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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  Cute car, However, MPG IS RIDICULOUS!! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Rae - January 7 - 8:50 am

  Exterior & Interior looks is nice :0) Seats are comfortable! TOO MUCH TIME AT THE GAS PUMP!! The second & third row seats are a little too high!! Passenger seat sits too low.

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  2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Grand Cherokee - January 7 - 6:53 am

  Coming from a 2000 Wrangler, I wanted something that didnt shake going over 70 mph, could handle some rough terrain, big enough for travel, and get me to work every day. I was looking at the Edge, MDX, Outback, Venza, Sorento, Explorer and Murano. Went into the Jeep dealership to value my trade and came out purchasing the 2011 Grand Cherokee Laredo with the 25X package. Hands down, the best bang for your buck. I purchased the V6 which was more than adequate, the V8 will have you flying. Amazed by the interior, which is literally like no other Jeep product I have stepped into. Exterior speaks for itself. Detroit has stepped up its game and I am along for the ride.

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  125K - still going strong - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By hlisle - January 7 - 12:43 am

  This is not a vehicle for anyone - it is not a luxury vehicle, though the price suggests otherwise. 1) Terrible on the highway - unless it is blizzard! Good news is that you wont be pushing it so hard to get a speeding ticket... 2) Not a mudder - dont buy this vehicle in Florida/South Georgia thinking you have a mudding truck... Nuhnt uh... 3) Shift linkages are 25 cent pieces of dung...

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4X4 Diesel (ADV TECH) - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepgcfan - January 6 - 10:21 am

  This is an update to a couple of reviews I have made on this car. As much as it pains me to say, please avoid the 2014 JGC Diesel and probably Jeeps altogether. My car has currently around 9K miles and has been in the shop 5-6 times. The last few times have been related to the diesel engine (catalytic converter was changed, engine light turned on a few times, and now a pipe in the diesel engine cracked. This resulted in exhaust fumes going everywhere. It is a true shame as this has been a car I had been waiting to buy for years. Chrysler really needs to improve its build quality and reliability as well as provide options for folks with lemons. I guess I am going the lemon law route. AVOID IT

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  Watch out for your engine! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By hollinsiam - January 5 - 5:12 pm

  I have a 2005 Jeep Liberty Sport. It has given me minor problems since I purchased in 2005. I only have 87000 miles on it and I need to have a cylinder replaced. I was told not to put another penny into it unless I wanted to replace the engine. My mechanic says he has seen this on several Libertys. I have kept up with its maintenance and given it the TLC that it needs - well I thought I did. What a rip off! No more Jeeps for me!

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  Me and my Rubi.... - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By sdream696 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my silver/black Rubicon now for just two weeks, but so far the experience has been great. When comparing this to a 95 Wrangler Sport 4.0L that I owned, Ive noticed night and day differences in some areas. The soundproofing from road noise is much better! Interior comfort level is vastly better. The Sound System is HUGELY better (7 speaker system in the new one). The biggest difference, in a negative light, is that my new Rubicon is a Dog... Ive got the 4.0L Inline 6, with the 5 speed manual tranny, and its not quick by any means (my 95 was better). Not to mention the terrible gas mileage. On a positive note, Dual Tops are Great!

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  Great all around Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By TJFT - January 5 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is exceptional in all areas. The upgrades to full 4 wheel disc is an improvement. The ride and handling is well tuned. Fuel economy could be better, but the vehicle weight is a great safty feature if you ask me and out weighs the fuel issue. The exterior is the typical smooth lined Jeep history of good looks and off road capabilities. All and all I would say this Liberty is well worth the money and very reliable.

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  27% off MSRP The Limited Rocks for the $ - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JimBob - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Best deal in the marketplace right now, the 2004 Limited is as nice as it gets for the $$$.

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  Off-road king - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeeper - January 2 - 9:26 pm

  I have had my Unlimited Rubicon for almost a year and love it! I am a hard-core off-roader and I find the Unlimited the perfect compromise for someone with a child and a need to drive to work 5 days a week. The lockers in the Rubi take me everywhere, and the extra cargo space hold all my gear. Im a Jeeper and added a small lift and bigger tires after a few months. Getting stuck is a thing of the past. Ive put this thing up the side of mountains in the National Forest in 1.5 feet of snow and over rocks the size of cars. It isnt the most refined, quite, or comfortable, its a Jeep

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  Not Great, but Not Horrible - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepsburgh - January 2 - 2:36 pm

  This car has turned out to be what I expected, an inexpensive SUV. The mileage is exactly what was on the sticker. The car performs very well in snow/ice. Some people like the look and some dont. I can transport 3 kids. I can fold the seats down and haul large items (even got a packaged treadmill in there). The interior is OK; however it is populated with cheap plastic. The seats arent the greatest, but they arent the worst. If you did your homework, there shouldnt have been any surprises. Would I get another? No. Am I eager to get rid of mine? No.