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 Compass-stalls & cuts out - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Shan-payne - May 24 - 1:26 am

  The jeep compass is an overall ok vehicle Its design is sleek & nice but the quality of the mini SUV needs to be worked on especially with the constant stalling, cutting out etc. but im still luvin my lil JEEP

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  Swiss Grand Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By H Pacheco - May 23 - 10:00 am

  This car, which I keep in Switzerland, has dispelled rumors that the Grand Cherokee is unstable. I have driven it hard in mountainous, very narrow and extremely winding Swiss roads to my total satisfaction. Its only serious flaw is fuel economy. I have a stable at home that includes an 04 Cayenne S, a 99 Range Rover 4.6, a 98 E430 Avantgarde Mercedes, two Limiteds- 00 & 04, all in Costa Rica, two Saharas- a 93 YJ in Costa Rica and a 99TJ in Miami, and the featured Overland in Switzerland for comparison purposes.

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  OK So far - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By larado - May 23 - 8:46 am

  I have had my Grand Cherokee for a week. It has been an improvement over what I had before. The only concern I have is the transmission. Does anyone have a hesitation when the accelerate from a stop and then it kicks in and when braking does it feel like a slip in the transmission?

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  Have fun while driving - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By TBONE - May 20 - 5:30 am

  I have had this car for about 3 1/2 years now and I have not had any major problems. Very reliable and rugged vehicle. Excellent in the snow, dirt, mud. The rugged tires will get you out of any situation. Jump curbs, logs, boulders. Anything! Basically as far as off road capability you couldnt ask for anything more. The jeep is not a very great in the highway. Its noisy, rough ride (you will feel every bump), and will cost you a lot in gas. (be prepared for that)

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  Blind Spots - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rebecca - May 20 - 3:50 am

  The Grand Cherokee performs and handles well with a comfortable seat. The main con that I have found with this vehicle is that even when you turn to check your blind spot when switching lanes, the blind spot is so bad that you still cant see! If forces you to rely on your mirrors. I would not put a child in my vehicle because of the fact that you should not rely solely on mirrors when driving. I suggest that Jeep go back to its original design so that I can see when I change lanes.

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  1st Jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dave - May 19 - 4:00 am

  I wish i would have bought one 10 years ago! It`s fun to drive. Short and compact. I usually trade my vehicles in every two to three years. I have a feeling I may keep this Jeep for many years.

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  Just plain great vehicle - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By freebird - May 19 - 2:00 am

  The only thing that comes to my is Great vehicle! Try it youll love them Enough said, no need to say more

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  Bought used and still happy... - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By billwfriend - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Picked up used about a year ago...previously owned by a little old lady who put on 60K in 2&1/2 yrs. Paid 2K under Edmunds TMV. Happy with the quiet, subtle ride 13K later. Avg 17.5- 19.0 MPG per tank, mostly hwy miles. Engine 4.0 powerfull enough (no towing). Comfortable leather seats and fantastic 200 watt Infinity CD/Cassette. Only quality issue has been broken passenger door hinge, wouldnt open - $200.00. Only minor pulsating on braking. Found local repair shop to perform factory suggested maintenance for cheap.

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  Best SUV Deal in the USA - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By lameduck9 - May 16 - 2:59 pm

  I have 2k miles on my Patriot Sport 4WD CVT and I am very happy with it. Some reviews state that it lacks power. I have no problem with the acceleration but I am no jack rabbit starter. The CVT(tranny) takes a little getting use to but is fine after you do. It is a stick/auto so you can up/down shift it at will through 6 speeds. I get 26mpg highway w/o the A/C, 20 in the city. I dont go 4-wheeling but have gone over rough terrain at camp and it is fine for that. Im sure it is going to good in the snow in the coming winters. I ended up paying $19.5k after discounts/incentives/bargining the MSRP was $22.5. I recommended this car.

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  2007 Rubicon, Loads of Fun - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bighaeb - May 16 - 11:10 am

  Im on my 4th Wrangler, and so far, Im not overly impressed with the reliability of my Wrangler or the build quality. It has spent 2 solid weeks in the shop since march, and will be going in again this week for more horrible noises coming from the engine compartment. Besides that, the offroad abilities far surpass my previous Wranglers, even past Rubicons. On road, the 07 has much better road manners, though its still going to be a bit squirrly from the short wheelbase. Engine power is lacking a bit. Could use about 20 more horses or so. Transmission is smooth (I have the 6 speed). I live in Denver, and maybe that is why it seems sluggish. Compared to the 4 litre, its a bit weak.