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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  89 and 270k and going - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By mandela morta - February 27 - 10:00 pm

  Cubans should buy this jeep. It will be around as long as the 50s cars they drive now and it will be alot nicer. I like keeping things that dont get abandoned by the rest of the rest! We still can buy parts no problem for a jeep 20 yrs old. do as done

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  2011 KK Limited - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By staggerlee41 - February 27 - 5:14 am

  I traded in my 02 Liberty Sport and took advantage of Jeeps year end incentives. I bought the Limited version and couldnt be more pleased. Loved my 02 with 135k miles (engine still going strong) and felt right at home in this one. This vehicle is one that I can drive with confidence off road and on pavement, the vehicle is built to last, its a tank! It gets excellent NTHSA ratings. Im not sure which version the reviewer took out, but I dont find the engine to be unresponsive. Perhaps compared to a sedan or even a plush wanna be SUV crossover vehicle it may be. What a pleasure to drive, so comfortable! Its a Jeep, not sure what you would expect? Not a wanna be SUV, its the real deal!

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  Been Jeeped!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By TWatkins - February 27 - 2:00 am

  The most fun and reliable vehicle I have ever owned!!! I own a 03 Liberty Freedom Edition, bought last August.I wont own another car other than a Jeep again. Only issue.... I figure the way I feed it at the gas pump it will eventually grow into a Hummer!!!!

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  trial by fire - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By maldo - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchase this vehicle in the midle of the german winter, and as luck will have it the day after I picked the vehicle up we have a week long snow storm in the area. I was concerned about getting stuck in the thick snow, as a saw several vehicles do. The 4WD capabilities of me jeep were amazing, I did not have any trouble, sorting through the bad weather. I love the style of the vehicle, it has a rough yet refined look, and it gets complements from other SUV owners everywhere I go.

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  Works for me - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dort_63 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 95 Impala for a 4 wheel drive GC. Although I had to get use to the tipping (while turning as you get with all SUVs)I find the ride every bit as smooth.

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  Love it - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Mike - February 26 - 10:40 pm

  The Patriot is the ideal 4x4 with good MPG. I got the Freedom Drive II and still get 22-25 MPG depending on driving habits - the car is roomy, the leather is great and the uConnect Navigation radio fantastic. I could not be happier with the car, the interior design and the looks. The car inspires me. I tested the Subaru Forester, Imreza and Legacy as well as the VW Tiguan. My Patriot is American made, handles as well, does not require premium gas and is as "luxurious". The attention to detail is apparent in the 2009 model. I love the 110 Volt outlet - for Kids and charging stuff. I upgraded to the hitch for bike accessories. Hopefully Ill never need the extra safety features or the Jeep.

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  Not worth buying worst car I ever owned - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Rich - February 26 - 4:15 am

  Only had my Jeep Compass for 9 months I bought it used with 90 k miles since owning it the 9 months dumped about 6 grand into it def. not worth what the resale value is it does drive and I feel it is reliable to a point but every part that needs to be replaced when I had the issue was a arm and a leg I feel Chrysler and the jeep dealerships now this so everytime I bring it in its o this much time this much to fix while the parts are no where near what they cost or I feel they just try to get money from u I have a aftermarket exhaust which comes from the cat back which is not a no name brand it has a life time warranty on it and there telling me it all has to be replaced that my cat is aftermarket too lol I helped put it on I know theres only one cat and it goes from the cat back it was just the muffler and the pipe that went to the cat lol. But any way just trying to say that Im very disappointed in this vehicle and jeep themselves

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  1st Jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By John - February 25 - 10:40 am

  This is my first Jeep. I have had it for almost a month now and have close to 1000 miles on it with no problems. I have taken it off road several times already and it has performed well on all counts. I have a stock Wrangler and it still overcomes mud and hills with ease. It is a relatively comfortable ride.

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  my 1st.4x4 - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By yank - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I like my jeep cherokee for its low maintainence costs and reliability,however, its a very tireing vehicle on long trips.It handles very well in adverse weather conditions.I now have 126000 mi. and still going strong. It has been serviced as specified in the owners manual.This is only my second set of tires.Never had a front end problem or any major repairs. Back seats hard to manage for older people,also not a smooth riding vehicle Never did any off road driving with this car..

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  The Best Jeep ever owned - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JohnKenny - February 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car ive ever owned. Ive driven across the country and didnt stop for 1 mechanical thing. I only filled up gas. It has 326,000 miles on it and it runs like a charm. The engine is in perfect condition. If you keep up with our check ups, the car will run great. Buy a Jeep and keep it for a while, it will last.