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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  1st time Jeep owner - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Connie - April 10 - 3:46 am

  I have always driven a sub-compact vehicle and was reluctant to look at SUVs for environmental reasons. However, after living in MI for 9 years and going through one of the worst winters ever, I decided I needed to look at an AWD-type vehicle. I have had Chrysler products my entire life and had heard good things about the Patriot. I was not disappointed when I purchased the car. It rides well, not at all like an SUV to me, and it is environmentally friendly based on the MPG it gets. As long as I live in the upper Midwest, I will be driving a Jeep.

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  Gotta love a Jeep! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepcrazy - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this jeep in 2001 with 44k miles on it. Just ticked off 119k and it still runs and looks just like it did when I bought it. Have had to put new brakes and such on it but other than the general maintenance stuff I have not spent a dime on it. This has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. I will probably drive this till the wheels fall off and plan to buy another jeep when that happens!

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  jeeps r fun - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zam1991 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  ive enjoyed my jeep. weve had 2 grand jeep cherokees with v8s. only had problems with the brake rotors. otherwise, good stuff.

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  Jeep Lib - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kerendawn - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car!! Fun to drive

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  Know what your getting - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By xbomber - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Be careful when considering the Liberty. The off road suspension design shakes you like crazy on even the smallest bumps. The seats are as stiff as concrete and the shape numbs my lower back and legs. The full economy is aweful. 18 mpg is the best I can do.

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  The best bang for you buck! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By sME - April 10 - 1:06 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Ive owned cars, suvs and this really fits me perfectly at 6. I cant believe Edmunds gave it bad reviews. There is no engine noise, rides smoothly, extremely comfortable. The best your money will buy. I cant stress enough to go drive one and listen to consumer reviews instead of professional reviews. They dont get the budget and are constantly driving all types of vehicles: expensive ones too. They say its all relative - well it is. For the money, this is an amazing vehicle. Dont listen to me, drive one. Im a real consumer. I just got my sport 4x4 with sun and sound package and all the accessories. You will truly love it - go American!

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  Best vehicle Ive owned! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepsrock1 - April 9 - 10:12 pm

  We have had this Liberty for over 8 years. Its reliable, would drive it anywhere! For 8 years weve put new tires on, brakes, oil changes and thats it! It has not needed anything but normal maintenance nothing!! Its so easy to drive and park being small and theres only one thing I wish was different and thats the MPG, which can be helped some by driving sensibly.

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  Is this a Jeep? - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jake - April 9 - 5:46 pm

  Have owned a Cherokee, Wrangler, and driven the Libertys. If you took the Jeep logo off the steering wheel, I would think I was driving a higher priced SUV! Jeep has finally gotten something going here. Drove a 2004, thought it was nice, but the 2005 is a dramatic increase in ride quality, handling and performance. The 6 is nice, with decent fuel economy (better then my Wrangler was). The Laredo is a nice package, have turned many heads with it. No more cheap plastic on the bottom on the body. Jeep has added many luxury features that enhance the experience.

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  Happy so far - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By RMG - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Just turned 50,000 with no real problems. Had a power window problem and the rear washer pump quit, nothing with the drivetrain at all. I have the select-trac full time 4wd and have been very happy. We see lots of snow and my wife can drive it without having to worry about shifting to 2wd if she gets on a dry section of road. I just did a 1,000 mile trip, got 22.5 mpg. Average about 18 in town.

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  NEVER BRAKE DOWN OR GET STUCK - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By 4xfun - April 9 - 10:00 am

  if you want a car that will always get you where you want to go buy a wrangler. get a 4.0 it has a stronger engine. I have alittle over 96k miles and the engine is still going strong, Its never had engine problems.if you cant deal with a bumpy ride dont by an suv,because jeep is the grandfather of the suvs. Fun in the winter(4x4 in the snow) and fun in the summer top down and doors off buy hard top and an after market soft top (best top) because it comes with full metal doors