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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  Jeep Liberty Columbia Edition - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Ben Moy - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a nice combination of jeep ruggedness and stylish every day drivability. The 3.7L V6 adequately powers this rugged little SUV. Handling is a little rough around the edges, like any SUV. What it lacks in car like handling, the liberty makes up in all weather, off road capability. The part time 4WD easily handled a recent snowstorm, no doubt off roading would be a joy. The sun roof, custom wheels, speed control, chrome interior accents, two tone seats, and Columbia badging add a unique touch to my Liberty. Outside, the graphite bumpers combined with body colored wheel wells make my Columbia Edition different from Sports, and Limiteds.

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  The Best SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepmaster2004 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I was so impressed with the way the dealership treated me. Jeep is an awesome product

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  I love it but... - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ES - November 7 - 11:26 pm

  I love the truck but it does have a few hitches. On the transition from one gear to another you can hear and feel the grind of the gears. You must apply just the right gas pressure or none at all to make it through without an issue. And man, wow, guzzles gas. But the most comfortable ride I have even been blessed to ride in. Wonderful feel and a lot of fun options make this the best car I have ever owned.

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  Tall Wagon With Jeep MoJo - Hot - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By brucebolen1 - November 7 - 1:43 pm

  4x4 Trailhawk V-6 has excitement and passion. Owned many SUVs like Tahoes, X5, ML and original 87 Cherokee. Drives like a luxury vehicle, refined, comfortable, fast, powerful. Interior design, materials, fit and finish and seat design first rate (better than Grand Cherokee). Interface screen, nav and controls (with backup) is very intuitive and the best in the business. Love exterior and interior style including front end. Blacked-out trim on a white Trailhawk with black hood trim is awesome. Passing power is totally appropriate for the situation with partial-throttle downshifts (9-speed does not mind skipping a gear). Low RPM at any speed. Uses regular 87 octane gas.

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  Still having fun!!!!! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By christopher harvengt - November 7 - 10:00 am

  over 50k the only thing that was replace was brakes. Very smooth car like rided even off road which we do alot of.it climbs the rocks like a goat!

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  My next car will also be a jeep!!!!!! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepy - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Some normal things hav gone wrong with it, but most have been after 90,000 miles, and are expected. I love the jeep and I want to buy American cars, while many people gave me a hard time about doing that- my American car has outlasted their foreign cars.

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  Jers ride - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jerri - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car and fun to drive. Would like more leg room for driver.

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  Dads Jeep - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chuck - November 4 - 8:43 am

  This is the most fun vehicle Ive ever owned. I drove it from Virginia to Idaho in 4 days and had no problems. Well, with the soft top it did get kinda loud.

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  I cant let her go 2000 jeep cherokee 4x4 - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By 107wood - November 4 - 3:17 am

  I bought a newer F-150 so I no longer had a need for my jeep so i decieded to sell it. I washed it, waxed it, painted the mouldings and bumpers with bumper paint, touched up the finish coat, cleaned the rust off the steel rims, steam cleaned the interior. Ive now decided to keep her and sell my truck. This has been the most reliable vehicle Ive owned. After 7 years and 90K (bought it with 65K) I have had no major repairs. The only issues Ive had is with the suspension but its all maintenance items.

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  Family Jeep Fun - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By BigJeep - November 2 - 6:06 am

  I love this jeep. Finally a Jeep with 5 seatbelts! It rides great in town and cruises effortlessly at 70mph on the interstate. This is the only convertible SUV that can carry the whole family. Everyone says it looks like an H1 Hummer. Thank goodness its not. I get 21mpg on the interstate.