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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  What Jeeps Always Shoulda Been! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Mountain Man Carl - March 31 - 3:33 pm

  I loved my 98 Wrangler, for a month. Ive had my Liberty for 6 mo. and this is love thatll last. Fast, smooth, powerful, EVERYTHING WORKS, great offroad, and priced less than Wrangler! I added skid plates underneath,have taken it to highest points of Montana, on Granite boulder fields. Mileage is exactly what the window sticker said. Thats OK. A solid, responsive, sporty vehicle with lots to offer the couple or family. THANKS for getting everything right!

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  whats better then a jeep - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By diablo1111d1 - March 30 - 11:32 am

  brought my jeep grand cherokee larado 2x4 used 1 year ago and i love.brought it as a 2nd car for the weekends to go to the beach,rivers and mountains.i live in dominican republic and the roads to the beaches and rivers are really rocky.wanted a suv with true off road capability and that could take a pounding with rough roads.thats what the jeep brand is made 4 and thats what it does.love the air suspension shocks.i v never had a problem yet with my jeep.i see alot of people writing bad comments but i dont understand why.every car or suv in time i guess needs some type of maintance.no car or suv is perfect.u eventually will have to replace parts.jeep takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

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  just bought my jeep renegade - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jansjeep - March 30 - 10:00 am

  So far, so good. Have only had a few days.

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  going jeeping - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MIKE H - March 30 - 10:00 am

  the 4.7 is very peppy wont let u down except in the wallet my 350 got better millage the comfort is great everything at your fingertips you melt into the seats the cock pit is that no plain styleing here.one flaw the cup holder is at the shifter small amout of coke on the cover and the cover sticks when moveing to park or drive.the quradrive makes sure you dont slip unexpectedly or when you try to on purpose haveing fun.maruveing is awesome.

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  This is my 4th Jeep and Im still loving them. - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave - March 30 - 3:56 am

  The Grand Cherokee has the perfect interior design. The instrumentation is logical, well organized, and very practical. The exterior looks are rugged enough for fun, but also professional for the office. The only major complaint that I have is the start/stop function. I wish you could change it to default to off when you start the car. I also wish the rear lift gate was height adjustable. However, those are minor issues that are overshadowed by the overall design of the car.

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  So Far So Good - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Thomas - March 29 - 7:20 pm

  This is the first Jeep I have purchased. Overall it has been very good. 8000 miles to date so it is still new. A/C will whistle with the medium fan setting. Ride is great. Power is good. Have the Rocky Mountain Package which makes the Laredo more of a Limited. No real complaints to this point. I would recommend this Jeep to other potential buyers.

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  Impressive quality/reliability - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By skaboss - March 29 - 5:10 pm

  No major problems. Cant believe that it has lasted like this. We take good care of it, and it looks almost new. Almost no rust - surprising for WI. Strong engine/tranny. Interior shows almost no wear. All repairs have been maintenance issues - nothing major. Easy to work on. Would highly recommend.

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  Love My Jeep - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Love My Jeep - March 28 - 9:03 pm

  I have 118+K miles on my Jeep and the only thing that has gone wrong is the water pump. During last years snow storm in Kentucky, I pulled out two 18 wheelers and 23 other cars and trucks. Its like the Energizer Bunny, it just keeps going, and going. Im debating whether to keep it for another three or four years or trade it in on a newer model.

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  Indicator Lights! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Carplyn Virtue - March 27 - 1:20 pm

  OK. Love the Liberty ... except .... It all started with the Low Tire Pressure light going on intermittently despite adequate tire pressure! The dealer told me to ignore that. Now I have "ESP BAS" on continually for no reason and an "!" light intermittently. The dealer told me on Thursday they are working with the Chrysler engineers on the problem. Bottom line ... its driving me nuts. I have a brand new car with lights on that shouldnt be and can not get it fixed. I should not have to be ignoring what are clearly intended to be warning lights. Under 4000 miles on the vehicle by the way!

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  Its a Jeep Thing!! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By sandlizzard - March 27 - 2:03 am

  In 1979 I purchased a 78 CJ5. I also purchased a 1944 willy that same year. I wish I still had both. My latest is a n 03 sport 4wd. I am still a jeepie at heart. I wish more of the jeepies knew about the "jeep wave". Happy Jeeping!!