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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  Dream Comes True - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Turbo - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Finally purchased my Dream Machine with help from Employer. Traded my company H3 and paid the difference myself to enable me to have a SRT-8 Company Car! Well its amazing, and probably the cheapest way to get 420 BHP in a 4x4. Amazed, it Torque steers to the right when you give it some, is this standard? It has an upgraded Exhaust and intake but unsure if this changes its performance much from stock. Radio is Boring but sounds good, who cares, No Spare, who cares. A true buy from the heart rather than the head purchase and I am so hooked I am looking for a nice Harley V-Rod to keep it company. I am a British Ex-Pat living in Dubai and Living my life, So fuel is not a Problem. BUY ONE

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  Reliable & Fun Run-about - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By jb - April 30 - 7:20 am

  My 1995 Wrangler SE (Sport) is equipped with the bullet-proof 4.0 liter in-line six and 5 speed manual transmission. Options include the Sport Package & AC. This little Jeep has nearly 140,000 miles on it and still looks & runs like new. This old AMC designed YJ Wrangler is not a luxury car - it is a vehicle designed to go off-road as well as on- road. If you purchase one knowing its highway limitations (not a high-speed cruiser or a 40 mpg econo-box), as well as its attributes - great in all weather - summer or winter) you should be very satisfied. Sure they are noisy & rough riding, but they are durable, reliable and a blast to drive. My preference is the YJ.

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  Issues I have had so far - 48K miles - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gary in MD - April 30 - 3:50 am

  Had no issues first few years in MD. Moved to a year-round warm weather area. Tube that carries fluid from front to back windshield washer busted and water leaked from the column onto the driver side interior. Fixed by dealership, but not under mile one warranty. As another reader posted, engine was revving and all the gear displays were lighting up at once. It was the shifter computer or something. Fixed by dealership, under mileone warranty. About 250 out of pocket w/ deductible.

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  truck + convertible = fun - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By donkey - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Jeep and couldnt be happier. Chysler needs to improve upon its tranny build qulaity, but the ability to drop the top, take off the doors and head to the great outdoors is amazing. The after-market "fix-up" selection is endless and it is just truly a fun one to drive.

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  Good buy - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chou Kung - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I like this car. It is very practical and fun to drive. I would buy it again.

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  Another Good Jeep - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By trainwreck68 - April 22 - 1:50 pm

  We have had the Compass for 6 months now. We previously had a 2007 Liberty, and 2000 Cherokee. This Compass has been terrific despite what the "expert" reviews say. It is a CROSSOVER SUV its not ment to be a hardcore off roader(buy a Wrangler). The 2.4L engine with 6 speed has enough power, its not going to win the Daytona 500 but has plenty to get out of its own way and it is very quiet to me, unless you floor the gas pedal all the time. As a matter of fact at idle we cant hear or feel it running. I am 6ft, 300lbs. and have no issues with interior room or comfort. Been averaging 24 to 25mpg with mixed city/hwy driving.(30 to 31mpg when we take a road trip).For $25,000 you cant beat it

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  A Good Value in an SUV - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By prospyder - April 21 - 9:30 pm

  Bought to replace an Expedition. Its a more "gas friendly" replacement. Didnt enjoy the hassle of negotiation, but its a good vehicle for the money. Good towing capacity and performance. Only problem so far is installing towing package parts: the wiring is a major hassle, but there were no Libbys with towing package available in stock at local dealers when we bought ours.

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  Jeep can be better - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gvartanian - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had mine for just over two years, I had a couple of issues the worst is the steering system & suspension. My previous Jeep had the same problem with the Steering and Suspension issues these cars are not meant to be abused too much. I think Chrysler needs to improve this if it wants to stay with the competition. Toyota finally learned its lesson after a few years of screwing up on the 4 Runner, that the 2004 4 runner is actually better then the Grand Cherokee Laredo. Yes its a little more expensive but its worth it. If Chrysler cannot improve the quality of this model, especial when the new version comes out in 2005, then my next SUV will be a Toyota 4 Runner.

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  Love my Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Steve E - April 20 - 9:26 am

  128,000 miles and still kicking. I love my Jeep Cherokee. I hang on to it because there is nothing out there I want to replace it with. It is the perfect size, great motor, great 4WD system w/ part time/ full time and a simple vehicle. In deep mud and snow I still havent gotten stuck. I wish Jeep would bring this one back into production. Get back to basics!

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  great jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepowner - April 19 - 4:33 pm

  I have had this Jeep for 1 1/2 years. So far I love it. It is great in the mud or snow and I dont even have a lift on it. It is marginal at interstate speeds. Rough riding but that is expected. You learn to love it. The worst part is that the engine is underpowered. I added a Banks Cold Air Intake and that helped out a lot. I hope to put a cat-back exhaust system on soon. Great fun in the summer with the top and doors off.