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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  NEVER - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By yz250r - June 8 - 2:14 pm

  I AM NOT SATISFIDE! This jeep was good for about 4 months mialige 118,000 to curently 123,000 miles. Resently I`v had some major scairs. The engine on and off shakes the car. I can tell because normaly it would be a smoother feeling. At about 20 to 40 mph the car will leack forwars vilontly and will not produce power for 10 to 25 seconds. DO NOT GET THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Syracuse to OC 12/19-22/09 - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By geeo - June 8 - 1:20 pm

  I bought this as a car for my daughter in SU in New York State, I live in California. We got a great deal with a lifetime power train warranty all for 14 new. My daughter wanted good snow and rain and a great radio with a aux socket for her I pod. On December 19 the we set out on a cross country trip. I could have shipped the car and her stuff but that was estimate 1400.00 the gas all 3345 miles was 184.81 adv 18.9 mpg. We drove through the largest snow storm in virginia has seen in 59 years. The Compass plowed through great. It knew how to adjust the traction for optimum mpg. We had the stock 17" Tires on it,no chains. This car is for the young at heart It is a great deal simple controls!

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  Awesome diesel technology and advanced safety tech - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mark Vikse - June 7 - 9:27 pm

  I researched all luxury SUVs and have owned Lexus, BMW, Chevy, Acura, and Nissan in the past. This diesel GK Overland High Altitude model is amazing! Has more high tech and safety and infotainment features than all the competitors at a better price point. Love the torque, acceleration and great gas mileage and towing abilities and FCA makes by far the best and most intuitive U Connect infotainment system out there. I read all the negative reviews on here regarding the issues w the diesel and 8 speed tranny on the 2014, but these have been fixed on the 15, 16 models. Go buy one, you wont be disappointed and I love the adaptive cruise control and collision warning, etc.... Great SUV!

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  Great Multupurpose Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By DAC - June 7 - 5:43 pm

  I have owned other Jeeps but this was my first Wrangler. I promised my wife a convertible some day and she loves the Jeep. Great purchase. It is not the most comfortable ride for long highway drives but it is acceptable. It is hard to get the kids in their car seats. The fuel economy is not what it should be based upon existing technology. IT IS a fun vehicle, and a great short distance commuter. It handles the back roads and off-roads with equal ability. If youre afraid to get a scratch on it buy a Lexus and stay on the highway. IF you want a ride for bad weather, hunting conditions, and off-roading recreation...the Wrangler is a good fit.

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  Review after 2 years (27k miles) - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Mait - June 7 - 10:00 am

  First, this vehicle came with a poor choice of tires (Wrangler ST) so I upgraded after 18m miles to the larger, fatter Firestone Destination LE (yes Firestone) tires. For $350.00, it TOTALLY changed the way I feel about my Jeep. I love it. My family of just 3 went out to AZ with Seadoo in tow in June and the Liberty did just great up and down hills and through the desert from South Texas to Lake Havasu City (1200 miles each way). It carried all our luggage, lake gear, vhs, toolboxes, chests, etc. with no obstruction in back window and 60/40 back seat flipped down. Absent "slippery in rain" tire issue, this Jeep has given me zero problems. As for gas, its an SUV!!! Great towing capability!

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  satified, for lack of a better word - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Seth Wangler - June 7 - 10:00 am

  theres nothing like driving a jeep, and this is the best, looking, rideing, feeling, offroad capable jeep ever made. hands down.

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  Great Buy - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Kris B - June 7 - 10:00 am

  An all around great vehicle and absolutely exceptional for the price! The cargo area is huge and it rolls over curbs and potholes like they arent even there. There is no question I will buy another one when this one wears out. (as long is gas is not $10/gal)

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  Luv it - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By ugafan - June 7 - 7:40 am

  I just got my Jeep Liberty and I love it. There are a few drawbacks but nothing enough to have swayed me to another vehicle. The gas mileage is about the only bad thing I can say about my Liberty. It looks great, is fun to drive and it is a Jeep.

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  JUNK - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By laustin - June 5 - 8:16 pm

  I wanted this car all my adult life. I could finally afford it and all it did was break down. Compare to my wrangler this was junk. 3 radiators. 3 water pumps, constant broken hoses...and this is with my constant care! will NOT buy again

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  You Can Not Beat a Jeep - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Andrew - June 5 - 8:13 am

  I bought my 1994 Jeep with 99,000 miles on it two years ago. The Jeep now has 160,000 miles and it just keeps going. It has had its share of problems along the way, but I am 18 and I like to take my grand on the trails, so most of my repairs are due to me beating on it (VC in transfer case, starter got water in it and broke, shocks had to be modified, rear end went out, ripped up gears in transmission). Most of these things happened on the trails but if it were a Blazer it would have been much much worse. You beat a Jeep and it will still run for you, now what car will do that?