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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  Love this Hard RocK! - 2016 Jeep Wrangler
  By Beth Burnette - October 22 - 9:40 am

  Really love the style and durability of this 2016! Drives great on the road and off. Live on a very steep, snow/iced covered road and have NO PROBLEM buzzing up that hill in the worst of conditions. Its a little less stable in high winds on the open road...but I can deal with that. Wish I got a bit better gas millage.....but when you drive 75-80mph I guess one cant expect too much.

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  This Is Jeeps Finest Hour! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tucsonguy2 - October 20 - 2:28 pm

  I have owned this Overland V8 Hemi for nearly 2 months now, and I am still just as impressed as the day I bought it. This is a quiet, strong, well-behaved, high-quality vehicle that is loaded with amenities like heated and cooled seats, power liftgate, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, and much more. The interior is very nice, and this vehicle can hold its own against any of the higher-priced luxury brand SUVs from Germany and Japan. I have owned a number of Grand Cherokees in the past, but this one is clearly a cut above past models... perhaps they should have called it the Grand Slam, because thats what they have hit! This is one beautiful vechicle that I am proud to own.

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  Another Jeep Experience - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By MBK - October 19 - 11:53 pm

  Just purchased the Commander Sport, and we love it. The ride is smooth and the seating is comfortable. The appearance is impressive. We are very impressed with the turning radius. Not as happy with the gas mileage, for a 6 cylinder, we only averaged about 17-18 mpg on a recent highway road trip, and close to 15mpg in the city.

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  Very pleased so far - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By new jeep - October 17 - 2:00 pm

  We have had our Commander about three weeks. Our Limited really looks sharp in black. Rode and handled well on a 4 hour trip to the beach. The 4.7 is more than adequate for power. The Limited package adds a lot of nice goodies that we have never had before (like heated seats, sunroof, rain sensing headlights, auto-dimming mirrors, reverse sensor, etc.). I did not get navigation -- IMO you can buy a ton of paper maps for the money. I would definitely recommend checking out the Commander before buying a competitor. I like it much better than our previous 04 GMC Envoy -- handles better, tighter steering, slightly better ride, better looks. Mountaineer and 4Runner ride like 2 horse wagons.

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  An Amazing, Wonderful Adventure! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim - October 17 - 3:13 am

  We bought the Grand Cherokee Limited Diesel! Second choice over 09 Murano. WOW the moment I test drove it, I loved it! It drives, handles like a luxury sedan! 4WD makes corning a breeze! No leaning/siding like most other SUVs. I feel safe,secure! I noticed people admiring the body style from other mid size SUV owners! Lotsa of interior room. 59", large frame,feel very comfortable, wide spaces to stretch! I feel no vibrations, gas mileage terrific with average fwy/street driving at about 22.8 to 23.1 per gallon with diesel. Its heaven!

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  Rough it with confort Jeep Wrangler - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By M Eastwood - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This jeep wrangler is an upgrade from your sons california college vehicle that he bought to drive the girls around in. It has improved ride, easier top, and all the safety features of a "regular" sedan. It still goes through flooded roads, across fields with the ease of the bigger "monsters" we hear so much about. Fuel economy is decent. I love the fact that the back seat folds forward to make the mini truck I wanted when I removed the seat from my old wrangler. Now I have the best of both worlds as I approach my 60 birthday. Signed the Blonde Supercharged Outdoors Woman

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  Youll never get me out of a Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By BabsIDC - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is not a vehicle for folks who want the immenities of a Lincoln Town Car but have more room. The Liberty is a Jeep through and through and doesnt pretend to be anything else. The Liberty gives you anything you could ask for in the "utility" department (handling, room, features, dependabilty). I have had no complaints regarding anything dealing with the functionality of the Liberty. Plus, it is one of the most dependable vehicles I have ever owned. Avg 17 mpg, but that is the exact rating, cant complain. Summary: dependable, functional, fun, comfortable, inexpensive.

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  the freedom of my jeep liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe Jerome - October 16 - 10:00 am

  i love my jeep! I had a honda for 10years! I wanted a suv that was affordable fun to drive, and not a wimpy 4cylinder! I decided to go with the jeep because it was just the right size for me! NOT HUGE NOT TOO SMALL!

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  Capable KJ - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By 1CoolKJ - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have no regrets after purchasing my Liberty. I understand the vehicle is pretty heavy for its size, but come on... 17 mpg is horrible (90% of my driving is on the highway).

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  Liberty Renegade - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Shelnbri - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great fun to drive.Roomy.Handles nice.Gas mileage only about 17mpg.