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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  X Automatic - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By GaryB - January 25 - 4:03 pm

  I purchased my Wrangler X for delivery in Japan where I live. Ive had it for about two weeks and am having a blast driving it. Dont really like the 12mpg Im getting around town with the price of gas what it is; expected more from EFI 6 (my AT may have minimal effect on that). Not used to steering wander but I found that on Range Rover so must be ok. Cant wait for my first off-road. Luxury car drivers wont like this at all! But they wont buy one either. Cant wait for top/doors off weather!

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  Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By LordJim - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Stylish, hip, performing, fun.

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  Love My Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Golga - January 23 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 Liberty Limited is a great vehicle. Gets me any where I need to go on the snowy roads of Western Pennsylvania. I don;t have to worry about it. I trade a 1993 Cherokee Sport in on the Libery, and had no complaints about it. But the Liberty is a more cushy Jeep. I LOVE it.

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  2004 Jeep Laredo Reviewd by owner - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Samuel DeMore - January 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun vehicle to own and drive.

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  Excellent - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BUCK - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Best riding suv around Quiet lots of torque Has off road capabilities yet like a car on highwauy

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  Great Bang for the Buck! - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Michael - January 22 - 9:10 am

  The Grand Cherokee is a good, solid SUV. It handles well and is fun to drive. It has good road manners and gives excellent feedback to the driver. It is a Jeep and rides a little stiffer than the competition but it is never an issue. The gas mileage is a little below the competitors but should not be a consideration when comparing SUVs.

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  Great vehicle for the price! - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Rich Reed - January 19 - 9:56 pm

  Ive had the Compass for 15 mos., and have not gone back to the dealer for anything. I have the 5 spd. manual, as I prefer that with a 4 cylinder. Long trips give me 28-30 mpgs, while my "rural" driving returns 27 mpgs. Seldom do city driving. I use the Compass for errands, fishing, and hunting, (with dog). Therefore, the "cheap" plastic interior is just fine, and easy to keep clean. No regrets buying the Compass!

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  nice ride - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tom0629 - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Jeep for about a year now and although i have seen people on here dog them, i have been nothing but happy. I have almost 60000.00 on the jeep and still havent had to replace the brakes. The stereo is nice. My wife loves the heated leather seats. V8 has some good low end power. I had my friend look at the brakes and he says they look good.

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  My 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chuck Harkness - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Jeep, 1st Grand Cherokee and I do use them off road. The vehicle works excellent off road and has been very reliable, no problems at all, great car!

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  better than ever! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepster - January 18 - 7:10 am

  First off, I get 30+mpg at 55mph! Got the 6 speed manual with rwd and limited slip. With the traction control and abs its certainly all you need in the South.