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:

• 

  I love my Jeep Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By betsymac1969 - January 6 - 2:40 am

  I bought my Jeep Compass brand new in 2007. I have never bought a brand new vehicle. I have paid off my vehicle and it still runs wonderful. I had to have the alternator replaced Jan 2012. It is still going strong with over 95,000 miles on it! I will probably drive this vehicle until it falls apart! I love the ride, the comfort and most importantly the reliability! Love it!

• 

  Early on assessment - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Carlos Kelly - January 4 - 8:13 am

  Leased one of first delivered. So far, very satisfied. Ride is great, interior is simple, but still elegant. Have family, and the back row is as great as we had hoped for two kids. Was very very surprised that this vehicle was priced a little under the Cherokee.

• 

  My Rocky Mountain Edition - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MYKEE - January 3 - 6:13 pm

  I bought my 05 Jeep new last Nov. At 27k I havent had too many problems. The transmission recall was fixed. My A/C has stopped working 2x, but started when I got to the dealership. My sunroof leaked very bad at 11k miles, and was diagnosed as "mis-aligned". The downshifts have always been too rough, & it hesitates when trying to take off after putting into gear. I had an 05 Explorer Limited before this, but my Jeep has a far superior ride and comfort. That being said, I was rear ended a few months back by a Tacoma going 70mph & was very surprised to find minimal damage ($4,700). The rear glass and tail-lights didnt even break. I havent had any problems since I have gotten it back.

• 

  Fun and good value, but??? - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Achilles - January 1 - 8:40 pm

  I agree with everyone, it is a fun vehicle, and the 4.7l v8 is a thrill! I bought 2 Rocky mountain models, both with the 4.7s. My problem has been quality and Chrysler. One door had 1/4" drop, and the instrument cluster blistered. Chrysler llcs support and dealer support are non existent. After great hassle they have had the vehicle for > 36 days, and > 6 attempts. Worst part is that they have since caused more damage than if I had hit a deer. Bottom line is it is a really fun vehicle... But quality is questionable, and support of product is non existent! Hope this helps buyers find things before purchase.

• 

  It loves the snow!!! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By crimson2 - December 27 - 1:19 am

  I bought my Liberty 4x4 over a year ago because I tore up my sports car in the winter of 2010/2011. I figured I would wait to see how things went before writing the review. My only issue to date was a ignition switch went out to the tune of 1300.00 as it and the steering column are one piece. No window issues, but seat stains are as described in the reviews. Nothing seat covers wont fix. Now for winter reliability.... This is where this thing shines!!!!! on 02/21/13 The KC area got about 7in of snow in 4 hours. Just about every other vehicle was on the side of the road, as I passed right on through unplowed streets, I felt like a Boss.... The clearance and part time 4wd took me everywhere!!!

• 

  Capable and fun to drive - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By T. Snook - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Purchased brand new, first Jeep and I could not be happier. It is not comfortable on long trips, short on available interior room for passengers or gear, and gets poor fuel mileage, but I absolutely love to drive it. It has gotten me through a few blizzards, some local flooding, and everything else mother nature can throw at me. Fun to drive no matter what time of year, great to put the top down. Very utilitarian controls. Heater very strong. This Jeep has been the most trustworthy "friend" I have had!

• 

  Short Circuit - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jane Doe - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Purchased used and was in normal condition. Drove 24,000 miles and the following happened. Severe electrical problems with radio and power windows and dash light. Repaired Several Times by authorized Jeep dealers. Wiring harness must have serious flaws in quality and workmanship. Jeep consumer information line no HELP! Drive shaft seal to transfer case has been replaced one time....

• 

  So far, so good - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By William C. Turpin - December 24 - 3:06 pm

  Just bought it and am very pleased so far. It performed extremely well on a recent 1100 mile trip. Im getting about 17 mpg around town and 21 on the highway.

• 

  never apologize it is a Jeep - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By geb brown - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I live in rural Southwest-it gets me thru the monsoons in summer-snows in winter-across the rocks anytime I want to take a shortcut home and always starts when I need it. It is reliable and fun-I could buy any car I wanted- but this is Jeep and Truck country and thats just the way we want it. P.S. Keep your hi-lift auto zone princess jeeps in Phoenix or Las Vegas where you both belong.

• 

  Transmission terminator - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeeps rule - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This Grand cherokee is a great truck when it is running, I have had my transmission rebuilt twice under warranty and replaced once, I have had this vehicle back from the dealership for about 10 months and my transmission is going out AGAIN, not to mention that my front end when in 4 wheel drive sounds like It has metal binding when I turn my steering wheel. I bought the extended warranty (thankfully) and will be taking it back in to have it fixed even though the dealership always tries to give it back saying there is nothing wrong with it but in the end they see it my way and start fixing things.