drove it. The drive sold me - the manual tranny & the car-based chassis help it to handle like a sports car (vroom!), but with great gas mileage. Im more confident in the snow, can see better in the dark, & have plenty of room for myself, my dogs, whatever. Ive had fun seeing what I can haul; I even transported two giant spotlights & other equipment with ease. It looks great & I like the plain-jane interior...its a Jeep! Happily ever so far! :)

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  This is our 4th Jeep Cherokee - No More! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dhasden - April 22 - 10:46 am

  Purchased 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2WD new with 22 miles on it. We are repeat buyers but this car is pitiful. Has 16,000 miles on it and repairs so far are drivers seat broken twice, rear window wiper motor replaced, transmission is now being replaced and still waiting 3 weeks for the parts. We were told poor engineering design put a/c drain hose into the transmission fluid! Knew something was wrong from beginning as it never shifted right at low speeds. Very unhappy with this product and will not purchase another Jeep even after owning four and do not recommend it.

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  Good Vehicle - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Pat DOnahoe - April 22 - 6:13 am

  Greatly prefer the Cherokee to the Blazer.

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  Love Love Love - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By anny13 - April 20 - 8:29 pm

  I love this vehicle! I was driving a 98 Sable for several years, so nearly anything would be an upgrade. However, I was planning on the Nissan Rogue, once I drove the Patriot, I was sold! It was much roomier for the same price and with 4x4 instead of AWD. I average about 24 mpg, however on the interstate if is not windy, have gotten 29 mpg. I have only been driving it for 6 weeks, but so far I am impressed!

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  I Love My Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By C.SIMS - April 20 - 12:56 pm

  I recently got this Jeep and I cant tell you how much fun I am having. First of all it is really sharp and commands attention. It has plenty of power for such a heavy SUV. It rides very smooth, and it does run very quiet! Everything is within easy reach, and easy to use. I am really enjoying having a sunroof-some people asked me if it was a new Hummer. I tell them the Hummers have copied and mine is all Jeep! Good job Jeep

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  I like It. - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Patrick Donahoe - April 19 - 10:40 pm

  I have not had it very long, but I got all the bells and whistles. Great acceleration compared to the Chevy Blazer. I drive a Blazer at work and greatly prefer the Cherokee.

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  Dragon Edition Wrangler Unlimited 2014 - 5 Speed Automatic - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By yellowrubi - April 19 - 10:02 pm

  I was reluctant to trade my 2012 Wrangler 2 door for the Dragon Edition but my family wanted the comfort and convenience of the 4 door and, after all, I would still have a wrangler. After a few weeks and a few hundred miles I can honestly say that it was a great decision. The ride is better than the 2 door on the highway. This Jeep has an upgraded suspension and gets more attention than even my "Crush" 2 door. The 18" wheels get lots of looks too. The creature comforts are easy to get used to and the MPG remains 22+ on my 25 mile round trip daily drive. Great room and new folding back seats are great. Of course I added my Warn winch bumper to the front.