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:

• 

  A GREAT CAR - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Giovanna - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my jeep Liberty renegade and its so much fun to drive, it is a very comfortable car, a great sound system, it has amazing handling, and makes you feel totally in control of the road without being too huge & bulky. Even though its a gas and mileage eater I absolutely love my car because all the other elements this car has to offer far surpass that. I can drive over a curb like a piece of paper ... he he....

• 

  2004 Spec Ed. 4X4 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By atlncegy - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Grand Cherokee Spec Ed. I traded it in with 13k miles (trade in was $20k even if I didnt want to purchase a new one - I only paid $25k for it) After driving my new 4X4 Spec. Ed, I love it! Ive had a few off road drives thus far without problems. The quadra trak II works well.

• 

  Its a Jeep Thing- You Wouldnt Understand - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By BamaTazz - June 17 - 2:43 pm

  What a GREAT vehicle..Its not a car, its not a truck its a JEEP. Top, no top..doors, no doors..no other vehicle like FUN to drive..very reliable GO GET ONE!

• 

  badass jeep cherokee - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By AL - June 17 - 1:20 pm

  I got my Jeep Cherokee when I turned 16, and it was a former border patrol unit so it had a few modifications to its factory build. It came with skid plates and yaddi yadda... Idk when it was but I just started falling in love with cars and went all out... It now has a 4.7 stroker straight 6 engine which I just recently beefed up a 3 inch suspension lift and a 1 1/2 inch body lift with 33x12.5 inch tires locked front and rear differential new full magnaflow exhaust kit slip yoke eliminator cv driveshaft the list just goes on and on.... Anyway im approaching 17 now and ive realized that if it wasnt for this car.. I still wouldnt know what I wanna do later in life... Which is work on cars someway

• 

  LOVE, LOVE my new 2016 Jeep Trailhawk!! - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Debi Scholar - June 16 - 7:59 pm

  Picked up my new Colorado Red, 2 MySky sunroofs, Trailhawk a few days ago and LOVE IT! Typically, Im a Ford lover, e.g. Escape and other models, but I absolutely HATE the way the new small SUVs look like station wagons (in my opinion). I wanted a vehicle that was a small SUV with big functionality, some nice add-ons, and more of the "box" look that my old Ford Escape had. The Trailhawk has multiple off-road options, which I may not use often enough, but wanted the capabilities anyway. I read some other reviews about lack of quick acceleration, and I havent really noticed that problem at all. Although, I dont think I usually try to go 60 MPH within 5 seconds anyway. I love the technologies of UConnect, the ease of use of setting all the controls, the automatic windshield wipers (theyre perfectly timed based on rain!), and strong, sturdy environment that surrounds me. This may sound weird...but I feel like Im in an extremely, well-made, sturdy vehicle that is "stronger" than even my Ford Escape was. That "secure" feeling is very meaningful to me. The only thing that I wish..... that the MySky front option had the ability to open the opaque but leave a transparent window so that I could use the "top down" daylight in the winter months without cold coming in. I also wish the back seats were a little more "comfy" like the front seats but I rarely have people in the back seat anyway. I love the various key-less options, Display options, etc. I also have the blind spot alerts which I LOVE. There are so many things that are perfect, I cant write them all down. I went to Autoland dealer in NJ, and they were less than helpful trying to find my 2016 Red Trailhawk with the options I wanted. Yet, 1 day later, Salerno Duane in NJ found my exact match vehicle in a tri-state dealer and had it to me in 3 days. I used Salerno Duane previously so am thrilled with their willingness to help me. If youre looking for a unique SUV that is solid and well thought out, youll love this new 2016 Renegade line of vehicles!! Debi S - New Jersey

• 

  I looooove My Jeep! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Bizzette - June 16 - 4:56 am

  I bought my Jeep two and a half years ago. I still love it as much today as the first day I owned it. It is very reliable and the gas mileage is really good (considering that its an SUV). The mileage I get is about what was listed on the sticker. When I need another car, Ill probably buy another Liberty.

• 

  Transmission Problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By James - June 16 - 2:00 am

  When I start my 2006 Jeep Commander and put it into drive or reverse and step on the gas its always hit or miss if the car is going to move. The engine will usually rev for a second and then finally go. Once it has starting moving in drive, every time it shifts from first to second there is a loud clicking noise. Took it to the dealership and they told me it has to get worse before they fix it. That doesnt sound right to me.

• 

  Its a Jeep. Realize that and youll love it. - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepguy2011 - June 16 - 12:55 am

  My first Jeep & its everything I expected. Only have had it three weeks - about 800 miles. Gas mileage is 15-16 mix -stop and go and highway- Dont consider that bad for a 6 cylinder Jeep that weighs 4000 lbs. The interior is comfortable, not luxurious; its a Jeep. Love the exterior & the Blackberry is a great color. Yes its a tad slow from a deadstop, but passing ability is great and it feels like a solid vehicle. Great in snow. Slight body lean, but its a Jeep. Technology is good. Like the new "ECO" mode, keeps you aware of how youre driving. So far no performance or other issues. Its fun to drive, has plenty of room & looks cool. Im happy I bought it!

• 

  Outstanding! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Glenn - June 16 - 12:10 am

  Ive had a Cherokee and a Wrangler, but this Liberty Limited has blown me away. The ride is quiet, the power is just right, the luxury on my Limited is more than Ive ever had but I certainly appreciate it. I find the size just about right. My preference is for compact SUVs but Ive grown into this one. Highway noise is minimal and ride is confident. This thing is better in the snow (New England) than the Cherokee or Wrangler were. I have zero complaints. Even the horn button in the steering wheel is perfectly placed.

• 

  Many problems at 122K - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LP - June 14 - 1:44 pm

  Every week or so, I have another problem with this car. In the past two months alone, my check engine light went on ($400 fix), my control module computer went haywire ($140 to diagnose and reprogram), my alternator died ($160 - the shop did the labor for free). Now my transmission is dying and Im selling the car at a big loss just to get rid of it. On the rare occasions it does work, it still has the infamous rear-end clunk, is way too top-heavy, and costs a ton of money in gas. If youre looking for a reliable car, look elsewhere.