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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  built jeep tough - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By joe lo - October 29 - 10:00 am

  i have always owned jeeps, they are great vehicals, they are very reliable, fun to drive, and the build quality is amazing. when you own a jeep you have the best of both worlds, fun in the summer time with the removable soft top and doors and in the winter time you have the trail rated 4wd system. they are very strong and reliable, i have jumped jeeps, taken them through trails that people wouldent wanna walk on and they handle everything great. as far as driving on the road they are pretty smooth at highway speeds, but tend to be bumpy on streets because of the straight axle setup that makes their 4wd system amazing.

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  2004 Renegade Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike - October 28 - 6:46 pm

  We bought our Libert in May of 2004. After 5 years and 93000 Miles. Its safe to say this may be the most dependable and solid vehicle I have ever owned. And I have had quite a few. It is great on and off road, currently have a 2" Body Lift on it with 30" BFG ATs on it. But I did get about 85000 miles out of the original Goodyears and they still had good tread left on them. Honestly dont have any complaints about this vehicle, fun to drive, looks great, easy to maintain, nice interior features such as the window controls, door handles. Actually continues to get better fuel mileage - Currently 18.5 mpg. Definitely made me a Jeep Person.

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  best hunting vehicle there is - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By J.B.D.S. - October 28 - 2:10 pm

  This Jeep is great I have been a truck guy all my life and was looking at new vehicles and decided to try the 4 door Rubicon. I am loving it goes more places then my fx4 ever thought about going doesnt bottom out over the tx terrian when Im going to the deer stand. I got the hard top wish I had the soft top also for summer looking to buy one my wife didnt want me to buy this and now she drives it more then I do going to have to trade her car in for a another one I recomend this vehicle to anyone. Took it to sedona az in the mountains and it was great no problems did anything I wanted to do. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned keeping till the wheels fall off.

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  The Compass direction - 2017 Jeep Compass
  By Russell Leach - October 28 - 5:49 am

  The dealers are all over the place on sales price. That was disappointing. When I stood to leave, they finally gave me what they were advertising.

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  Love This Jeep!!!! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zetzsche2002 - October 28 - 12:01 am

  My Mom Bought me this Jeep in April-2011,Has the 4.7V8 powerful engine but Great gas mileage for a SUV.Great in the snow in 4X4 and still gets thought the snow in 2WD.I have put 12,000 mile on it since April-2011 and runs strong and no Problems(KNOCK ON WOOD)....I LOVE THIS JEEP..PLUS EASY TO MAINTAIN.

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  Early review - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Geoff Clayton - October 27 - 11:36 am

  So far this diesel is light years ahead of the old style diesels. Now its a matter of computer controls being reliable for the most part. More and more, computers are the platform that control basically well made engines. If the electronics are sound this engine will last longer than I will.

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  Sweet Machine - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jacked XJ - October 25 - 6:50 pm

  This is my 1st Jeep. I absolutely love this vehicle. My friends and I have taken this jeep many many places. From Maryland (my home state) to Fairbanks, Alaska to Tijuana, Mexico. Since those road trips I have put an 8 inch lift with 35x13.50x16 Pro Comp M/T tires on American Racing rims and many extra mods. 4.0 MPI still performs flawlessly after 87,000miles, tranny and transfer case rock solid with Command Trac 4x4 system. I have taken this XJ to Moab and may other places, slammed it up against many other machines never a disappointment.I recently talked my Honda driving wife into an old CJ-7 purchase; she was reluctant at first till she heard that ol 350 purring under the hood. Keep Jeepin.

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  Fun Jeep Sahara - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By lmm - October 22 - 12:50 am

  My Jeep is really fun to play around with during the winter and it is really reliable. I havent got stuck yet and it preforms great. Plus they are the most fun to modify.

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  Fun - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Richard the first - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have my Jeep for six years now. It has over 110,000 miles but its still running strong. Sure there were a few things went wrong, I had to replace the catalytic converter and the exhaust manifold. Overall, its a great vehicle. I love the short wheel base that allows me to fit into the tightest parking space in the parking nightmare downtown Boston. I love the go-any-where that allows me to park on the most ridicules ice and snow covered spot no other car can get to, and best of all, I dont have to shovel for hours to dig out my Jeep after a big snow strom.

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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By jake - October 21 - 12:36 am

  Had an 06 4runner but this patriot beats it. Better gas mileage and handling ... It really is fun to drive. But I miss the 4runners roll down window on the rear hatch ... Wish Jeep would offer that feature its great for my Labrador and when I visit the local home depot.