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:

• 

  Almost great so far - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By movingalong - April 29 - 1:00 am

  I have 4500 miles and really like this car. My only problem so far is the transmission intermittently gets stuck in 1st (not in sport mode). I notice when it is up to 4000 RPM and hit the shifter to Sport Mode which then notices high RPN and upshifts. Then back to automatic and it shifts as normal. I traded in a 2005 Jeep Liberty with a 6 speed stick. I loved that car too and "never had a trany problem. Good old sticks. Anyhow I am sure that they can fix this. I can always go to sport mode and use the paddle shifters. Everything else about this car I love and for a 68 year old I am getting quite techy. Nicest car I ever owned.

• 

  06 Grand Cherokee Limited - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jon - April 28 - 11:16 pm

  Ive only had mine for a couple weeks but already its the best 22 grand Ive spent. The fuel economy is not the best but the way it drives and runs is fantastic. I highly suggest it to anybody thats in the market to get one.

• 

  Great Car For The Money! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Mary - April 28 - 9:46 pm

  Having switched from a 5-speed, V6 engine car, to this I-4 Jeep Compass was a huge difference (but I knew that before I bought it). The Compass has no take-off or get up & go power (so my days of quickly dashing out in front of tractor trailers and other cars are over. SMILES) However, it is still a great car and I am having a WONDERFUL time with it....so far.

• 

  Jeep Overland - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By smavridis - April 26 - 10:00 am

  Luxurius, very powerfull and fun to drive. Comfortable on very long drive (19 hours), as well as very responsive and confident driving in the city. I feel very safe and in control when driving my Jeep. I am very satisfied with it so far in every aspect.

• 

  Very high build quality & fun to drive - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By djd - April 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Jeep and the build quality is far better than my last three Jeeps. There were no factory defects at all. The engine is very powerful and smooth running. The ride is far smoother and quieter than I expected with those knobby tires (although not car-like). The 4-wheel- drive system is unstoppable. My only suggestions are; get the hard top as the soft top is very difficult to install / remove & note that the "gray" interior is really black (very hard to keep clean). I could not be more pleased with this Jeep.

• 

  True Trail Ready Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By ldmpam - April 17 - 10:00 am

  The only reasonable priced serious off road vehicle that can be used as is for both street and trails with out concern. It is built tough and reliable, you can get an auto transmission and airconditing with cruse control. But the basic jeep has real tough drive train that you can get factory airlockers front & rear with a heavy duty transfer case and full 7 year 70k mile warrentee for worry free off/on road uses.

• 

  Crims Jeep - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Linda - April 16 - 9:13 pm

  Bought this Jeep in March of this year with 184k miles on it. Great in rain or snow. Very good brakes for size of vehicle. I love being able to stop it on a dime. So far reliable. Recomend this year to anyone

• 

  A dream with a hemi 5.7L - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joretta - April 13 - 6:08 pm

  I still love her but the interior door handles have fallen in on the floor. I had to replace the entire driver door panel so i can get out of her. She still runs like a dream!!

• 

  I love it! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By erin - April 13 - 12:40 pm

  When I was looking for an SUV I was only looking at the Volvo XC90 or the BMW X5. My husband had me try the Jeep and I fell in love. I have every available option, bluetooth, Sirius radio, nav., auto dimming lights, rain sensor wipers and on and on. I have over 60K miles and have yet to have a single problem with this vehicle. I sell real estate so I am in my car all the time and taking clients around. They are always impressed with the interior and are suprised its a Jeep. We will be selling it soon because I need something bigger with two kids in carseats but I will buy a Dodge/Chrysler product again in a heartbeat.

• 

  WILL NEVER OWN ANYTHING ELSE BUT A JEEP - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Lauramarie Stuart - April 11 - 2:50 pm

  I just purchased a 2009 Wrangler X 3 days ago. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!! I always owned trucks but NEVER drove anything like this. It rides like a dream, handles beautifully a REAL looker. My boyfriend took over my 2008 Dodge Ram Quad Cab Hemi...I dont even miss driving the truck. I get high 18