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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  Second Jeep Liberty - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By gene333 - June 13 - 5:20 am

  This is our second Jeep Liberty. The "2007" Limited model has all the bells. Again its fun to drive and can still handle a sizable load. The 200" came with Sirius radio for a year and so far a great addition. It is also equiped with the above center console. Love the temperature and direction indicator. It also has the tire air presure electronic gauge. With the incentives at the time its hard to pass up against the crowded SUV field.

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  Luv this puppy! - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By kerstuff - June 12 - 10:53 pm

  This is our first Jeep. We replaced our BMW 525i with it. My wife needed something for her tradeshows to carry displays. It has plenty of room and is pleasure to drive. We keep our vehicles 15+ years and expect this one to do the same. We opted for the lifetime additional warranty that covers everything other than the lifetime drivetrain warranty.

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  Jeep is moving on up!! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Wayne Daughtridge - June 12 - 2:20 am

  I have owned several jeeps over the years both Wranglers and Grand Cherokee. My GC has the 4.7 V8 motor, and I tow a 22 foot boat back and forth to the coast several times a year about 4 hours each way. I also pull a motorcyle trailer all over the southeast. My fuel mileage is just as good as the F250 Diesels. I average 13 to 14 miles per gallon. The jeep is strong and reliable even with 65,000 miles logged in.

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  2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bendmacmfg - June 12 - 12:13 am

  Ive owed my 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude for only a week, but love it. Compared to my 2014 Toyota Tacoma which had nothing but trouble and was extremely noisy on the hwy, this Jeep GC is a dream to drive. Shifting is smooth and I love the styling inside and out. After reading some of the reviews I hoping for a trouble free experience, but theres problems in everything its how they are handled that makes the difference.

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  Where is 6.6 coming from.... - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By crash into me - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a couple of vehicles in my day, but this SUV drives like a car. Has the power of a Tow Truck. And Sits like a sofa. The only problem I have ever had with it was the Cruise control didnt turn on for about 15 miles.

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  This jeep rocks! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By JMellott - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Im a first time jeep buyer who will always own a jeep from now on. I moved from sunny Los Angeles to snowy Washington state shortly after buying my Rubicon last Fall, and Im sure glad I bought it. Minus 18 degree weather and 12 inches of snow were no problem...it just made for some fun driving!

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  04 Wrangler - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By bomberfive - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Remember what this vehicle was / and is designed for. Fuel economy (for a 4 X 4) is excellent. Well built and will last a long time. Anything you do not like about the original vehicle, can easily be changed with after market parts.

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  best car made - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By sarahashley425 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  very good car. drives well, offroads well, lights on top are amazingly fun. everyone loves the look of the car and the feel of the inside.

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  jeep Grand Cherokee limited - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By steve graham - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Jeep. 1995, 1999, 2004. I have never had a problem with any. The 2004 has surpassed all others before. I feel that it has a smooth ride, similar to a car but firmer, as it should be. I have a cadillac also, but seem to prefer the jeep more and more.

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  Chrysler Jeep 2004 Overland Review - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BThomasJr - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Performance and function excellent. Interior ergonomics great. City driving is excellent. Hwy driving is excellent.