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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  mattman - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By mattman - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle two years ago from the original owner with 74,000 miles. It runs great and has given me no problems. I have all of the records since I purchased the vehicle regarding oil changes, etc. It is alot of fun to drive, especially with the top down. During the cold winter months, the heater works great!

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  Rather pleased to date - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kingofkings288 - April 9 - 6:24 am

  After the hurricane, I needed a ride, and fast, before the post-Sandy lemons flooded the market. I picked up this 06 Laredo with 58,000 mi, very clean except for a strange divot where the drivers right heel would rest. It starts every time I turn the key, and since the passenger window was serviced, every button and light works as advertised. It handles surprisingly well for a truck, and feels confident in the snow and rain. It doesnt accelerate much below 3,000 rpm, but after that it can take off. Maybe its my driving profile, but the mileage is terrible. Well see what summer brings, but the A/C should blow a tad colder, but thats a very minor complaint. On balance Im pretty happy.

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  I like it!!! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By stump59 - April 7 - 3:06 am

  Well, you wont win any races with this Jeep. But it is a solid little SUV. In the Texas hill country yesterday and it did very well in the hills with the auto shift. First tank I got 23 mpg. Not bad on the open road. Very smooth at 75.

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  Love my 2016 Grand Cherokee Laredo! - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Fern Andriano - April 6 - 2:43 pm

  I have only had the car for a couple of weeks, I find it to be very comfortable, easy to drive and pretty good on gas. I am still getting use to the engine turn off/turn on at stop lights and stops but I am sure I will get use to it soon enough. There seems to be enough power for me. Overall there is plenty of room for what I need from a vehicle and to me the styling is very sleek and strong looking at the same time, I get lots of complements on my new jeep. I am looking forward to being content for many years to come.

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  My New SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bob Tyree - April 5 - 3:16 pm

  An excellent automobile, and quite a bit better than even the 2004 which I had. It is super quiet, powerful and smooth riding. It is a quality automobile.

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  Best Decision Ive Ever Made! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By ABaker - April 5 - 10:00 am

  People tried to discourage me. My dad said it was unsafe, my mom worried, friends said it was not practical. I AM SO GLAD I did NOT listen! I have never had so much fun!!! It is VERY versatile and can haul a lot. Its been to the beach, camping & highway driving EVERY day. It really has been fun. It came with a hard top, but I bought a soft top and I cannot imagine putting the hard back on. The soft top is so versatile and fun. It stays off all weekend. AND it is NOT that hard to manage. I think the Editors reviews were too harsh-- sound like a dads review! ENJOY IT

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  Solid vehicle! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Gus - Pittsburgh - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my 2nd Jeep Liberty (2004).This is the first time I have ever bought the same vehicle back to back. First was a 2002 model. I have been extremly impressed with the reliability and quality. After almost 3 years still no squeeks or rattles. If you live in a snow belt area there is simply nothing better to get you through the snow and ice safely. Great stock stereo and excellent visibility. I find the seats to be very confortable and plenty of versitility in hauling items. My neighbor has a Mercedes-Benz SUV which I have driven and I can honestly say I wouldnt trade him even up. Great SUV at a great price!

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  Best vehicle Ill ever own - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By gotta love the jeep - April 5 - 12:56 am

  I inherited this when my dad passed a couple of years ago, and between him, my mom, and myself, weve put 55,000 miles on this Cherokee. My mom and sister both have Grand Cherokees (98 and 99), but neither compare to the way this one performs on or off-road. The ride is a little bouncy at times, but thats to be expected for a truck-based SUV. Even then, it rides much better than many current car-based SUV wanna-bes and newer mid-sized truck-based SUVs with independent suspension, IMHO. Ill also tell you that this is one vehicle the designers and engineers got right, even with upgrades as the model years moved along.

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  This Commander Rocks! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By ST8JEEP - April 4 - 11:43 pm

  I have driven my 06 Commander for a year and am really impressed. It rides and drives smoothly. Cargo space is great. I have hauled 8 ft 4x4 lumber with the tailgate shut. Off road driving is amazing. Drove through 12 inches of snow in a corn field with no problems!

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  Transmission Problems? - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Vicki - April 4 - 9:00 pm

  I really like the design of the Liberty but the seats are not as comfortable as expected and the gas mileage is not very good either. I had some major brake noise for the first few months and now at three years, I am having some serious hard down-shifting going on. I have taken it into the dealer several times and they cannot find the problem and make me feel like I am going nuts but my friends and my boyfriend have driven it when it happens.