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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  Best Car I ever owned - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mike - October 22 - 2:23 pm

  Other than a cracked manifold, I have not had major repairs. One single rust spot. I painted myself and covered with a cheap rocker panel. It actually improved the appearance and practically looks new. Hard to believe its 10 years old.

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  Great small family vehicle - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By ek900 - October 22 - 11:08 am

  The birth of our son got the clock ticking on my wifes Mini Cooper, and about a month ago, we traded it on a Jeep Compass Sport (FWD, 5spd., 2.4L engine). While the Jeep was a great value, it really compares well to similarly-sized SUVs (Ford Escape, Subaru Forrester). It isnt a performance vehicle, but some of its features are really well thought out. The rear cargo light/flashlight has already come in handy, and the two-level storage in the armrest is very nice. It also also has done very well with gas. Weve averaged over 26 mpg for the first 2,000 miles, better than we expected. This little Jeep is not the most refined car weve ever owned, but it is an impressive package.

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  2001 Grand Cherokee limited 2wd 4.7l - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jsn - October 17 - 2:26 am

  This could have been one of my favorite vehicles ever. With all the bells and whistles our limited is quite comfortable and the 4.7l v8 is strong in a midsize suv. Rear seats are cramped for adults but fine for children. Build quality is poor. Ive had $1600 of work to replace all the a/c blending doors. Ive also replaced driver and passenger window regulators as well as one tail light assembly and both headlights due to pitted lenses and driver seat heat element.

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  2007 Grand Cherokee Laredo - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rcb - October 14 - 11:50 pm

  Love the vehicle. Had the same issue with no power to the engine upon acceleration - u0404 code and one other. dealer replaced the suggested parts and works great. better mileage too!

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  3rd X a charm...hopefully: tran trouble - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mimi77 - October 14 - 3:46 pm

  In 2006 we bought an 05 Laredo (18K mi) because we needed a bigger car after having 2nd baby. I had to have it, always wanted a Jeep Cherokee. Not 10 months later transmission had to be rebuilt. 10 months later again, transmission had to be replaced. Both times under warranty, but I have a feeling work was already done, before we got it. 1 year later we are having same problem: leaking fluid and starting to shift hard, taking it in for third time in less than 3 years. Never ever buying a Jeep again, for that matter any Chrysler-Daimler make.

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  Its a O[[[O - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dalfun - October 14 - 2:00 am

  They said if I bought a Jeep Id be hooked... and they were right I love it!!!

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  Great Crossover - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Jessy - October 12 - 11:26 pm

  Im confused with why the "pros" dont like the Compass. Its a great crossover utility vehicle with plenty of room for those who dont need a large SUV, but are similarly disinterested in using a shoe horn to get in and out of an automobile. The fuel economy on my Compass has been mediocre at best, but the vehicle is fun to drive and Im impressed by the safety features. I love my Jeep!

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  not bad - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Katrina Woiten - October 12 - 1:33 am

  I purchased this in July with 22k on it and loved it from the get go with only a few reservations, first:the dealership never did give me the 500 dollar gas card I was promised so that soured the experience somewhat. Also the radio went haywire after a few months and the passenger window has a mind of its own at times, the local dealer (not where I bought it) has been great with warranty work though. I would like to have them put the manual control for the 4wd back though as I prefer to decide when this is on. Handles well, drives like a car! Gas mileage is abysmal for a v6... I average 19 or so.

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  Best Money Spent - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By E - October 10 - 9:20 am

  I purchased our 94 Wrangler with a 4.0L automatic with 46,000 miles on it in 2000 for my son. It has 91,000 on it in 2005. In 4 yrs we have replaced the radiator. In 2004 we replaced the canvas top. Some vacuum problems with the heater but less that $25 to repair. The body only developed a small rust hole on the front fender. We will upgrade the suspension in 2005. Excellent SUV for the money.

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  04 Grand Cherokee Laredo - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jame s flood - October 10 - 6:06 am

  40k miles and on 4th set of replacement front rotors. They represent the 5th set of front rotors. Would not buy another Jeep unless the problem (inherent since the mid 80s Im told) was resolved.