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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  Compact Jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Brad L - October 8 - 6:46 pm

  Purchased Compass ~1 week ago after looking at many other small SUVs. Traded in a Toyota Prius as I needed 4WD for northeast winter driving. The pricing was acceptable, being less than most SUV models. The engine seems strong for a 4 cylinder. Lots of safety equipment as standard equipment. Like the lock in 4WD option and the manual shift. On the negative side, however, Im disappointed in fuel economy averaging only about 23 mpg highway. The vehicle is truly a compact SUV. Not much leg room in rear seating area. Very limited cargo space. Several blind spots w/ solid head rests in rear seats. Front cup holders are inaccessible. Build quality is suspect with lots of hard plastics.

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  I have Loved my 95 ZJ since the test drv - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cgk13 - October 8 - 11:06 am

  I bought my 95 zj in 2007 and I have never regretted it. I have had to replace the starter, water pump and alternator as well as front brakes and regular tune ups but that is to be expected. The inline six is amazing!! She is about to hit 200k and is still going strong. I live in Iowa so when winter comes other drivers cringe but I say bring it on. No matter what nature or myself throw at my jeep she takes it without missing a beat and keeps going. Including a deer and my tire coming off on the highway. I have never owned a better vehicle. I want to drive my jeep until the wheels fall off and then I will put them back on and keep going! I love my Jeep!

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  My second JCG - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By second Jeep - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This is the second JCG I have owned. I have had it from 30 k to 48 k in Chicago. No problems so far. Ideal commuter, hauler, bad weather transportation, and taxi cab drag racer. Cleans up well enough for a night on the town. A good friend bought the Laredo version (2001), and it was clearly a Lemon. He changed to the limited version with the K package (like mine), and now is very happy.

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  Research this to death - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jhendo - October 6 - 1:10 pm

  Had a 97 Pathfinder w/ 197K on it & considered another (but noisy ride) & 4Runner (expensive & tight). Loved the Commander look but was hesitant due to reliability concerns. Too early to know if I made a mistake, but purchased the 100k warranty just in case. I have friends who have Jeeps with 200K. My sisters Honda Odyssey is in the shop all the time. Sometimes you just get a bad one. So far the ride is plush & surprisingly quiet relative to Pathfinder/4Runner. Got $10K off sticker on an 06 model. Worth the money given the 07 is not different. Wife was not a big fan of the boxy look but has definitely grown to appreciate its look and features.

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  Can I get a woot woot? - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Eggs - October 2 - 8:36 pm

  I love this Jeep! Ok, so this is the coolest ride. It is, however, not that great on gas. However, I look forward to getting into it every day and driving to work or out to do errands. The extra cargo space in the back is great for groceries and such - bigger than one would think. Overall, really, really happy with this rig.

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  95 Jeep Cherokee owner review - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeff B. - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned it for a little over a year and love it.

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  will always have one - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By dzeppfan77 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  The Wrangler has been everything I expected and more. Its one of the funnest vehicles I have ever driven. It will take you just about anywhere you want to go. Jeep has been around since the 1940s so you know they are doing something right. You have to get a Jeep Wrangler.

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  A true SUV icon. - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By stillgoing - September 29 - 1:00 pm

  Purchased in 1998 with 44,000 miles. Now approaching 230,000 virtually trouble-free miles. This solid vehicle has been a reliable constant in my life throughout several major life changes. Always starts easily, has great torque, strong 4WD, superb off- road capability, sure and confident handling. The I6 engine is the best Chrysler has made. Paint and body still looks new. Have needed to replace radiator, rotors, brake hardware, clutch, water pump, serp belt, and steering gear box but thats about it. Of course it has a bit of highway noise, interior and instrument materials are rather cheap, and it is a not as comfy as a new SUV. However, these are not what sets a Jeep apart from the rest.

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  2003 Reneade - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Erich Jeep - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great Truck Overall!! The truck could be lighter, more fuel efficient, with better braking.

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  Very Cute Car! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By hollie - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep!! Its very cute and such a fun vehicle. All my friends love to ride in it and its perfect to haul around my son and his football friends. The ONLY drawback - it slides tremendously on icey or slick roads. The 4x4 is great, but you cant go over 50mph, which makes it impractible on the highway during these conditions. Otherwise, this vehcile gets four stars. P.S. get the sun roof - it makes a difference!!