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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  new Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Val - September 7 - 4:30 am

  It has such a smooth ride it is difficult to tell how fast you are driving. It has great luxury inside and a rough macho exterior.

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  A blast to drive all year round - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By saseals - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun vehicle to drive. Bought the hard top....a pain to take off...bought a hoist. Very quiet in the winter with the hard top on. Took it to Texas and used it to put Sea Doos in the water. Saw full size trucks spin their tires doing the same thing. The jeep climbed like there was no tomorrow.

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  Excellent little 4x4 SUV - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By caplking - September 6 - 5:05 pm

  Purchased my Compass in July this year. I wanted a Compass True North but Jeep does not build one, just for the auto shows. So I purchased my Compass 2.4, six speed auto,4x4. Using the specs found for the True North, I built one. I added the two inch lift kit and added a performance intake. This is the best SUV I have ever had. I truly love driving the Compass. For those who complain that the engine is sluggish, a performance intake will fix the issue without effecting gas mileage. The lift kit is for better off-roading. No mountain climbing or forging rivers, just good off-roading fun.

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  Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Sharon E. Gary - September 5 - 10:56 pm

  I have driven trucks all my life not really a car person. I have had a Ford Bronco and a Ford Explorer, I love 4 wheel drive and I use it. Like a vehicle that can hold its own and so far this Jeep Liberty has done it all. It can hang the interstate with the comfort and smoothness of a car and off-road it is as tough as a Bronco. It makes a nice safe ride for when I have my grandchildren in it and they love the look. The real test for me was my granddaughter just got her learnerÂ’s permit and loves to drive this Liberty and I feel very safe because of the LibertyÂ’s safety features. So far this grandmother loves it. It is so brand new but the more I drive it the more I love it.

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  It works! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John - September 4 - 4:26 am

  I bought the JGC LTD (5.7 Hemi) in Missouri and drove it home to FL. So far, so great! Its a blast to drive and the new model year suspension is very smooth. As expected, the fuel economy is not great but that isnt why one buys a SUV. Ive now driven over 1,400 miles and I cant say its anything less than expected. And its a head turner to beat.

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  I guess I got lucky? - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Mrobinson - September 3 - 11:51 am

  Based on the other reviews you would think this vehicle was sub par. I actually love it ! Takes about $15-$20 to fill where I live (KY) great on the road when Im traveling back and forth about 45minutes away. I can get drive as fast 80-90mph and not even realize it thats how smooth it rides. Ive not experienced any of the below issues. Im 25 so no kids. I have 62 guy friend that fit comfortably in my backseat as well. And I have enough cargo storage for my hair and makeup kit and lighting. Overall great vehicle !

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  my fun vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bill Best - September 3 - 2:26 am

  My Jeep is a fun vehicle with economy acceptable at 18 to 22. I like the tight feel of construction and maneuverability It is not a road car but is enjoyable even on long trips. I would buy another one but I do not think that I will ever need one Go Jeep!

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  Wow, impressive. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Jeff - September 2 - 4:36 am

  We bought our 5.7 Hemi Overland Commander with about every option available in 08 brand new. I was worried we might have problems with so many options down the road. We now have 180k miles and besides normal maintenance like brakes or tires, we have only replaced a starter motor and that is it. We have it serviced regularly and it has been amazing. More than half the miles are highway, but we also use it to also pull our motorcycle trailer, and a 24 foot travel trailer in the summer. It is starting to use a bit of oil now, about a quart every 2000 miles, but acts like it has a lot more life in it. I have owned Acura, Mercedes, Jaguar, Ford, Chevy, Mazda, Honda, etc. So far this one beats them all for its reliability and lack of trips to the shop for any repairs, or check engine lights like my Mercedes routinely has. My Acura Legend ( a fantastic car) is still in the family with 270k (still original motor and trans ) on it, but by 180k it had a lot more work done on it than our commander, like new radiator, AC compressor, etc. I also had a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 4.7 V8 and it was great, with few problems until I sold it with 130k miles on it. My personal experience is outstanding with Jeep as a brand with reliability in comparison to any brand out there.

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  toy - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By c fleming - September 1 - 7:33 am

  Bought it to tow behind RV. Very happy with the quality and comfort. I liked the no hassle buying; all I had to do was pick out the color and options. It has plenty of power and is fun to drive. Our other car is a E320 Mercedes wagon and it is getting lonely just sitting is the garage while we drive this one.

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  Perfect for a Tall Guy - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bill in Phoneinx - August 31 - 10:00 am

  Lots of mid-size SUVs have similar 3.6L V6 engines, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is a perfect combination of power, luxury, safety, aesthetics and room. Im a tall guy -- 65" -- and there is plenty of head room, leg room and shoulder room. Good visibility. The electronics work great, and the voice activated radio and phone are excellent.