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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  Timeless Machine - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By kepasa - January 30 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for an all out performer in its class this is this vehichle for you! Excellent quality, decent ride quality in town & on the highway. Will go almost anywhere you point it offroad. It is an icon dating back to the original Willys.Soft top is adequate, but not that easy to put up.If youre looking for a convertible with ease this is not it.

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  grand - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By asal - January 30 - 10:00 am

  its the best car i have ever owned

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  2005 Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By vla - January 30 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle drives great, its compact size makes manuevering in and out small spaces easy. The 2005 interior and road handling have improved from previous models and the ride is not as bumpy. The passenger and rear seats are very stiff and could use some extra seat length along with extra padding for comfort.

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  Major Disappointment - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By disappointed - January 29 - 3:43 pm

  I love my JEEP-- If only it was built better! I love the look, the feel (except the doors do tend to spring back on you). Now if only the engine and transmission were worth 2 cents. Bought it brand new and it started leaking in TWO separate areas immediately. First time I brought it into the dealership they said there was no leak (tell that to my previously spotless driveway) they fixed one leak but refuse to acknowledge the other! They even tried to tell me it was normal run off! worst service dept I have ever dealt with. wont buy another vehicle from that dealership EVER, Id rather walk.

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  Jeep From Marty Cancila - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jae_grayer - January 29 - 2:10 am

  My jeep is amazing. It runs very good without any problems. The interior is nice! Exterior is even better. It is a fun to drive vehicle. The whole performance of the car is great. Grab a Jeep or test drive one and youll see.

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  ONE CATASTROPHE AFTER ANOTHER - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By karma90 - January 28 - 8:23 pm

  I have a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, Automatic, 2WD, the vehicle starts up perfectly but then instantly dies.Not a sputter nothing its like it just loses spark.The power works fine, the dash lights come on,no problem, automatic & manual head lights work great so far.Power windows and door locks work,my interior lights work.Gas light comes on,but theres gas in the jeep.None of the gauges move at all.After trying to start it multiple times there is no sort of clicking from inside my vehicle like when my alternator went out & my battery kept dying.I recently replaced the alternator 2 days ago.I replaced transmission catalytic converter,muffler,& major tune up 6 weeks ago. PLEASE HELP

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  JGC Trailhawk Real Off-road Ability / Luxury Ride - 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DJ - January 28 - 4:30 pm

  I leased the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk after considering the JGC Limited. When I looked at the standard features and option packages of each trim level the Trailhawk made more sense. The difference in the ride with the Quadra Lift suspension is remarkable. This is written while still in "honeymoon" stage, as I have owned the truck for just 3 weeks, but it has a better ride than my previous crossover GMC Acadia Denali 2014. I got luxury pig w pano roof, Xenon auto hi/lo beam headlights, & rain sensitive wipers. Loving it so far. Plenty of pick up w paddle shifters & auto stick yet my wife can leave it in regular automatic mode. Shed rather drive our jeep than our Benz!

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  well worth it - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mark D - January 28 - 4:20 am

  after a great deal of thought and research I decided to get the jeep rather than a standard SUV. My 1st Jeep and I couldnt be happier, now my wife wants one! Fuel consumption isnt its strong point but some simple modifications (air intake etc) have lifted the town average to 18mpg, its comfortable to drive, it feels solid and well built and have had no quality issues so far (3000 miles to date). Kids are comfy in the back seat (we have 3 including a 3 year old in a center mounted child chair)plenty of space for everyone. With the hard top its as practical to drive as a normal SUV but 15 min work and the top is off on clear days!

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  Theres Only One - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Seth - January 28 - 4:10 am

  Without doubt or hesitation the most fun Ive had in any vehicle Ive owned in 25 years. This is a REAL off-road vehicle not a tall car with 4WD. The perfect combination of on-road manners and off-road go-anywhere ability. A bit thirsty but this is a tough, solidly built truck. Ive driven past half a dozen broken GMC and Ford vehicles on trails and Im sure they get worse mileage. This truck has taken some of the toughest trails in N. America (Moab for instance). Nearly all the capability of a Wrangler with twice the comfort!

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  The Unexexpected Buy - 2017 Jeep Compass
  By julianglewin@gmail.com - January 27 - 1:58 am

  I was shopping for a KIA Sorrento or the smaller version; the sitting is not comfortable, I pass by a Jeep Dealer, liked the shape and size of the vehicle and the seating was excellent; price comparable , big difference the doors are heavy, you feel secure. the KIAs , and other brands are not.